Sanderson's Sundial, Delhi - Historical landmark in New Delhi - South, India

The Sanderson's Sundial at Qutb Minar in Delhi, is a humble yet significant relic within the vast Qutb Complex, adjacent to the tomb of Imam Muhammad Zamin, a Central Asian saint from medieval times. This elegant sundial is crafted from white marble and features a sleek blade whose shadow shifts with the angle of sunlight, revealing the time of day. It stands as a testament to the legacy of Gordon Sanderson, an archaeologist in colonial India. Gordon Sanderson, who served as the Superintendent of the Archaeological Survey in the North-West Frontier Province, undertook extensive research and conservation projects for historical sites across India, including Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. His notable book, "Delhi Fort: A Guide to its Buildings and Gardens," remains a valuable resource for historians and archaeologists. This sundial was erected in 1919 to honor Sanderson's unwavering dedication to archaeology. Tragically, he lost his life at the age of 28 while serving as a commanding officer during World War I. His enduring contributions are cherished by modern historians, cartographers, and archaeologists. The sundial's Latin inscription, "Transit umbra; Lux permanet" ("The shadow passes, the light remains"), serves as a reminder of the transient nature of life and the enduring light of knowledge that archaeologists like Sanderson have brought to India's historical treasures. This sundial, made of simple beauty, pays homage to an extraordinary man who dedicated his life to preserving the heritage of the subcontinent.

On the north east of the qutub tower, in between the lawn of green grass stands Sanderson's Sundial in honour of contribution of Gordon Sanderson. A metal sundial rest over a column in white marble. Do visit to experience the beauty of time keeping by shadows

The Sanderson's sundial fascinates me a lot for their perseverance demonstrated by withstanding years and decades and sometimes centuries of bearing the elements especially the rough weather of Delhi highlighted with extreme cold, and sunshine along with heavy rains. Everytime I visit the Qutub Minar complex in Delhi this desolated Sundial beckons me. The Sanderson sundial stands on a marble pedestal in a remote corner of the magnificent Qutub Minar complex in Delhi. The unique feature of this sundial is the Latin phrase inscribed on it - Transit Umbra; Lux Permanent - meaning the shadow passes the light remains. The sundial was installed in the memory of Sanderson who was a superintendent of the Archeological department in the British era. Sanderson was involved in the extensive excavations at the site that established the fact for the first time that the tower constructed by Qutubuddin Aibak was in fact a Hindu Tempe razed to the ground and statues and idols of Hindu Gods were used in its construction. Accessibility Features: Yes=Ramp access. Yes=A wheelchair-accessible Entrance. Yes=A wheelchair-accessible Restroom/Toilet. Yes=A wheelchair-accessible Seating. Yes=A wheelchair-accessible Parking.

The sundial was erected in the memory of Sanderson who was one of the superintendents of the archeological department. This is one of the best contribution of him to calculate the time with sun shadow . It's a great experience be here

Gordon Sanderson (1886 - 13 October 1915) was an officer with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and held the position of the Superintendent, Mahomedan and British Monuments, Northern Circle. He is best known for his work in preserving and documenting the historical monuments of India. Sanderson also wrote books on Indian monuments including Delhi Fort: A Guide to the Buildings and Gardens, Conservation Notes on Archaeological Buildings in Delhi Province, The Arts and Antiquities of India: An Illustrated Selection. At the peak of his career with the ASI, Sanderson decided to fight for Britain when the First World War broke out. He took charge as Lieutenant of 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles). On 13 October 1915, aged 28, Lieutenant Gordon Sanderson was killed in action in France. He was buried in the Gorre British and Indian Cemetery, at Pas de Calais, northern France. In recognition of his work with the Archaeological Survey of India, a monument was erected at the Qutb Complex, New Delhi in 1919. The monument, a white marble sundial, was installed by his colleagues from ASI. Sanderson had carried out extensive excavations in the area around Qutub Minar starting in 1910 AD. He is credited with making the Qutub Minar complex what it is today. (Wikipedia)

MOST OF THE TOURISTS IGNORE THIS STRUCTURE FOR NOT KNOWING THE VALUE . NEAR THE MOHD ZAMIN TOMB . A MARBLE SUN DIAL BUILT IN MEMORY OF GORDON SANDERSON , WHO DID TREMENDOUS EFFORT TO EXCAVATE THE REMNANTS OF QUTUB MINAR COMPLEX.KILLED IN THE FIRST WORLD WAR WHILE WORKING WITH BRITISH INDIAN ASI. THE BLADE' S SHADOW CAN VIEWED FOR TIME.

The Sanderson's Sundial is located near theCupola in the Qutub complex, which is located near the Mehrauli Archaeological Park on the Sri Aurobindo Marg, the closest Metro station being Qutub Minar. To be frank, I didn't know how a sundial actually looked, though I had heard of it. A sundial is device the measures the time, it that measures the position of the sun, against the shadow cast by a blade on a reference scale. Sanderson's Sundial The dial is built of marble and has a blade in the center of it. When the sun light falls on it, the shadow of the blade determines the time. It was around 1 PM on my watch, but to be very frank I was not able to understand the time based on the sundial. The sundial was built in the memory of Sanderson , who was one of the Archaeologist of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). He carried out extensive excavations in and around this place.

If you had visited Delhi but not visited Qutub Minar Complex located in Mehrauli, your visit to Delhi will always remain incomplete & you will be a loser. When you in the Qutub Minar Complex, do not forget to visit, Sanderson's Sundial (sun based watch) . It is located in a beautiful park near Alai Darwaza. Nothing much to be seen. Sanderson was an officer with the ASI & this Sundial was created in his honour for his services to ASI in 1919. Sanderson contributed significantly in developing Qutub Minar complex. One needs at least half day to fully justify visit to Historical Qutub Minar. Do not forget Camera, entire complex is too good for photographic.