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Shish Gumbad – A glass tomb in Lodhi Gardens

Shish Gumbad means glass tomb which consists of many graves of unidentified inhabitants which is located in Lodhi gardens in Delhi.

Shish Gumbad
Image credit: Astrolika

Visiting Detail

  • Location: New Lodhi Gardens, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi – 110003
  • Timings: 6:00 am to 7:00 pm
  • Closed: Open all 7 days
  • Entry fee: Free
  • Type: Tomb
  • Architecture: Islamic and Hindu architecture 
  • Year of Construction: 1489-1517 CE

Overview

Shish Gumbad is also spelled Shisha Gumbad. It was built between 1489 and 1517 CE by Lodhi dynasty. It is located in Lodhi Gardens in Delhi in Khairpur village.

Chroniclers have suggested that the structure might have been devoted moreover to an unknown family, which was part of the Lodhi family and of Sikandar Lodi’s court, or to Bahlul Lodi ( died on 12 July 1489) himself, who was principal of the Afghan Lodi lineage, author and Sultan of the Lodi dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate.

History

Thought the exact date of construction of Shish Gumbad is not known. There are four monuments ( sepultures ot tombs) in the Lodhi Gardens including the Shish Gumbad. The oldest of the four sepultures is the grave of Muhammad Shah (who belonged to the Sayyid dynasty). Shah’s grave was constructed in 1444 CE by Ala-ud- noise Alam Shah. During the rule of Sikandar Lodhi, the Bara Gumbad and conterminous synagogue were constructed. Sikander Lodhi’s grave was erected by Ibrahim Lodhi in 1517. It is said that the Shish Gumbad has been constructed between 1489-1517 CE by Ibrahim Lodhi.

Among chroniclers there’s no agreement, who are the inhabitants of the graves inside the structure.
Originally, all the monuments were erected singly and weren’t in one confine. In early 20th century, a demesne was developed which was inaugurated by Lady Willingdon on 9th Apr 1936 bringing the four monuments in one confine.

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