The Lodi Dynasty was the last to rule over the Delhi Sultanate and it was a Pashtun Dynasty. Pashtun people are ethnic Afghan people who belong to the Eastern Iranian ethnic group. They are also known as "Pathans". The founder of the Lodi Dynasty was Bahlul Khan Lodi, whose rule lasted from 1451 to 1526. The first Portuguese Armada landed the first time in the country, under Vasco da Gama during the rule of the Lodi Dynasty.

Khan Lodi overpowered,

15th century, (1847).

Indian sultan Bahlul Khan Lodhi

(died 1489) was the first Sultan of

the Lodhi Dynasty. Illustration from The History of China and India, by Miss Corner, (Dean and Co, London, 1847).

There were three main rulers in the history of Lodi dynasty. Buhlul Khan Lodi Buhlul Khan Lodi (1451-1489) was the founder of the Lodi dynasty in India and the first Afghan ruler of Delhi. He was an Afghan noble who was a very brave soldier. Sikandar Lodi After the death of Buhlul Khan, his second son succeeded him as the king. He was given the title of Sultan Sikander Shah. He was a dedicated ruler and made all efforts to expand his territories and strengthen his empire. Ibrahim Lodhi Ibrahim Lodhi was the son of Sikander who succeeded him after his death, Ibrahim was known to be a very stern ruler and was not liked much by his subjects. In order to take revenge of the insults done by Ibrahim, the governor of Lahore Daulat Khan Lodhi asked the ruler of Kabul, Babur to invade his kingdom, the last ruler of Lodi Dynasty was defeated in the first battle of Panipat in1526 A.D, thus Lodi dynasty formed the last phase of the Delhi sulthanate also the one which gave way to the rise of the Mughal Empire.

Bahlul Khan Lodis son Nizam Shah succeeded his throne on 17 July 1489 under the name of Sultan Sikander Shah. His major achievement is re-founding the city of Agra, construction of several mosques there, abolition of corn duties and patronizing trade. He was a high class, reputed poet. His work can be seen under the pen name Gulruk. A patron learner, he ordered the translation of Sanskrit work in medicine into Persian. A lot of efforts were observed by him to expand his empire and expanded from Punjab to Bihar. He also wanted to attain control over Bengal and so made a treaty with Alauddin Husain Shah of Bengal. Sultan Sikander Shah died on 21 November 1517 and it was his son, Sultan Ibrahim Khan Lodi who took over the throne and succeeded his father. He was Sikander's youngest son.

Architecture during the Lodi dynasty was a class apart and defined the quality of art and craft that prevailed during that period. The construction was totally relaxed ;as the treasury weakened the dynasty wasnt able to make monumental buildings; the buildings were constrained to basically small tombs and mausoleums restricted to scripture and sculpture alone. Whatever they constructed mirrored the broken spirit of the rulers thus no famous buildings, arts, capital cities, imperial palaces and fortresses were created, no credits were collected to mosques and colleges too.

During the entire regime of the Lodi several mouments were constructed as memorials to the dead. This period was known as the period of the macabre ( word probably derived from the word maqbara or the cemetery in arabic. A large number of tombs were constructed around the capital. The buildings developed a new form of Islamic architecture which were followed by the Mughals. They constructed the tombs in two different forms: An Octagonal plan surrounded by

arched walkway with one storey in height. These were reserved for the rulers.

A Square plan without walkway with two or three storeys in height. They were reserved for their nobles of the courts.

Tombs of the Lodi Kings

Lodi Tomb Patterns: Although there are variations, the Lodi Tombs generally follow one of three patterns. Type 1 is a tomb that consists of a dome raised on twelve columns over a square platform. The typical octagonal drum of the dome is of modest height, and the dome is usually surrounded by kangura(crenellations) and a chhajja (projecting eave). Each corner of the square tomb is marked by a chhatri(umbrella dome). Type 2 starts with an octagonal base. Each side of the octagon is marked by triple arches, with buttressing at each corner. The dome is supported on a sixteen-sided drum, giving the illusion of a circular space. Often, chhatris mark the entrances, and the parapet is made up of kangura and guldastas(spires). Type 3 looks much heavier, as each faade of the square tomb is all but solid. The pishtaq (central arch) and other arches decorating the facades are usually blind (that is, filled in with masonry rather than left open to light and air). The dome is typically supported by a sixteen-sided dome, which is itself supported by squinches of various forms.

