Lakkarwala Burj - Garden

The Outstanding Universal Value of the Humayun’s Tomb World Heritage Site is due to this area being an ensemble of 16th century garden tombs of which Lakkarwala Burj is a prominent example.

This domed, rubble built, and externally plastered building occupies the centre of an 8’ high platform. The monument, with arched openings in each of its four sides has profusely ornamented interiors with Quranic verses in incised plasterwork encircling the room. Conservation works on Lakkarwala Burj, which is a nationally protected monument included repair and rebuilding the western façade, restoring decorative plasterwork in the muqarnas and ornamentation, re-installation of jallis, internal and external flooring, restoration of parapet wall.

The Outstanding Universal Value of the Humayun’s Tomb World Heritage Site is due to this area being an ensemble of 16th century garden tombs of which Lakkarwala Burj is a prominent example.

Conservation

Following an exhaustive architectural documentation and condition assessment carried out at the onset of the project, a conservation and landscape plan for Lakkarwala Burj was developed for the monument and adjoining area.

The ornamentation on the internal wall surfaces was cleaned to expose the original details, and missing incised plaster work was reconstructed following the original pattern. Missing lime punning was replaced with new lime punning. Lakkarwala Burj, like Sunder Burj has Quranic inscriptions, which too were restored in matching style of calligraphy. The parapet over the lower arcade required to be partially dismantled and rebuilt. Sandstone lattice screens in the eight arched openings in the neck of the dome and the four openings over the doorway were restored.

Following works carried out on the ceiling and the internal wall surfaces in 2010, conservation works on the façade commenced in late 2011. The decorative edging of the arched openings was restored, and upper plinth was paved in red sandstone. Paving has been laid in a generous slope for effective drainage ensuring minimum damage to the structure. Entire stone floor surface has been hand dressed by craftsmen.
Landscape

Creating a pleasant garden and enhance the historical setting of Lakkarwala Burj, a 16th century Mughal monument

To the east of Lakkarwala Burj, along the access from the Central Vista, a rose garden was created in 2010, with the rose planting transplanted here from the vehicular roundabout around the Sunder Burj. The landscape plan ensured no damage was caused to underlying archaeology discovered during clearance works.

The rose garden comprising of 31 rectangular beds, and 19 rose varieties has a neatly laid out Delhi Quartzite paving and brick-tile paving. Inset tiles with geometric designs were made out of Dholpur to highlight pathway intersections. Grass lawns were also extended beyond the rose garden to the excavated lake promising the area a serene environment. 8 Ficus Benjamina plants from the ongoing Central Axis were carefully transplanted to the southern edge of Lakkarwala Rose Garden and are doing well.