Indo Islamic Heritage
The location is approximately 850 meters to the southwest of the Mehrauli bus terminal, accessible via Kalka Das Marg. It is also about 1.5 kilometers to the northwest of the Qutub Minar metro station, situated along National Highway 148A, to the west of the Mehrauli-Gurugram Road. The nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), and the closest railway station is Nizamuddin. The Mehrauli bus station is the nearest bus stop for the area.
Brief History: The structure appears to serve as a gateway to a larger complex, which is characterized by a wall mosque on the west and a building resembling a dalan (a long, open hall) on the east. Though there is visible deterioration in the walls, it still reflects its historical purpose as part of the complex. Local/Traditional Description Associated with Built Heritage/Site: There is no significant traditional or cultural information available regarding the site. Local knowledge about the heritage or any specific rituals connected to the structure has not been documented. Architectural Style: The architectural style of the building is Lodi, which is indicative of the Lodi dynasty that ruled parts of northern India in the 15th and early 16th centuries. The Lodi architectural style is marked by its use of domes, arches, and ornamental detailing in structures built during this period. Building/Structure/Site Description: The building is a square structure with a domed roof, standing on an elevated platform approximately 2.5 meters high. The structure is constructed with rubble masonry and coated with plaster. It features arched openings on all four sides. Above these openings is a hemispherical dome, which is placed on a raised octagonal drum. The dome is crowned with a lotus bud cresting, a typical feature of Islamic architecture from the period. The interior of the building has solid walls with squinches, which are architectural supports that help transition the square shape of the base to the circular dome. These squinches play a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity of the dome. The structure?s parapet is adorned with a line of kanguras, a battlement-like ornamental feature that runs along the upper edge of the octagonal drum, adding both aesthetic and defensive elements to the design. Structure Material and Other Materials Used: The building is constructed from rubble masonry, which is a traditional method of building using rough, unhewn stones, and is coated with plaster to provide a smooth exterior finish. This material choice is typical of the time and region, as it provides durability and insulation for the structure.
Year of Built: 15th - 16th Century
Address: Approx. 15m to the east of Sohan Burj in Ghausiya Colony
Country: India
State: Delhi
District: South Delhi
Pincode: 110030
Longitude: 77 10 41
Latitude: 28 30 39