"Relax in a historic park filled with monuments."
Shielded by The Archeological Survey of India (ASI), Lodi Gardens is spread over a wide area of 90 acres (360,000 m2). This hot spot of Delhi consists of some of the well-renowned monuments; Mohammed Shah's Tomb, Sikander Lodi's Tomb, Sheesh Gumbad and Bara Gumbad. It exhibits the architectural works of the 15th century Sayyid and Lodhis, an Afghan dynasty that ruled parts of northern India and Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of modern day Pakistan. This tourist spot finds its exact location between Khan Market and Safdarjung's Tomb on Lodhi Road. In the mornings usually a lot of Delhiites visit here for their morning walk.
Architecture
The middle of the garden has a huge Bara Gumbad ("Big Dome"), sitting like the emperor of the whole area. Its constituents account to be strong rubble that make up for its strength and toughness. It is often confused with the Masjid, however it just serves as the entrance to the three domed Majsid, both of which dates to the year 1949 that also marks the reign of Sikander Lodi. The Bara Gumbad faces another Gumbad named as Sheesh Gumbad ("Glass dome") also built during the reign of Sikander Lodi. In addition to the monuments there is also a watercourse which is the medium between the Yamuna River and Sikander Lodi's Tomb.It also consists of the Athpula ("Eight Piered’) bridge which is supposed to be one of the last buildings of Delhi which got constructed during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar and its architecture consists of seven arches of which the central one is the largest. Lodi Gardens holds a lot of importance in the history of India and needs to be preserved as very minimal examples of architecture are left from the mentioned two periods. The earliest structure of the Garden is the tomb of Mohammed Shah of which’s architecture is marked by an octagonal chamber, Chhajjas made up of stone material installed on the roof and Guldastas illuminating the corners as well.
Current Scenario
INTACH and Archeological Survey of India (ASI) are engaged in arranging information rich heritage walks for students and general public within the park area since 2005. A lot of Delhi people visit this lush green garden especially during the night as it is at that time when it looks simply picturesque. INTACH has also made a much needful effort of getting a few booklets printed which comprises of the information regarding park's history, and the monuments, birds and trees within the complex. In 2009, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) handed over the project of restoration of the monuments of the garden in a particular order to INTACH.
SAIL financed the first phase of the project that accounted to a Mou of 1 crore, of which the initial conservation process originated in 2009.
