Often, visitors in Delhi rue the lack of entry to historic monuments after sundown. Security guards blow plastic whistles and beat sticks on the ground to remind couples, dawdlers and tourist huddles to disengage and depart when the sky begins to fade into the deepest blue.
But an architectural illumination project, launched by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) last year, might make Delhi's most visited monuments more accessible in the late evening hours. On Friday, Union Culture and Tourism Minister Prahlad Patel inaugurated the illumination of the 18th century sandstone and marble mausoleum, Safdarjung Tomb, built in the Mughal era. More than 200 technologically advanced LED lights will frame its majestic arches and minarets against the night sky. Its domes and ramparts, wide balconies and other architectural nuances will dazzle anew in the inky blackness of the night. The duration of the illumination will be from 7 to 11pm. The monthly electricity bill for lighting up the tomb is expected to around Rs 9,000.
Yellow and static lighting in different angles will further glorify the stately silhouette of the monument which was built like an enclosed garden tomb—in fact, the last monumental garden tomb built by the Mughals—in the style of Humayun's Tomb which was the first garden tomb built by the Mughals in the peak of their power. Also, Safdarjung Tomb was not dedicated to a royal-born Mughal. Safdarjung was a powerful wazir (prime minister) in the imperial government.
But visitors to Safdarjung Tomb complex, situated in the heart of Delhi, know that the magnificent mausoleum is not visible from the road outside unlike Red Fort, Qutub Minar or parts of Purana Qila. One has to walk across a long stretch of garden path from the entry gate to reach this main structure. Hence, how does one even register its glowing outlines from a distance? By literally luxuriating in its golden glow inside the complex. A spokesperson from the ASI has confirmed that a proposal is being readied to allow visitors restricted entry to the tomb well past the 5pm deadline to further make use of this window of illumination, taking into account the way the structure is built. It is expected to be executed very soon.
After India Gate was lit up, it got more tourists pouring into the night. Last year, LED lights illumined structures like Chatta Bazaar, Naubat Khana, Mumtaz Mahal and Diwan-i-Aam inside the Red Fort complex. Visitors can now experience the Red Fort anew in its shining glory till 9pm. While Purana Qila was also illuminated last year, it does not allow visitors beyond 5pm, except for the light and sound show. Even Humayun's Tomb, partially lit up by LEDs last year by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, does not allow visitors inside to see the lights. Usually, there are security concerns cited when it comes to public entry in monuments in Delhi beyond a certain time other than the Red Fort, as they are not secured by the CISF.
The ASI will next completely LED-illuminate Qutub Minar and Tughlaqabad Fort, but there is no confirmation on allowing visitors inside these premises as of now, even though officials recognise the need to allow closer views of lit-up monuments. It generates more revenue as tourists are easily attracted to them.
Which is why the state-of-the-art illumination of Safdarjung Tomb is a reason to rejoice.