Indo Islamic Heritage
The Bara Gumbad (literally meaning "big dome") is a remarkable medieval monument situated within the Lodhi Gardens in Delhi, India. It is part of a cluster of architectural structures that include a Friday mosque (Jama Masjid) and a mehman khana (guest house) associated with Sikandar Lodhi, one of the prominent rulers of the Delhi Sultanate. Constructed in 1490 CE during the reign of the Lodhi dynasty, the Bara Gumbad is attributed to Sikandar Lodhi. It is particularly significant for its architectural innovation, as it is believed to feature the earliest full dome constructed in Delhi, marking a milestone in the evolution of Indo-Islamic architecture. The Nearest Bus Stand - Lodhi Colony ,The Nearest Metro Station - JLN Stadium Nearest Railway Station- Nizamuddin Railway Station Railway Station Nearest Airport- IGI
India. It is notable for having the earliest constructed full dome of any building in Delhi, with its construction generally attributed to Sikandar Lodhi, though some historians suggest it was built by an unidentified noble before being appropriated by Sikandar Lodhi in 1494 CE. The monument is part of a complex that includes a Friday mosque (Jama Masjid) and a mehman khana (guest house), all constructed during Sikandar Lodhi's rule. The Bara Gumbad, along with the mosque and guest house, is situated on a 4-meter-high platform, covering an area of 1,050 square meters. While its purpose remains uncertain, it is speculated to have served as a gateway to the mosque or a large walled enclosure, though stylistic and spatial inconsistencies challenge this theory. Notably, a mihrab in the Friday mosque dates its construction to 900 AH (1494 CE) in the Islamic lunar calendar. The architecture of the Bara Gumbad blends Islamic and Hindu styles, featuring a square structure with ogee arch openings set into rectangular frames, bracket and lintel beams, and elaborately decorated interiors with painted stucco, colored tiles, and Quranic inscriptions. The mosque, with three domed bays and two vaulted-roofed bays, showcases tapering semi-circular minars and intricate ornamentation, including foliage, flowers, and geometric patterns. Constructed from red sandstone, grey quartzite, and black stone, the monument measures 29 meters (95 ft) in height, with walls reaching 12 meters (39 ft). Despite being a single-story structure, its external design creates an impression of two floors. The Bara Gumbad is one of four prominent structures in the Lodhi Gardens, alongside the Tomb of Sikandar Lodhi, the Shisha Gumbad, and the Tomb of Muhammad Shah of the Sayyid dynasty. Originally built as independent monuments, these structures were unified within a landscaped park developed in the early 20th century, inaugurated in 1936 by Lady Willingdon, and later renamed Lodhi Gardens after India?s independence. Located in the former village of Khairpur, the garden is bounded by Amrita Shergill Marg, Max Mueller Marg, and Lodhi Road, with the Safdarjung Tomb at its southwestern corner.
Year of Built: 15th Century
Address: Lodhi Gardens, Lodi Estate, New Delhi, Delhi
Country: India
State: Delhi
District: South Delhi
Pincode: 110003
Longitude: 77.2204
Latitude: 28.5929