CAUSES OF DECAY

Kale khans Gumbad is decaying due to various natural causes and human action: The slow build-up of soot deposits and dust, leading to possible onset of decay due to small vegetation organisms Straight forward erosion by wind and rain. Stone becomes saturated when it is exposed excessively to driving rain. As a result, its surfaces becomes marked and rough. Also, the weathering of plaster layer on the stone masonry has exposed it directly to the elements Harmful growth including creeping and ivy plants are growing on the walls.This happens when dust and dirt penetrate small holes openings and cracks in the walls and mortar joints creating a suitable ground for any seeds to grow. The condition is becoming worse as there is water penetration through the holes. Roots go deep into the existing holes and causing further cracks and water penetration. Erosion of mortar joints due a presence of salt crystallization, scouring action of winds ; and disintegrating effects of plant growing on a wall or water penetration leading to the concentrations of moisture and dampness. This in turn is causing the stone blocks to fall off sine they are no longer adhered properly, leaving holes in d external walls Human Action: Scraping the plastered surface over and over by locals and lack of proper upkeep and maintenance by Govt. agencies.

Cracks in the structure due to eroding plaster and mortar

Eroded plaster, loose stone

blocks and vegetation growing through holes in the structure

INTRODUCTION

Architecture during the Lodhi dynasty was a class apart and defined the quality of art and craft that prevailed during that period. Their pattern of architecture during this period was restricted to tomb and sculptor only since it inherited a weakened state treasury

Majorly followed Lodhi tomb patterns: Type 1 Designed on an octagonal plan, surrounded by an arched colonnaded over a verandah with a projecting eave and one storey in height. Consists of a dome raised on twelve columns over a square platform. The typical octagonal drum of the dome is of modest height, and the dome is usually surrounded by kangura (crenellations) and a chhajja (projecting eave). Each corner of the square tomb is marked by a chhatri (umbrella dome). Octagonal type tombs were reserved for rulers

Tomb of Sikander Lodi, new Delhi

 Type 2 Square in plan, having no verandah, and the exterior being two, and sometimes three stories in height. Looks much heavier, as each faade of the square tomb is all but solid.The pishtaq(central arch) and other arches decorating the facades are usually blind (that is, filled in with masonry rather than left open to light and air). The dome is typically supported by a sixteen-sided dome, which is itself supported by squinches of various forms Square type tombs were reserved for nobles of the court.

Kale khan ka gumbad, new Delhi

In both instances the building was surmounted by a dome, with infrequently a range of pillared kiosks rising above the parapet, one over each side of the octagonal kind, and one at each corner of the square variety. Common features of Lodi tombs: Accurate constructions in stone masonry with load transfer through the mass of the building Elevated ground for location, either through the utilization of a natural ridge or by creating artificial earth mounds a feature adopted from earlier Sayyid era (1414 1451 CE) tombs Lofty domes with drums Surface finishes used: Dressed quartzite stone with sandstone ornamentation or Lime plaster Ornamentation: a. Tile work in select tombs ceramic and stone tiling b. Merlons in parapet, battlements and kanguras(crenellations)