Rutuja Ravindrakumar

CR4051

The consistent spiritual and cultural significance of Dargah of Bakhtiyar kaki, in New Delhi, from the time of the saint’s burial in the 13th century has influenced burial practices and created layers of architecture around the dargah to evolve into the dargah complex seen today. Mapping the material changes and architectural strata will be the tool to unravel the story of the dargah’s influence, patronage and practices. With continued practices and associations, the dargah continues to see changes due to some old and some newer factors. This research will examine these changes against the centuries of processes of change that the site has seen and will continue to examine current attitudes to its conservation, use and management. By delving into the historical and architectural footprints of the Mehrauli Dargah, the thesis aims to contribute to the discourse on conservation and heritage management of cultural landscape of Sufi sites in Delhi. It will not only offer a deeper understanding of the dargah’s past but also provide a basis for its future preservation.