The Dadi-Poti Gumbad in the Hauz Khas area of Delhi means the two domes of Grandma-grandaughter. This does not belong to any lady and her grandmother but the name denotes that the two domes were constructed by different kings who lived two generations apart.
When I visited these domes last week there were no signs of any grave which is normally the primary purpose of creating such tombs. Kings in medieval times famously built such cenotaphs while they were still alive. But later the British typically used them as residences or places for recreation like pool-club or billiards room. Much later these were also used as post-offices and police stations but recently the Archeological Survey of India or the ASI to them over and declared them protected monuments.
The larger tomb was made earlier and is believed to be from the era of the Lodhi dynasty who lived in the 14th century and the smaller or grand-daughter dome was created by Tughlaqs who ruled a century later. This is also evident from the plaster that has come off on the older dome while it is still intact on the smaller one.
*Caption: Collage of the Dadi-Poti domes in Delhi made by local guide @TusharSuradkar *
I personally like the structure without the plaster since the various hues of the stones make the tomb look appealing in contrast to the one covered with plaster since it makes it look so monotone and dull.
The dome structure appears multistorey from the outside but is a single hollow space from inside and although the dome appears remarkably similar some subtle differentiating factors exist. For example, the smaller dome has sloping walls and has a distinctive lantern on the top.
Google Maps took me to an entrance via a park named тАШfriend shipтАЩ and there should be no confusion about the incorrect name. People in the Hindi speaking area of India feel proud and often remark that they broke the back of both the English and also their language. Here they clearly seem to have broken the word friendship into two when naming the park
*Caption: Collage of the Dadi-Poti domes in Delhi made by local guide @TusharSuradkar *
After entering the park, there is a broken fencing wall crossing which I could enter the monument only to discover that there was also a proper entrance to the monument but since it was far from the pin for this place on Google Maps the road did not lead to this place.
Have you been to a monument with unusual names and history behind it? IтАЩd love to know about it and also your experiences.
Until thenтАж Happy Guiding
Accessibility Features
The monument is accessible from its main entrance all basic accessibility features for the differently-abled right from the road level.
HereтАЩs a quick summary:
Ramp Access.
A wheelchair-accessible Entrance.
A wheelchair-accessible Parking.
A wheelchair-accessible Restroom/Toilet.
What Else To Do In Delhi
While you are in Delhi, these are the top-recommended places: