Lodhi Gardens Delhi’s Oasis of calm

Quest aims at stirring awareness and opinions. Today, when all that children see are shopping malls and cineplexes, we at The Indian Express want to show a completely different picture of this city to them. Delhi has changed beyond nostalgia and recognition since Independence. How many of these kids know of the ‘Seven Cities’ of Delhi or the stories of the pigeon fliers of Old Delhi? The idea behind such an activity is to create awareness about the various structures and monuments that the students do not know about. This is a specially designed programme, which will help the students appreciate the rich culture and background of this city. In association with INTACH and ASI, this is a small effort on our behalf to depict a phase of our national life and the decay of a whole culture, a particular mode of thought and living. The visit is followed by the students sending in articles, pictures, poems, paintings, and collages to express their experiences about the heritage walk.

A mix of our heritage and nature’s beauty
It was a pleasant and sunny day, and after getting stuck in traffic for some time, we finally reached our destination: the Lodhi Gardens. We were helped with information along the way by our guide, Ms Harika. Built in the 15th and 16th centuries by the Saiyads and the Lodhis, the vast grounds of the gardens, once a village, and the structures standing there, have been beautifully maintained and preserved. Various medieval monuments like tombs and mosques give the gardens a mystical charm. The tomb of Muhammad Shah is built in an octagonal pattern, with a central octagonal chamber, verandahs, arched openings on each side, and sloping buttresses. Apart from this, there is the Bara Gumbad, which is a square tomb with an imposing dome. The Sheesh Gumbad is also built in the square pattern, with a double-storied appearance, and looks much like the Bara Gumbad. Its ceiling has incised plaster work with floral patterns and inscriptions from the Quran. One can still see traces of the blue tiles that once adorned it and gave it its name. The tomb of Ibrahim Lodhi is built in the octagonal pattern, much like that of Muhammad Shah. Apart from the historical structures, I was very impressed by the environmental issues that have been taken into consideration by the government. The gardens have a variety of plants and trees, and me and my friends were impressed by the tall and huge Neem, Deodar and Chir trees, as well as herbal plants. We also learnt about birds that are commonly seen here from the billboards displayed but did not see any ourselves. I would like to thank The Indian Express for this memorable experience, which was a fun-filled way of getting close to our heritage.
— SURUCHI GUPTA, X D

An informative walk
The Lodhi Gardens are home to many tombs built by the Saiyads and the Lodhis in the 15th and 16th centuries. The gardens are well maintained and the huge variety of trees and plants here make the surroundings attractive. The gardens were once a small village. Under colonial rule, these gardens were called Lady Wellington Park and got their present name after Independence. The tombs of Muhammad Shah and Ibrahim Lodhi, along with the Bara Gumbad, have many arches, chhajjas, domes, and verandahs etc. All these structures are very beautiful. The Sheesh Gumbad resembles the Bara Gumbad and caught my eye because of the use of green and blue colours, usually used in Islamic monuments, giving it a glazed appearance. It was a great experience to be close to our heritage.
— MEENAL GANDHI, X B

Revisiting the Past
I went to the Lodhi Gardens along with my classmates for a heritage walk on September 24. The name ‘heritage walk’ had me thinking I was in for a boring history lesson. But the gardens and the monuments took me by surprise and before I knew it, I was enjoying myself. Built in 15th and 16th centuries, the Saiyads and Lodhis built many structures in the vast grounds of the Lodhi Gardens. The first thing we explored was Muhammad Shah’s tomb and Sikander Lodhi’s tomb. In the middle of the gardens stand the Bara Gumbad and the Sheesh Gumbad. The Bara Gumbad consists of a three-domed mosque and a residence around a central courtyard. The area seemed to posess unusual charm and adventure. The plush and well- kept gardens were truly a treat for the eyes and offered a peaceful and tranquil environment away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The grandeur of the complex is truly breathtaking. It proved to be a very enjoyable and fun-filled trip.
— ANUBHA GUPTA, X D

Beyond books and classrooms
Enough of 123 , ABC…….
Out of the books, we Went to see
What we knew as the Medieval age
An essential part of our Heritage
Built in 1500s in Delhi;
Built by the great rulers- the Saiyads and the Lodhis
It was a knowledge enriching experience for all
Also, we were told about the Western Wall.
It made us to know Allah more closely,
As we went into the mosque built beautifully.
The concept of doors which were built odd
For making it even was the job of God.
We applauded the engravings on pillars
We cribbed about those who spoilt them in the Name of love.
The short trip was a memorable one,
All of us had loads of fun!
It was the best way to learn
About the kings and the other ranks,
So we students say thanks!
Cause the school gave us this chance
To know Indian heritage at a glance!
— PRIYANKA NAGPAL, X D

We invite schools to be a part of this Express Group initiative. For queries mail to heritagewalks@expressindia.com