The tomb of Quli Khan is located south-east of the Qutb Minar
at a distance of 200 m. Built in the seventeenth century, the tomb
stands at the edge of the Lal Kot, within the Archaeological Park.
In the early 1840s, the tomb was converted into a residence
with landscaped gardens, terraces, and guesthouses by Thomas
Metcalfe. This weekend retreat was named Dilkusha.
The main
residence was planned with the tomb as its core. The cenotaph
from the centre of the tomb was removed and several rooms
were added to the outside of the tomb chamber. Landscaping was
done by introducing water channels and few structural additions
bringing in the influence of the home country.
The large landscaped garden has separate west and east sections
divided by a kuccha (unpaved) pathway leading towards the canopy
placed in the centre of the garden.
The canopy dates from the
time of Metcalfe, though an attempt has been made to mimic
an older form. The western garden is enclosed by stone walls
with octagonal bastions on all three sides. The eastern
garden has terraces formed by stone retaining walls.
Located midway in the northern side of the garden enclosure is a former gateway leading to the Qutb Minar. This was
converted by Metcalfe into an annex which functioned as guest
house. Within this building certain nineteenth-century features
such as a small pool, fireplace, etc. can be seen.
The tomb is an octagonal domed structure standing on a
1.25 m high plinth. It has a square plan from inside and an equal
sided octagonal form from the exterior. The tomb chamber can
be accessed from all four directions through arched openings.
The dome rests on a drum constructed in the Lodi style. The
parapet and the drum of the dome have kangura (stylized motif
that resembles battlements but are strictly ornamental) details on
all sides. Originally the tomb was decorated with tile work, now
visible only along the eastern façade.
The spandrels have Quranic
inscription all along. Decorative medallions are also present on
either side of the spandrels.
The interior of the tomb has brilliant ornamentation which has
been recently restored. There are decorative arches above the
four entrances and at the corners. The entries are flanked by
square niches on either side. Above the arched entries
and the drum of the dome, open arched niches are present for light and ventilation.
The dome of the tomb has beautifully
decorated medallions, one in the
centre and four on either side.
Today the tomb structure retains
few remains of the reconstructions
made by Sir Thomas Metcalfe. The
exterior wall which was an addition
made by Metcalfe exists only on
one side along with ruins of arched
additions made at basement level.
The tomb provides a good view of
the Qutb Minar which is nearby.
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