Indo Islamic Heritage

Munda Gumbad

The Nearest Bus Stand Hauz Khas, 4 min walk, The Nearest Metro Station - Green Park, 11 min walk, Nearest Railway Station- New Delhi Railway Station Railway Station Nearest Airport- IGI

The Munda Gumbad is a fascinating historical monument located at the northern edge of what was once Hauz Khas Lake. Originally constructed during the time of Sultan Alauddin Khilji, who built the lake, known as Hauz Alai, in 1295 CE, this pavilion has a rich history that connects it to the medieval architecture of the Delhi Sultanate. The lake, covering an area of around 70 acres, was encircled by a stone masonry wall, but over time, it fell into disrepair. It wasn?t until the reign of Firoz Shah Tughlaq in 1354 CE that the lake was restored and made sure to fill with water every year. The Munda Gumbad, built during or after this restoration, reflects the architectural styles of its time, though only partial remains of the structure survive today. The pavilion?s location at the northern edge of the lake suggests that it may have once been at the center of the water body, possibly connected to the southern side by a causeway. This central position would have made the pavilion a prominent feature of the lake?s landscape. The lower story of the structure is still largely intact, with evidence such as pillar bases on the roof, indicating that the building originally had a domed pavilion. The architectural style of the pavilion is defined by its rectangular shape and horseshoe arches, which are common features in the buildings of this period. One particularly unique aspect of the Munda Gumbad is its clockwise staircase, which offers further insight into the architectural and structural planning of the time. Despite its partial ruin, the Munda Gumbad remains an important symbol of Delhi's medieval heritage, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of the past.

Year of Built: 13th Century

Address: Hauz Khas Tank, Deer Park, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, Delhi

Country: India

State: Delhi

District: South Delhi

Pincode: 110016

Longitude: 77.11

Latitude: 28.33