Delhi’s beloved Deer Park, originally known as ‘Bagh-e-Alam’ or “Garden of the World,” carries a rich legacy. This poetic name evokes its historical splendour and serene beauty, inviting visitors to discover a tranquil haven steeped in timeless charm and natural grace within the bustling city.
Hauz Khas sits like a treasure chest in South Delhi, where old meets new in the most beautiful way possible. Walk through its narrow lanes and you will find ancient tombs standing proudly next to modern coffee shops. The story begins in the 13th century when Sultan Alauddin Khilji built a massive water tank here. This was not just any ordinary tank but a lifeline for his new capital city. The water sparkled under the Delhi sun and served thousands of people every day. Later, another great ruler named Firuz Shah Tughlaq saw that the tank had filled up with mud over the years.
He cleaned it completely and built magnificent schools and his own tomb nearby. The area became known as part of Siri, one of Delhi’s historic cities. These rulers were not just building structures but creating a world where learning, prayer, and daily life came together. Today, when you visit Hauz Khas, you can still see these ancient walls telling their stories. The water body remains, though much smaller now, and the ruins stand as witnesses to Delhi’s golden past. Every stone here has watched centuries pass by, from the time of sultans to the age of smartphones.
The Mystery of Bagh-e-Alam’s Great Dome
Deep inside what we now call Deer Park stands a magnificent dome that holds many secrets. This dome belongs to a place once called “Bagh-e-Alam,” which means “Garden of the World” in Persian. The name itself tells us how special this place was considered in medieval times. Built in 1501 during the Lodi dynasty, this tomb is the largest structure in the entire Deer Park area. A Persian inscription on its walls tells us that Abu Syed built it for a Sufi saint named Shihabuddin Taj Khan. The dome shows typical Lodi architecture with its beautiful arched openings and bands of red stone.
What makes it extra special are the blue tiles that still catch sunlight after more than 500 years. Next to the tomb stands an old mosque with several graves, some so old that nobody remembers who lies buried there. In the sultan’s time, this was truly a garden of the world where people came to pray, learn, and find peace. The Sufi saint buried here must have been greatly loved for someone to build such a grand tomb in his memory. Even today, the dome watches over the park like a guardian of old Delhi’s spiritual heritage.
Saints, Stories, and Forgotten Names
The tale of Shihabuddin Taj Khan, the saint buried in Bagh-e-Alam’s dome, is wrapped in mystery and reverence. Very little is known about his life, which often happens with saints from centuries ago. Unlike famous Sufi saints whose shrines still host annual celebrations, this saint’s story has faded from popular memory. Yet the grandness of his tomb tells us he was deeply respected during the Lodi period. Inside the tomb, two graves rest in eternal silence. Local people still debate about who exactly is buried in which grave, adding to the monument’s mysterious charm.
This was common in medieval Delhi, where oral traditions sometimes disappeared faster than the stone monuments themselves. The tomb’s size and beautiful decoration show that Lodi society held great respect for Sufi saints and their teachings. These holy men were not just religious figures but guides who helped rulers govern wisely and people live peacefully. Around this tomb, the original garden once bustled with visitors. Royal courtiers, students from nearby madrasas, and common people seeking spiritual guidance would gather here. The weathered walls still echo with whispers of prayers, discussions about life, and the gentle teachings of Sufism that once filled this sacred space with wisdom and compassion.
From Persian Gardens to Deer Park
The transformation from “Bagh-e-Alam” to “Deer Park” is a fascinating journey through Delhi’s changing times. For centuries after the Lodi period, the beautiful gardens gradually became wild and overgrown. The water channels that once carried fresh water to flower beds dried up or changed course. The manicured lawns where people once strolled became home to wild plants and trees. By the 20th century, when Delhi was growing rapidly as India’s capital, city planners decided to revive this historic green space. They had a clever idea: why not make it a proper park and add some deer to make it more attractive to families and children?
This decision in the mid-20th century gave birth to the name “Deer Park.” The deer enclosure became so popular that locals started calling the entire area by this simple, memorable name. The original Persian name “Bagh-e-Alam” survived only in the dome’s official title: “Bagh-e-Alam ka Gumbad.” Today, most visitors know it as Deer Park, but the ancient dome stands as the last reminder of its grand past as the “Garden of the World.” This name change reflects how Delhi reinvents itself while keeping its historical treasures alive for new generations to discover and love.
Where Ancient Meets Modern
The area around Hauz Khas has seen incredible changes, especially since the 1990s. What was once a quiet place visited mainly by history lovers and morning walkers became Delhi’s hippest hangout spot. The transformation began when artists, designers, and cafe owners discovered the charm of setting up shops next to medieval ruins. Imagine sipping coffee in a 500-year-old building or shopping for handmade jewellery while a sultan’s tomb watches over you! This unique blend of old and new makes Hauz Khas special among Delhi’s neighbourhoods. Some people worry that too much commercialisation might harm the historical character, but others believe it keeps the heritage alive and relevant.
Young people who might never visit a regular museum happily spend hours here, unconsciously absorbing history while enjoying modern amenities. The ancient stories carved in stone now mix with new conversations over masala chai and live music. Street musicians play near medieval gateways, art exhibitions happen in restored haveli courtyards, and food lovers discover fusion cuisine in settings their ancestors could never have imagined. This living dialogue between past and present makes Hauz Khas Village a unique cultural space where history is not just preserved in glass cases but actively participates in daily life.
A Bridge Between Centuries
Today, visiting Deer Park and the Bagh-e-Alam dome offers something magical for everyone. School children on history trips, young couples on dates, elderly morning walkers, and foreign tourists all find something special here. The Persian inscription above the dome’s entrance still welcomes visitors just as it did 500 years ago, though few can read it now. The Archaeological Survey of India works hard to maintain these monuments, ensuring they remain safe and accessible for future generations. Local heritage groups organise walking tours, photography workshops, and cultural events that help people connect with Delhi’s rich past.
Artists still come here seeking inspiration, just as poets and scholars once gathered in the original Bagh-e-Alam. The name might have changed from “Garden of the World” to “Deer Park,” but the essence remains the same: this is a place where different worlds meet and coexist beautifully. Whether you come to feed the deer, admire medieval architecture, enjoy a meal with friends, or find peace away from Delhi’s busy streets, this place offers a timeless experience. The dome of Bagh-e-Alam continues to be a bridge connecting us to our ancestors’ dreams, reminding us that some places hold magic that no amount of change can diminish.
Also Read: India Gate: A Timeless Symbol of Valour and Memory
You can connect with DNN24 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
