Simrah Nasir

24020409
Mughal Art and Architecture

Abstract

This paper is a comparative analysis of famous funerary monuments during Mughal period
and its predecessors. The monuments discussed are Adham Khan’s Tomb built by Mughal
Emperor Akbar, Sikander Lodhi’s Tomb built by his son Ibrahim Lodhi, and Sher Shah
Surri’s Tomb. The Lodhi dynasty had previously ruled North India who were then defeated
by Babur at the First Battle of Panipat in 1526. Sher Shah Suri, however, did not accept
Mughal dominance. He clashed with Humayun, Babur's son, defeating him at the battles of
Chausa (1539) and Kannauj. He was later defeated by Humayon, Akbar’s father. On the other
hand, Adham Khan was a Mughal miliary leader who had a controversial exile by Akbar.

The essay will explore their funerary monuments respectively and compare their tombs’
architectural forms with an overall analysis of the structure and its significance. Similarities
and differences in design elements and symbolism will also be discussed, including the
impact of the political contexts the tombs were placed in on all elements. The analysis will
relate the architectural forms of the tombs’ with areas of desire of legitimacy and power in
Sher Shah Suri’s Tomb, compared with a sense of decline or continuity in Lodi’s Tomb, and
explore the reflection of Adham Khan’s complex legacy in his tomb’s location and design. It
is essential to understand the history behind the designs of each tomb to understand the
political importance of each ruler. The personas of the rulers are reflected in their
tomb, each with their distinct journey. The paper will connect these elements to the
political contexts of each ruler and further explore the contrast of funerary monuments built
by the Mughals and otherwise, dwelling into the concept of architecture built for and by
traitors versus loyalists.


BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Tillotson, G.H.R. Mughal India. San Francisco: Chronicle Books, 1990. 138-140.
https://archive.org/details/mughalindia0000till/page/136/mode/2up
This source talks about the archectectural elements and places Suri’s Tomb in political
context

Asher, Catherine. 1992. The New Cambridge History of India: Architecture of Mughal
India. Cambridge University Press: Cambridge, 42-43
This is an all-ecompassing source that talks about the three mentioned tombs and focuses on
the difference in tomb designs and their interpreation, especially about the concept of a
‘traitors’ tomb

Koch, Ebba. 1991. Mughal Architecture. Munich: Prestel, 101 -

https://www.academia.edu/39579402/Koch_Mughal_Architecture
This source talks about mainly Adham Khan’s Tomb (also touches on Suri’s Tomb) and the
difference between funerary monuments built during Akbar’s rule versus before his time,
during Suri’s rule.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/
361603678_Analysis_of_Domes_in_Tomb_Architecture_of_Delhi_Evolution_and_Geo
metrical_Transition - ANALYSIS OF DOMES IN TOMB ARCHITECTURE OF
DELHI: EVOLUTION AND GEOMETRICAL TRANSITION.
This source talks about Lodi’s Tomb and examines its archectural design within its political
context. It will aid to explore the singifance of the Tomb, whether it is a monument of defeat
or continutity by analysing its architectural features.

My primary source will be Akbarnama which talks about the hisatory of Adham Khan’s
Tomb and its significance in detail and will be used to compare as well.

The Lodhi Dynasty was an Afghan dynasty and the fifth and the last dynasty of the Delhi
Sultanate in India. It ruled from 1451 to 1526. The founder of lodi dynasty was founded
Bahlul Lodhi. Ibrahim, Sikander, and Bahlul Lodi are three of this dynasty's important rulers.
Sikander Lodhi saw the victory of Jaunpur during his reign and was the best administrator
and most capable leader of the other two rulers. The consquests and administrative
advancements made by Sikander Lodhi were admirable and essential when examining his
tomb as some features are depictive of his devoted rule. During the reign of Sikander Lodi, he
overthrew his own brother in Jaunpur and took possession of it, which was one of the
significant conquests. He also attempted to restore the Delhi Sultanate by establishing
authority over the kings of Bengal, Bihar, Chandairi, Awadh, and Bundelkhand (Halim).
Moreover, Sikander Lodi was a good administrator. He used to keep a check on the nobles.
Notably, he frequently assumed a different identity in order to gather firsthand information
about his people's and state's circumstances as well as to learn about the actions of Amirs and
Ulemas. Hence, he was a reverent and considerate ruler who was involved with his people, as
well as focused on attempts of expanding his empire and solidifying his rule.
The Tomb of Sikander Lodhi is representative of many of the elements discussed. It was

constructed in 1518 and depicts octagonal-shaped dome platform designs. The tomb is

surrounded by a squre garden enclosed by high walls and in this enclosed precinct, an

honored setting is created with a wall mosque. This is important because the mausoleum is

considered the first garden tomb in the region (Khan). The main material used in the tomb is

red sandstone and the inner and outer shell of the dome is done with brick masonry and

decorated with various colors of glazed tiles. Moreover, the tomb is the first step and intital

representation of a double dome, although it is not achevied in it (Khan). It is designed with

eight chattris each adorned with a lotus finial. Sikandar Lodi's reign is known for its cultural

and artistic advancements. The garden tomb could be seen as a way to distinguish his legacy

and introduce a new architectural style for future rulers. This innovation not only marked a

departure from tradition but also set a precedent for future Mughal emperors, whose tombs

would heavily incorporate gardens into their designs. The grand scale of the tomb and its

unique features were likely intended to leave a lasting impression and solidify the Lodi

dynasty's place in history. The chattris and the large dome reflect a sense of contunity and is

to commamorate his magnificant rule, especially his takeover of Agra. The octagonal design

is associated with royalty.

Halim, A. Sikandar Lodi as a Founder, 11 July 2016,
historyofpashtuns.blogspot.com/2016/07/sikandar-lodi-as-founder.html. Accessed 19
Mar. 2024.

Khan, Sahil Ali, and Mohammed Arif Kamal. “Analysis of Domes in Tomb Architecture
of Delhi: Evolution and Geometrical
Transition”www.researchgate.net/publication/335987615_Typological_Study_Of_Domes_I
n_Islamic_Architecture_Of_North_India. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Ali, Asif, and Ahmed Sanusi Hassan. (PDF) Typological Study of Domes in Islamic
architecture of north ... Accessed March 25, 2024.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335987615_Typological_Study_Of_Domes_I
n_Islamic_Architecture_Of_North_India.