Indian Columbus

Walk through the central part of Lodhi Garden and two large domed structures immediately attract attention. One is Bada Gumbad . Just across the lawn stands Shish Gumbad , another impressive monument from the Lodi period. From a distance, both may look similar. Go closer and Shish Gumbad begins to reveal its own character. Unlike Bada Gumbad, whose original purpose is still debated, there is little doubt that Shish Gumbad was built as a tomb . Several graves remain inside. Whose graves they are, however, is not known. That unanswered question is perhaps the most interesting part of the monument. Why Is It Called Shish Gumbad? The name is connected with the glazed blue tiles that once decorated the monument extensively. Much of that colourful surface has disappeared, but traces can still be seen around the upper portions of the building. Try to imagine the structure when the dome and façade carried far more blue tilework. Against the rough stone walls, the effect must have been ...