Delhi Monuments - दिल्ली स्मारक (अन्य)
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To go right back into an era where mythology and history are too closely intertwined, it is believed that Delhi, then known as Indraprashtha, was the scene of action of India’s great epic, the Mahabharata. Periodic archeological excavations bring in more and more evidence to support this contention.Thereafter, historians say there have been seven cities of Delhi. If you count the smaller settlements and forts, the number may touch fifteen. Each city has left behind so much story and material for rumination that it requires many a lifetime to know them all completely.
Modern Delhi, or Delhi as it is called, centers around Rashtrapati Bhawan. It is architecturally a very impressive building standing at a height, flowing down as it were to India Gate. This stretch called the Rajpath is where the Republic Day parade is held. The imposing plan of this area conceived by Lutyens does not fade in its charm with the numerous summers or winters that go past.
Recorded history exists from the 11th century when Dillika, as this little town was known, found its focal point south of where it is now. This kingdom was known as Lal Kot. The famous ruler of this line of Tomars was called Prithvi Raj Chauhan. He is said to have built many temples and a huge fort called Qila Rai Pithora. However, their 200-year-old rule culminated with the arrival of the first set of invaders—the Slave Dynasty. One of the rulers of this dynasty, Qutub-ud-din Aibak, built the tall Qutab Minar. The Qutab Minar has five floors. It is 72.55-m high with a base diameter of 14.40 tapering to 2.4 m at the top. Delhi remains the center of power. Once it was a city of royal power. Then it became the seat of colonial power. Later it was the seat of bureaucratic power. The seat of political power it has always been. Today it is emerging as an important center for corporate power too. The most fascinating aspect of this city is its cosmopolitan nature. You can find the whole of India in its little colonies and structures. Contemporary times will be far more difficult to record for tomorrow’s history.
The slow process of collecting and preserving the personal relics, manuscripts, books, journals and documents, photographic and audio-visual material for the Museum on the life, philosophy and work of Mahatma Gandhi. It began in a modest way in Mumbai. The work was later shifted to Delhi and in early 1951; the nucleus of a Museum on Gandhi was set up in the Government hutments adjoining Kota House. Later still, in mid-1957, it was shifted to the colorful old mansion at 5, Mansingh Road. It was finally shifted to its present new and permanent home, most appropriately built opposite the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi in 1959. The imposing two storey Museum was formally inaugurated by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the President of India on January 30, 1961. The Museum was named 'Gandhi Memorial Museum' (Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya), now commonly known as 'National Gandhi Museum' (Rashtriya Gandhi Sangrahalaya).
The museum has a charkha or spinning wheel section. It displays different types of spinning wheels. A huge hall exhibits photographs of Gandhi's life from a very young age. A new gallery exhibits his personal belongings like towel, clothes, pen and barrister box. There is a gallery, which contains paintings on Gandhi made by various artists. One work is on peanut and another of wire on wood. A batik piece and a tapestry from Kashmir are also there. A glass case contains the white garment Gandhiji had worn when he was shot.
On one particular day Miya Bhoiya was strolling along with the king when the King suddenly bent down and picked up a grain of lentil or the moth ki dal. The king then presented the grain to his minister, Wazir Miya Bhoiya. Amazed at the gift given to him, the minister accepted it with matching humility and gratitude. On going home, the minister spent the whole night speculating over what should or could be done with the gift that had been bestowed on him by the king. Initially he thought that the grain should be thrown away. He, later, realized that if it were thrown away, then it would amount to disrespect to his king. So he thought of the ways to ensure that it should be protected in the proper manner. As dawn broke, the minister felt that it would be a good idea to plant the grain in his garden, which was quite huge. After that, he sowed the seed in the ground and dug the ground often to check if the seed was intact. He did not have to do it for long as the seedling grew with remarkable speed. In the first year itself, it gave as many as 200 grains of yield. Within a few years, the minister had multiplied the produce so much that history records a seed revolution. There was so much surplus that the minister decided to build a masjid from the income that came from the produce of moth. After the mosque was complete, he went to Sultan Sikander and invited him to visit the monument built from his gift. So pleased was the King with the minister that he even named the building, Moth ki Masjid or the Mosque from the Moth Lentil.
The story behind the beautifully constructed well is a mystery since there are no historical records to give an insight into who built it. Legends say that it was constructed by a king called Agar Sain who ruled over Agra many centuries before Sikander Lodi of the Lodi dynasty. The king was a frequent traveler to Delhi and thought it fit to construct a place where one could rest in cool environs. Some legends tell us that the name could have been derived from Ugar Sain, who was supposed to be the father of Kamsa, the uncle of Krishna. The Agar Sain ki baoli is a wonderful example of the stepped wells constructed during the past but continues to remain neglected and uncared for. Such structures definitely are among the many things that tourists especially those coming from across the seas would like to admire if for nothing but the novelty of the concept.