Type 01 Tomb and Mosque of Makhdum Sahib (late 15th - early 16th C)

Type 03 Biran ka gumbad, The rubble built domed building follows the square pattern of Lodi tombs and is similar to Biwi or Dadi-ka-Gumbad in general treatment and design; except for the absence of arched openings flanking the archways piercing the sides and the mihrab. Inside is an unknown grave of rubble coated with plaster.

Type 02: Tombs of the Lodi

Kings.

In the Type 02, the building had a dome with pillars on each side. Another important feature is the amazing measurements of height and weight which matched with the structure of the basement. The height and width of each octagonal face is 300 including the basement.

General view of Sikander Lodi's Tomb, Delhi

The ornamental pinnacles or guldasta is present at the corners. This measurement is also half the total height of the building including the finial. Each octagonal face contains three arched openings divided by pillars. The central opening is slightly broader than the other two. The tomb chamber inside is octagonal in plan along with an arch and beam opening in each face. Most of the monuments were constructed before or after the demise of the rulers and nobles of the court.

The character and treatment of the monuments and the overall pattern of architecture indicates that Delhi and its surrounding area during that time attained a separate style of expressiveness through its etching, cutting and structuring of the stones which was later redefined by the Mughals.

Apart from these mausoleums there is a large building called the Bara Gumbad, which might have been a large gateway, and adjoining it is a beautiful mosque with exquisite plaster carvings, and a rest house. Just a few steps sway is another mausoleum called the Sheesh Gumbad, for the colourful glazed-tile work on it. Along with these prominent structures one can find many small, scattered and unmarked mosques and graves all over the gardens..

Bada Gumbad Mosque, Lodi

Gardens

Lodi Gardens is one of Delhis favourite spots for both exercise and lazying. Nestled in the Lutyens Delhi area, this 90 acre expanse of grass, ponds, trees, birds and monuments is is a refuge from traffic, smog and congestion, a joggers dream come true. A visit to the garden gives the feel of the 15th century.

The Major Attractions Inside Lodhi Garden Delhi: Muhammad Shahs Tomb Bara Gumbad Sheesh Gumbad Sikandar Lodis Tomb Athpula National Bonsai Park.

Unlike other tombs of the Lodi period, which are based upon a square plan, the Tomb of Sikandar Lodi is a revival of the earlier Sayyid type, with its octagonal plan, deep veranda and tall arches. The tomb stands at the center of an enclosed precinct entered from a monumental portal facing south. It is topped with a double dome without the more typical roof kiosks (chhatris).

View of western precinct wall with mihrab

Exterior view showing fortified precinct walls

The tomb has been adorned with a double dome top which stand proudly at the center of an enclosed area, which is entered from a south-facing huge gateway. It is the first garden tomb to be constructed in the capital city of India.

Apart from these mausoleums there is a large building called the Bara Gumbad, which might have been a large gateway, and adjoining it is a beautiful mosque with exquisite plaster carvings, and a rest house. Just a few steps away is another mausoleum called the Sheesh Gumbad, for the colourful glazed-tile work on it. Along with these prominent structures one can find many small, scattered and unmarked mosques and graves all over the gardens..

Bada Gumbad

Sheesh Gumbad

References: Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi dynasty: Islamic architecture: http://www.indianetzone.com/37/architecture_during_sayyid_lodi_dynasty_islamic_architecture.htm Sikandar Lodi Tomb: http://archnet.org/library/sites/one-site.jsp?site_id=2208 Lodi Dynasty Part 1: The Lodi Gardens http://www.goplaces.in/delhi/lodi-gardens/ Lodi Dynasty Part 3: Architectural highlights on the Lodi tombs http://www.goplaces.in/delhi/lodi-dynasty-part-3-architectural-highlights-of-lodi-tombs/