Jantar Mantar, an observatory and UNESCO World Heritage site, is located in Connaught Place (Rajiv Chowk, as it is now called). Indian visitors can visit this Observatory by paying Rs. 25 for the ticket. Jantar Mantar is encircled by tall trees. Well- built pavements mark the splendid entry. The building, which has four distinct instruments, is dividedContinueContinue reading “Jantar Mantar”
Author Archives: Rediscovering Delhi
Humayun’s Tomb
“Death has nothing to do with going away. The sun sets. The moon sets. But they are not gone. Death is a coming together.” – Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī The fact which inspired us to select Humayun’s Tomb in the first place was that it is the earliest exampleContinueContinue reading “Humayun’s Tomb”
Dargah of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya
“Sadaqallahul-Alliyul-Azeem’ Sadqa Rasulu-un-Nabi –Yun- Kareem Sallallaahu Alayhi Wassallam” The Dargah of one of the most revered Sufi saints of Delhi, Khwaja Nizammudin Auliya, is truly an abode of peace. Its serenity, ironically, comes from the hustle bustle of its surroundings. Situated in the Nizamuddin West area of Delhi, the streets leading toContinueContinue reading “Dargah of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya”
Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid, the holy Islamic monument, where the Muslims offer namaz and pray seek forgiveness from the almighty, is a center of attraction for anybody who is visiting the capital irrespective of their religious background. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan, Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in the world. To understand its historicContinueContinue reading “Jama Masjid”
Kashmiri Gate
Guardians of City: The Gates of Old Delhi From the 8th to the 20th century, the gateways around the city of Delhi were built to safeguard the city from invasions. Initially,there were 14 gates that were built by the Mughals. But during and after the Revolt of 1857, almost all the gates were demolishedby mutineersContinueContinue reading “Kashmiri Gate”
SBI, Chandni Chowk: The Hidden Heritage
History looms not in the high buildings and heavy texts, but lurks in the empire of its heritage. It lies in the quiet conversation of crevices and window panes, in the distance that its people can cover- You and I. Rediscovering the seen and unseen of Delhi: State Bank of India There is no placeContinueContinue reading “SBI, Chandni Chowk: The Hidden Heritage”
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”
Rediscovering Delhi 