Lodhi Tomb, Sikandara, Agra, Uttar Pradesh India.
My visit to Agra was becoming more interesting now and I intended to visit Akbar’s tomb which is situated in Sikandara. Where there was no difficulty in reaching because it is located on the highway.
Tourists were seen here only a little, otherwise there was a crowd of tourists before the lockdown. The employment crisis of the tourist guides is deepened, I decided to take the services of a tourist guide. Guide was a gentleman and knowledgeable person about the heritage.
Gate Pass or Ticket can only be taken online at all the monuments managed by the Archaeological Survey of India. Due to network problem, I took time to download the ticket. First I decided to visit the tomb known as Lodhi Tomb situated adjacent to the Booking office and parallel to the NH 2.
According to the Archaeological Survey of India this tomb which is built on a raised arcaded square platform belongs to the reign of Ibrahim Lodhi who ruled from 1516 AD to 1527 AD. It might be of some noble and his wife as there is no such authentic record.
This monument was built by moulded bricks masonry and random rubbled stone masonry with thick lime plaster on its walls, ceilings etc. To access the main burial chamber in the basement archways are there which are closed by the grilled doors. To access the tomb structure either side of the central archways two step flights were built. Looking at this structure, it appears that it is actually octagonal, though it’s built on a square plan. It’s an architectural aesthetic addition. Central chamber is octagonal but no cenotaph at the center of the chamber. Having decorative features like Muqarnas at the junction of arches and on inner surface, traces are there of the use of blue designs. It’s surrounded by four octagonal chambers at the corners and rectangular toranized verandahs all are interconnected by rectangular passages. Walls are having niches and cornishes are also spectacular. Sufficient arches above the door’s top for light and fresh air. All the four sides facades are having three three arches built in Afghan Architectural style, were protected against rain by stone hangouts which were supported by stone brackets. These arches at the facades are similar to the Iwan. It was having a dome which is lost. It doesn’t bear stone work or relief work.
It’s an architectural monument belongs to the Lodhi Dynasty as Sikandara was there headquarter. It is not a free entry, tourists have to take the ticket. Mostly details are provided by the ASI on a stone slab, which are always helpful for the tourists. This is also a monument which is lesser known but it’s a major attraction among the history buffs and medieval period’s architecture lovers.