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 15
th
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_architec
ture.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/