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ASI-protected tomb of Bahlul Lodhi lies vandalised and encroached in the heart of Delhi

| Anindya Chattopadhyay | TNN | Feb 12, 2025, 13:35 IST
Bahlul Lodhi's tomb in Chirag Dilli, protected by the Archaeologi... Read More
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ASI-protected tomb of Lodhi dynasty’s founder lies vandalised and encroached in the heart of Delhi

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Umpire babu lifts his finger to give Sumit out in response to the bowler's appeal for lbw. Shiva's shout of "howwwzzaaattt!" echoes off the stone walls, not of the stadium but the final resting place of Lodhi dynasty founder Bahlul Lodhi (1451-1489) in Chirag Dilli.

IN A SHAMBLES: The five-domed tomb is protected by ASI, but the encroachments in and around it don't suggest so

The five-domed tomb is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India but has fallen prey to urban encroachment, despite some repairs and restoration in 2005.

HERITAGE SWALLOWED: A family home has encroached on this once-sacred tomb

In fact, a part of the tomb constructed by Bahlul's son and successor Sikandar Lodhi has been incorporated into the house built by a family.

PARTY TO CRIME: Youngsters often use the place as a hub for drinking and smoking

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The rest of the structure has deteriorated and the gravestones in the compound have virtually disintegrated.

A GAME OF NEGLECT: Wannabe cricketers turn part of the monument into their playground

There is garbage around and youngsters use the place as a hub for drinking and smoking.

CYCLE OF MISERY: The ASI board proclaiming the complex a protected monument of national importance has turned into a cycle stand

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A dog recently gave birth to a litter within the tomb.


There is an apt metaphor for the degradation of the historic structure: The ASI board proclaiming the complex a protected monument of national importance has turned into a cycle stand.

Vandalised and encroached in the heart of Delhi

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