Every day thousands of people travel across the Mukarba Chowk, completely unaware of the fact that behind those glorious flyovers and grade separator lies a glorious Lodi Era monument. Hidden in the ever-growing concrete jungle of the metro city that Delhi is, the monument still holds to its former glory. The meaning of the word Paik translates to the messenger, hence making it a gravesite for a messenger. But there were thousands during the Lodi era, which means the one lying there must be an important figure in the Lodi court. Like the usual Lodi design, the crypt receives a small portion of sunlight from all four sides, courtesy of four perforations. The monument that was left abandoned was later restored by the Archeological Survey of India, under the project of restoring of all known and unknown monuments in National Capital, prior to the Commonwealth Games in Delhi. Today the monument stands tall amidst the soaring flyovers, trying to establish its existence in the lives of people walking around it.
Not much is known about the history and origination of the monument. The monument is believed to be for a messenger of Lodi empire and the architectural design affirms the monument to be from the Lodi era. The Baghdad Octagonal Plan design of the monument refers to its Lodi origination. The monument was abandoned for a major part of its existence and with flyovers and building being constructed in the nearby area meant that it was hard to be even aware of its existence. But during the restoration drive of Archeological Survey of India, the monument was restored to its original beauty. The monument is surrounded by small parks and with its former glory restored, many tourists come to explore the unknown monument in Delhi.
The nearest metro station is Jahangirpuri metro station on Yellow Line of Delhi Metro. From the metro station, you can take an auto to reach Mukarba Chowk.
Mukarba Chowk doesn’t have much to offer to tourists but you can explore the nearby areas of Jahangirpuri.
The monument is open on all days of the week from sunrise to sunset.
There is no entry fee for visiting the Maqbara Paik.
Although you can visit the monument throughout the year, winters are the best time to explore Delhi.