Twilight of the Sultanate c16.s1.18

c16.s1.18

Cunningham compares the eastern gateway of the Bara Gumbad with the famous 'Alāī Darwāzā constructed by 'Alāuddīn Khaljī, and his opinion is shared by Fergusson.¹⁰ In contrast to the rich internal treatment of the 'Alāī Darwāzā¹¹ the walls of the Bara Gumbad are left uncarved. But in its grandeur it is perhaps unequalled in the ruins of Delhi save by its prototype,¹² although it is far removed "from that ideal structure".¹³ Shīsh Gumbad, or the Glazed Dome, is situated some 50 yards to the north of the Bara Gumbad. The tomb of an unidentified dignitary, its ceiling is decorated with floral carvings in incised plaster and quotations from the Quran. The exterior is ornamented with the blue glazed tiles in two shades which must have lent it a very striking appearance and which give the tomb its name.¹⁴