Son’s tribute to father, ‘piece of Gujarat in Delhi’: Story of Chausath Khamba
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/sons-tribute-to-father-piece-of-gujarat-in-delhi-story-of-chausath-khamba-9219867/
Media Source: The Indian Express (India)
Date: 20 March 2024
As one makes their way to the Nizamuddin dargah, the 14th-century shrine built to commemorate Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, a striking structure comes into view towards the right. Marked by marble pillars and exquisite lattice work, this is Chausath Khamba: literally translated to 64 pillars. Accordi
As one makes their way to the Nizamuddin dargah, the 14th-century shrine built to commemorate Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, a striking structure comes into view towards the right. Marked by marble pillars and exquisite lattice work, this is Chausath Khamba: literally translated to 64 pillars. According to the official conservation document by Aga Khan Trust for Culture, “The tomb enclosure is entered through a lofty arched gateway and has a large sunken forecourt. The mausoleum is unique on account of it being built entirely of marble, with 25 marble domes supporting the flat roof of the structure. The plan for Chausath Khamba could have been inspired from the wooden garden pavilions from Persia — such as the Chihil Sutun, and in turn, the Chausath Khamba seems to have inspired the architectural design for Emperor Shahjahan’s Diwan-i-Aam, Hall of Audience.” Notably, in 2011-2014, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture along with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) undertook the conservation of Chausath Khamba. The project was co-funded by the Federal Republic of Germany.