Jantar Mantar
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
JAMA MASJID – A MONUMENTAL MOSQUE
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…
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…
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…
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…
Lodhi Garden
Visiting Lodhi Garden was a mesmerizing experience. The cold breeze accompanied by warm sunshine filled the day with warmth and great enthusiasm. One could find a variety of people from every corner of the world. In the era where people have become less…
Connaught Place
One of the major attractions of New Delhi lies in its heart, popularly known as CP (CONNAUGHT PLACE). It is New Delhi’s oldest and largest commercial centre, well known for its Georgian architecture. For a shopaholic, it’s no less than a heaven. For…
Kumhar Colony
Kumhar Colony is a village of potters located in Uttam Nagar, West Delhi. The potters living there have been involved in the art of pottery since several generations. They usetheir skills to make diyas, sculptures of deities, teacups, cooking utensils, wall hangings and…
Hardayal Municipal Public Library
Amid the bustling roads of Chandni Chowk, one may long to find a place just to escape from the ‘chowk culture’ ingrained in the very foundations of these old businesses. Before our trip dusked to an end, we decided to meditate a bit.…
The Bazaar : Red Fort
On entering the fort, we pass through a Barrel vault structure located past the Lahore Gate, which acted as a market that was built to satisfy the needs of higher ranked Mughal women, who resided inside the fort. Even now, there are shops…
Red Fort Through the Ages
Throughout history, there have been many grand empires that laid the foundations of ancient civilizations. The Mughal Empire, founded in the sixteenth century, was among the richest and most extensive. Its grandeur is still reflected in the cities that the Mughals had created.…
Feroz Shah Kotla
Delhi is not just the national capital but a heritage site, made rich with the monuments that survived the rise and fall of dynasties. Originally built to overcome a water crisis prevailing in the 14th century, Feroz Shah Kotla is one of the…
Ballimaran- Ghalib’s Haveli
As one steps foot in the disarray and dreary alley of Gali Qasim Jan in Old Delhi, where the famous Ballimaran, Ghalib’s Haveli is situated, one observes the commotion of daily affairs being carried out by the vendors and local onlookers across this…
About Us : Rediscovering Delhi
‘Rediscovering Delhi’ is a research project for students of Janki Devi Memorial College (Delhi University) that plans to connect the past of Delhi to its present and future by engaging students in studying the current state of social, cultural, political and economic changes…
Rediscovering Delhi
Connecting the past of Delhi to its present & future.
This blog is managed by Rediscovering Delhi Team at Janki Devi Memorial College, University of Delhi, India.
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