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

ASI-protected tomb of Lodhi dynasty’s founder lies vandalised and encroached in the heart of Delhi
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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

The ironic words on the board read, "Whoever destroys, removes, injures, alters, defaces, imperils or misuses this monument shall be punishable with imprisonment of three months or a fine of Rs 5,000. Any construction within 100 metres of a centrally protected monument is prohibited."

The Lodhi tomb is a medieval island being slowly drowned by characterless concrete flats. The grave adorned with Lodhi-era calligraphy and the artistic calligraphic works in the complex compete now with the scribbings of modern-day graffiti artists.