Lodhi Garden

Lodhi garden is situated beside India International Center that is just 3 kms from Humayun's Tomb. And, Lodhi garden has been one among the historical gardens of Delhi. Also, the tombs of the rulers- Sayyid and Lodhi are found in this garden. 

During the period of 15^th and 16^th centuries, rulers called Sayyid and Lodhi rulers have installed this Lodhi garden. This garden was cared very well; and even, some historical monuments, were added and thus, became a great tourist attraction. In the year 1968, this garden has been re-organised by JA Stein and Garrett Eckbo, which got the current shape.

If you travel to the Lodhi garden, then you will also have to visit the tombs of Muhammad Shah, a must-see place.

There are two architectures called Bara Gumbad and Sheesh Gumbad, which are located at the center of Lodhi Garden in Delhi. The Bara Gumbad is the old architecture that resembles a large rubber construct dome, a three dome shaped mosque and a residence around a central courtyard with water tank; while, the Sheesh Gumbad lies in a diametrical order of the Bara Gumbad architecture, contains the remains of an unknown family.

Lodhi Garden is such an amazing and beautiful place that, you will hear the history of it in the air itself. Currently, it is found to be one among the best jogger's park in Delhi; where you can find a huge diversity of people jogging in Lodhi Garden, early morning. While, you will also see some fitness freaks practicing yoga, and meditation at this fresh green beautiful atmosphere.

History

The tomb of Mohammed Shah, the 3^rdand last of the Sayyid dynasty rulers, is the first or initial tomb among all the other tombs in the garden, and was constructed in the year 1444 by Ala-ud-din Alam Shah to spread the glory of Mohammed Shah.

As there are a very few architectures during these two periods that have been located in India, Lodi Gardens is the most important place that has been preserved. The earliest structure of the tomb of Mohammed Shah can be seen by the side of the road, in the Lodhi Gardens. The architecture is qualified by an octagonal chamber, with stone chhajjas on the architectural roof and guldastas at the corners.

Another tomb without the chhatris, is found within the gardens and has been built for the Sikander Lodi, that looks similar to Mohammed Shah's tomb. This tomb was built by his son Ibrahim Lodi in the year 1517, the last Sultan of Delhi from Lodi dynasty, who was defeated by Babur, in the first battle of Panipat in 1526; this became the foundation of the Mughal Empire. His tomb is often mistaken to be the Sheesh Gumbad that is located near the Tehsil office in Panipat, nearby the Dargah of Sufi saint Bu Ali Shah Qalandar. It is a kind of mere rectangular structure that lies on a high platform which went up by a flight of steps. Sikander Lodi’s Sheesh Gumbad tomb was then resituated by the British, with a letter of note about Ibrahim Lodi's defeat by Babur, and about the renovation done in the year 1866. 

Under the Mughals, major refurbishments are often performed, depending upon the type of occasions Mughals want to use the gardens for; while, Akbar used this garden to keep all his records in a purposely built library.

After the 15th century, these Sayyid and Lodi dynasties were surrounded by two villages, but other villages relocated later in the year 1936 to create the gardens. During the British Raj,  these villages had landscaped by the wife of Governor-General of India called Lady Willingdon; and hence, named the 'Lady Willingdon Park' during the inauguration on 9^th April, 1936, and 1947. After the Independence, the garden was later renamed as Lodi Gardens. 

A British-period gateway is still being used as an entrance that once welcomed visitors to 'Lady Willingdon Park'.

Since the year 2005, INTACH and Archeological Survey of India (ASI) conducted heritage walks for students and public within the park, and has become a favourite place for morning walkers and yoga enthusiasts. The park has also become a popular picnic-spot for the Delhi residents. INTACH has published a small booklet, which contains information about park's history, the monuments, birds and trees within the complex. In the year 2009, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had awarded the reconstruction or reestablishment project of five monuments in the same garden; and also, the INTACH Delhi Chapter, that start from the tomb- Bara Gumbad, Shish Gumbad and Mohammed Shah's Tomb, after the report preservation for the landscapes, that had been completed during the year 2007. The MoU of 1 crore rupee, project, which was funded by the Steel Authority of India Ltd. (SAIL), was signed in the year 2005, initiating the action of preservation, which includes the construction work that began in 2009. 

Architecture 

 

Bara Gumbad ("Big Dome"), located in the middle of the gardens, contains large rubble-construct dome, which is a gateway to a chain of three domed mosque. Both these domes were built in 1494 during the rule of Sikander Lodi. A hall or mansion can also be seen around the central courtyard, where the residue of water tank is found. Opposite of the Bara Gumbad, is the Sheesh Gumbad ("Glass dome") for the shiny tiles utilized in the building, which contains the history of an unknown family. Even, this residence was also constructed during the rule of Sikander Lodi.

Garden is usually filled with the remains of a watercourse, which is linked to the Yamuna River through the Sikander Lodi's tomb, which still contains the battlements confining it. Close to the Sikander's tomb, is the Athpula ("the Eight Piered") Bridge, the last building among various buildings in Delhi, constructed during the rule of Mughal Emperor Akbar. The tomb has seven arches, of which the central tomb is found to be the largest. The tomb of Mohammed Shah is the initial tomb among many tombs located in the garden, which was built in the year 1444 by Ala-ud-din Alam Shah representing Mohammed Shah. 

As there are very little architecture that have remained in India, since two periods, and the tomb of Mohammed shah is one among them. Lodi Gardens is an extravagant place of preservation, where the tomb of Mohammed Shah, is visible from the road, and is found to be the basic structure in the gardens. The architecture is characterised by the octagonal chamber, with stone chhajjas on the roof and guldastas at the corners.