Neela Gumbad

Neela Gumbad, also known as the "Blue Dome", is a 15th-century mausoleum located in the Nizamuddin area of Delhi, India. It is a tomb believed to be of a nobleman, but its exact identity remains unknown. The monument is so named because of its striking blue-tiled dome, which is a distinctive feature of the structure.

The Neela Gumbad is built in the typical Indo-Islamic style of architecture, with a square plan and a large dome rising from the center of the structure. The dome is adorned with blue tiles, which give it a unique and beautiful appearance. The walls of the tomb are also decorated with intricate geometric patterns and inscriptions in Arabic.

The monument is located near the Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah and is believed to have been built around the same time as the nearby Chausath Khamba, another famous monument in the area. The Neela Gumbad is considered an important historical and architectural landmark in Delhi and attracts visitors from all over the world.

The Nila Gumbad is the earliest Mughal monument in India. It was built using plaster and rubble, and glazed in blue, green, and white tiles. The dominant color was turquoise blue. The monument is square-shaped and has angled corners. The dome rests on a drum, and there is no mehrab inside. It also has semi-octagonal angled alcoves. The facade has decorative arches. Only the northern side of the facade still has glazed tiles from the original period. Inside, there is a square chamber divided into two storeys. The medallions of the interior arches have stucco decorations, and the squinches have turned the second storey into an octagonal shape. There is no tombstone over the grave. The drum from which the dome rises is cylindrical outside and circular inside, made using red stone bricks. The dome was covered in turquoise blue tiles, giving the building its name "Blue Dome." A kalasa finial tops the dome.

Nila Gumbad, which is situated next to Humayun's Tomb, is an important monument from the early Mughal period in Delhi, owing to its distinctive tilework on the building's façade. It was restored and renewed back to glory in 2011-19.