Situated in Kotla Mubarakpur in the heart of South Delhi near South Extension-I, the tomb of Darya Khan Lohani is one of the most unusual of the numerous Lodi tombs in Delhi.
Darya Khan Lohani, was the chief justice in the reign of Sultan Bahlol Lodi (1451-1489 CE) and a vakil (lawyer) in the reign of Sultan Sikandar Lodi (1489-1517 CE). It is not known if the suffix “Lohani” to his name was a familial title or if it was bestowed by the ruler of the time.
The tomb is raised on a 27.5m square platform which is 2.4m high and accessed by twelve steps on the eastern side.
The cenotaph itself is further elevated upon a central circular platform.
The four corners of the platform are marked by domed pavilions, the domes resting on twelve square columns. Although all four domes are in a semi‐ruined state, there are remains of incised plaster decorations (inscribed Quranic ayats) on their remaining interior surfaces.
There are no inscriptions to be found here to help pin down a construction date, and while the tomb is architecturally unusual it is thought to have been built sometime in the early 16th century.
Today, the tomb is nestled amidst a bustling roundabout, surrounded by high-rise buildings. Five centuries ago, its creators likely couldn’t fathom such a metamorphosis in the landscape. Nevertheless, the tranquil gardens encircling the tomb provide a picturesque escape from the lively chaos of Delhi.
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Categories: Delhi, India, Tomb of Darya Khan Lohani
Kevin Standage 
I love your articles. Being born and raised in Delhi, but now living in US for the last 4 decades, your stories and photos connect me with past. I will visit these places during my annual trips to India.
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I am checking my images of same place taken to early 2020. I took the photographs and now they are stored in my harddrive. Thank you for the post. It makes sense to me that how can I share my travel photographs. Thank you.
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