MUGHAL GARDEN (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 - Indian Art & Heritage)

Context: Restoration work is underway at the tomb of Muhammad Quli Khan in Delhi's Mehrauli Archaeological Park ahead of the G20 Summit in September.

Key Points

• In the early 17th century, the tomb was constructed for the Muhammad Quli Khan; he was the brother of Adham Khan who was the son of Maham Anga-the wet nurse of Mughal emperor Akbar. 
• It was originally decorated with painted plaster. 
• Later, Sir Thomas Theophilus Metcalfe, the Governor General of India (1835-53), converted it into a residence for his use during monsoon and converted the enclosure into a garden with terraces, watercourses and pavilions, it was called as “Dilkhusa” at that time.
• The tomb stands on a high platform which is octagonal in plan from outside and square plan from inside. 
• The enclosure in which the tomb stands was altered into a garden with terraces, water courses and pavilions, traces of which are still found. The interior is exquisitely ornamented with intricate and painted plasterwork. 
• The exterior has designs of stucco plaster and on the eastern facade, there are remains of glazed tiles in shade of blue, green and yellow.