Neela Gumbad lies at the crossroad of tradition and modernity literally, figuratively and historically.
Today, it is situated at the centre of a traffic circle on a road called Mathura Road in Delhi. This road connects the medieval city of Nizamuddin with the posh locations of the 5 star Oberoi Hotel and the bustling shopping area of Khan Market.
Historically, it has been known to be one of the oldest Mughal structure in India. it was built when the Mughals had arrived in Delhi but not yet imbibed the local cultural flavour of the city. Hence, a crossroad of sorts in the architectural evolution of the city.
Also, it is a tomb where an unidentified Mughal courtier is buried. Being a tomb, it is a crossroad between her material life in flesh and blood on earth and his soul’s passage to eternity.
Isn’t Neela Gumbad the eternal inheritance of every upcoming generation of youth? Aren’t we all always at a crossroads between tradition and modernity?
Urban Shaman 