April 2020 – Rediscovering Delhi

THE QUTUB COMPLEX – Part II

This is part 2 of the Article series on The Qutub Complex. Read the first part at The Qutub Complex – Part I. QUWWAT-UL-ISLAM MOSQUE (1192-1198 A.D.) Quwwat-ul-Islam (“The might of Islam”) Masjid is known to be the oldest masjid ever in India. Its construction was started by Qutubuddin Aibek in 1192 A.D. According toContinueContinue reading “THE QUTUB COMPLEX – Part II”

THE QUTUB COMPLEX – Part I

Drawing millions of tourists every year, the Qutub Minar complex is one of the most important world heritage sites of India. The complex houses a blend of Hindu and Islamic influences suggesting the varied dimensions of India’s royal history. The area has a lush green cover and chirping birds that hop and glide, from pillarContinueContinue reading “THE QUTUB COMPLEX – Part I”

Bhooli Bhatiyari

Bhooli Bhatiyari (or Bhuli Bhatiyari ka Mahal) is a Hunting Lodge built by Feroz Shah Tughlaq in the 14th century. It resembles another structure, ‘Malcha Mahal’ built by Firoz Shah Tughlaq. It is believed to have been built in 1354 CE. It is 518 ft. tall and 17 ft. wide. I found two different stories thatContinueContinue reading “Bhooli Bhatiyari”

CHANDNI CHOWK

Historical Significance, Cultural Integrity and Changing Social Fabric My grandfather fondly recollects stealing free rides on trams when I mention Chandni Chowk. “Just climb onto the back of a moving one and make no noise,” he reminisces. On visiting Chandni Chowk, sadly, I found that the trams were long gone. E-rickshaws now control the transportationContinueContinue reading “CHANDNI CHOWK”

Sarais of Delhi: Tracing the lost Extravaganza

Rediscovery of Delhi would have been incomplete if the very heart of this city hadn’t have been included. Therefore, I focused on the places that have almost passed into oblivion over the years – Chandni Chowk, the heart of Delhi, and its Sarais – which I will bring to light through this project. In orderContinueContinue reading “Sarais of Delhi: Tracing the lost Extravaganza”

JAMA MASJID

Jama Masjid or Masjid-I-Jahan Numa. Built by Shah Jahan between 1650-1656 AD. The mosque was inaugurated by Imam Syed Abdul Ghafoor Shah Bukhari, from Bukhara, Uzbekistan, on 23 July 1656, on the invitation from Shah Jahan. About 25,000 people can pray in the courtyard at a time .The mosque is commonly called “Jama” which meansContinueContinue reading “JAMA MASJID”

JAMA MASJID – A MONUMENTAL MOSQUE

A still from Royal Gate The Courtyard of Jama Masjid WHY I CHOSE JAMA MASJID I chose to focus on the Jama Masjid for ‘Rediscovering Delhi’ project, as it is the most famous Masjid in India and has many praiseworthy features. People from all over the world come to see this mosque but I hadn’tContinueContinue reading “JAMA MASJID – A MONUMENTAL MOSQUE”

MAJNU KA TILA

Majnu Ka Tila, also known by other names such as New Aruna Nagar, Chungtown and Samyeling (which literally translates into taking refuge), is one of India’s largest Tibetan colonies established in the year 1950. It has now become a popular tourist attraction of Delhi. It is situated between the Yamuna River and one of theContinueContinue reading “MAJNU KA TILA”

Uttara Swami Malai Temple

Uttara Swami temple complex, also called “Malai Mandir,” consists of a Tamil word “Malai” {mountain/hill) that has been harmoniously merged with the Hindi word “Mandir” {temple}. The temple is dedicated to Lord Swaminath who is generally referred to as Lord Murugan. On being asked, the temple officials told me that the temple is mostly visitedContinueContinue reading “Uttara Swami Malai Temple”

The दीवान-ए-आम & दीवान-ए-ख़ास : Red Fort

After visiting the central court, we come across the magnificently built Diwan-i-Aam further down. As the name suggests, it was a hall constructed for the general public. Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, used to address the people and hold hearings to resolve their grievances in this hall. Diwan-i-Aam We were astounded by the intricate patterns onContinueContinue reading “The दीवान-ए-आम & दीवान-ए-ख़ास : Red Fort”