Choti Gumti

Choti Gumti: An Overlooked Jewel of Hauz Khas

Tucked away in the historic precincts of Hauz Khas, Choti Gumti is a small yet architecturally significant monument dating back to the Lodhi-era (15th century). Despite its modest size, this tomb carries historical and cultural importance, adding to the medieval charm of Delhi. Though often overshadowed by grander structures, Choti Gumti’s design and construction hint at a layered past that may predate its Islamic identity.

Architectural Features of Choti Gumti

Built using rubble masonry, Choti Gumti follows a simple yet elegant design that is characteristic of Lodhi-era tombs. It features a square base, topped with a hemispherical dome, creating a striking yet understated aesthetic. The tomb has three arched entrances, with one wall sealed off, possibly housing a mihrab (prayer niche).

Key Architectural Elements:

1. Dome with Finial: The large central dome gives the structure a majestic appearance, typical of Lodhi-era tombs.
2. Arched Entrances: The pointed arches showcase Indo-Islamic influences, yet some detailing hints at earlier architectural traditions.
3. Eaves (Chhajja): The overhanging eaves resemble those found in temple structures, suggesting possible Hindu artisan involvement in construction.
4. Decorative Elements: The brackets and some stonework bear stylistic similarities to Hindu temple architecture, raising the possibility of repurposed material.

   

Hindu Temple Influences and Possible Pre-Islamic Past

While officially classified as an Islamic tomb, certain features of Choti Gumti suggest a possible Hindu origin:

1. Floral and Lotus Motifs: Hindu temples prominently use lotus symbols, some of which appear faintly in the decorative elements of Choti Gumti.
2. Use of Spolia: Many Lodhi-era structures, including those in Mehrauli and Hauz Khas, reused material from older Hindu and Jain temples.
3. Alignment with Vastu Shastra: Hindu temple structures follow sacred geometry, and certain elements of Choti Gumti’s layout hint at an earlier structure’s adaptation.
4. Historical Precedent: Several Islamic monuments in Delhi, including the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, were built using material from demolished temples. Choti Gumti might follow a similar historical pattern.

   

Choti Gumti’s Role in the Hauz Khas Landscape

Positioned in the Hauz Khas area, which was once a significant medieval center, Choti Gumti adds to the rich architectural legacy of the region. Its presence, along with other tombs and structures from the Delhi Sultanate, reflects the political and cultural shifts that shaped Delhi’s landscape over centuries.

Conclusion

Choti Gumti, though a small structure, carries an immense historical enigma. Officially considered a Lodhi-era tomb, its subtle Hindu influences and architectural anomalies suggest a more complex history—possibly tied to a pre-Islamic past. Whether it was built over an existing Hindu site or simply incorporated Hindu elements remains a mystery, one that requires deeper archaeological study to unravel the full story of this forgotten gem in Hauz Khas.