Dipanjan

Shesh Gumbad and Bada Gumbad: Echoes of a Forgotten Past

In the heart of Delhi’s Lodhi Gardens stand two striking yet enigmatic monuments—Shesh Gumbad and Bada Gumbad. These structures, built during the late 15th and early 16th centuries under the Lodi dynasty, are remarkable examples of Indo-Islamic architecture. While traditionally considered tombs or mosque-related structures, their design elements suggest a deeper, more complex history. The presence of Hindu temple architectural motifs raises intriguing questions: Could these monuments have been constructed over an ancient Hindu site? Were elements of pre-existing structures repurposed into their design? These questions remain unanswered, adding an air of mystery to these silent sentinels of history.

Bada Gumbad: A Grand Architectural Statement

Bada Gumbad, literally translating to “Big Dome,” is one of the most imposing structures in Lodhi Gardens. Built during the reign of Sikandar Lodi (1489–1517), it consists of a large domed structure, an attached mosque, and a gateway. Though often assumed to be a tomb, no grave has been discovered inside, leading to speculation about its original purpose.

Key Architectural Features:

  1. Massive Dome and Square Base: The structure follows a square plan, crowned with a hemispherical dome, a hallmark of Indo-Islamic architecture.

  2. Ornate Facade: The western wall of the adjacent mosque is elaborately decorated with geometric and floral motifs, reminiscent of Persian influences.

  3. Jali Screens and Arches: The presence of perforated stone screens (jali) suggests both Islamic and indigenous Indian influences.

Hindu Architectural Influences in Bada Gumbad:

  1. Bracketed Chhajjas (Overhanging Eaves): The stone eaves, supported by brackets, closely resemble those seen in Hindu temple construction.

  2. Lotus and Floral Motifs: While floral patterns are common in Islamic art, the specific use of lotus imagery hints at an adaptation from Hindu traditions.

  3. Chhatris and Pillared Elements: Though largely an Islamic structure, some remnants of Hindu-style pavilions (chhatris) and stone pillars can be identified, suggesting either adaptation from a prior structure or the influence of indigenous artisans.

Shesh Gumbad: A Tomb Shrouded in Mystery

Standing close to Bada Gumbad, Shesh Gumbad is another intriguing structure, believed to house the remains of an unknown noble from the Lodi era. Unlike other Lodi tombs, its identity and history remain obscure.

Architectural Highlights:

  1. Octagonal Tomb Design: Unlike Bada Gumbad’s square plan, Shesh Gumbad follows an octagonal layout, which is commonly seen in both Indo-Islamic and Hindu temple architecture.

  2. Carved Brackets and Eaves: The intricate stone supports beneath the eaves resemble those found in medieval Hindu temples.

  3. Multi-layered Ornamentation: Some patterns on the facade bear an uncanny resemblance to temple carvings, raising the possibility that the structure incorporates repurposed materials from an earlier site.

Possibility of a Pre-existing Hindu Structure

The subtle yet undeniable Hindu architectural influences in both Gumbads invite speculation:

  • Material Reuse: Many Indo-Islamic structures in Delhi incorporate stones and pillars from demolished Hindu and Jain temples. The presence of Hindu-inspired brackets and motifs suggests the possibility of reused elements.
  • Sacred Geography: Before the Islamic period, Delhi was home to numerous Hindu temples and sacred sites. The Lodhi Gardens area may have once been a spiritual or cultural center.
  • Structural Anomalies: The orientation and design of certain architectural elements do not align perfectly with typical Islamic tomb structures, leading to theories of adaptation rather than original construction.

Conclusion

The Bada Gumbad and Shesh Gumbad stand as intriguing relics of Delhi’s architectural past, embodying a blend of Islamic and indigenous Indian design. While their official history places them within the framework of Lodi-era tombs and mosques, their Hindu architectural elements spark curiosity about their origins. Whether they were built upon a pre-existing Hindu site remains uncertain, but their fusion of styles highlights the syncretic nature of India’s rich architectural heritage. Further archaeological investigations could provide deeper insights into these forgotten layers of history, helping us unravel the true story behind these enigmatic monuments.