The Hauz-I-Alai was magnificent structure enclosed by masonry walls. It had dried up and lay almost buried under wild growth and some cultivation till Firoz Shah Tughlaq chanced upon it one day. He prided it as one his major achievements to have been able to excavate the pond, cleaned and filled it with water once again. The place came to be known as the Hauz Khas when Firoz Shah built a college at one end and the building started looking magnificent. The enclosure, which is irregular, was like the pond also enclosed by stone and cement. Firoz Shah's tomb is also in the complex. Today while there is little water, the lake's area is evident. Delhi Tourism holds some entertainment programmes there and Alauddin's tank now serves as an excellent backdrop to cultural events.
Lal Kot was built by the Tomar ruler Anangpal I in about 731 A.D and rebuilt by Anangpal II in 11th century when he transferred the Capital from Kannauj to Delhi. The Chauhans defeated the Tomars in 12th century AD. Prithviraj extended the old city of Lal Kot and added ramparts and moat. It came to be known as Qila-I-Rai Pithora, the first city of Delhi. Lal Kot was an oblong structure having seven gates-Sohna, Ranjit, Ghazni, Hauz Rani, Barka, Budaun and Maya. The traces of Hauz Rani, Barka and Buduan can still be seen around the remains of the Lal Kot in the present Mehrauli area.
Alai Darwaza is the southern gateway to the extended Quwwatul Islam mosque and is described as one of the most treasured gems of Islamic architecture. It was built by Alauddin Khalji in 1311AD. It is the first building, which used true Islamic architectural principles of accurate construction and geometric ornamentation. The darwaza is a square, domed building with intricate carvings in red sandstone and marble. It is also the first building to have a horse shoe shaped arch and a dome. Alai Darwaza Talaq-I-Darwaza is the northern gate of Purana Qila. It was built around 1533-34 AD. It is one of the most exquisite gateways in Delhi and was aligned with the central vista by Sir Edwin Lutyens. It was made of random rubble with dressed stone facing. The gate consists of a lofty arch with two smaller arched openings within. The second floor of the gate has two openings. The gate is flanked by two circular bastions, which have high ceiling rooms. Humayun Darwaza is the southern gate of the Old Fort. It is called Humayun Gate probably because Humayun constructed it or the tomb of Humayun is visible from there. The entry into Old Fort is through the third gate called Bara Darwaza.
The Khooni Darwaza was a building belonging to Sher Shah Suri's reign and situated opposite the Ferozeshah Kotla It was known as the Kabuli Darwaza because caravans to Afghanistan passed through this. The gateway is 15.5 m high and built of Delhi quartzite stone it has three staircases leading to different levels of the gate. The gate became popular as the Khooni Darwaza during the Moghul days. Though even in Sher Shah's time, it was used presumably both as an outpost and the place where heads of criminals were exhibited, since it was on the outskirts of the city. Emperor Jahangir, in the early decades of the 17th century AD, ordered the killing of the two sons of Abdur Rahim Khan-e-Khanan here on the charges of being the traitors. The bodies of the Khan-e-Khanan's sons were left here to be eaten by birds of prey. Aurangzeb hanged the head of his elder brother Dara Shikoh at the gate after he ousted his father Shahjahan. The Lal Darwaza was opposite the Old Fort or the Purana Qila. It is also called the Sher Shah Gate. It is a double-storeyed structure build of red sandstone and gray quartzite.
On September 22, 1857 Major Hodson murdered the sons of Bahadur Shah Zafar, Mirza Mughal and Mirza Khizr Sultan and grandson Mirza Abu Bakar, at the gate after the king's surrender to the British. The princes were brought from Humayun's Tomb in Nizamuddin where Zafar had taken refuge in a bullock cart. The Khooni Darwaza saw bloodshed again during the riots of 1947. Many refugees were murdered here while they were proceeding towards Purana Qila for their safety.
The Delhi Gate is a southern gateway to the Red Fort. It was build by Shahjahan between 1639-48. It was built of random rubble and stone. The gate was used by the emperor when he proceeded towards the Jama Masjid for the prayer. It is one of the important gates of the Red Fort. It is simple in design and made of locally available stone. Two large elephants adjacent to the gate can be seen. The Ajmeri Gate is one of the gates of the city Shahjahanabad. The original structure has not much altered over the years. It opens towards Ajmer and thus called Ajmeri Gate. The Turkman Gate is on the left side of present Ramlila ground. The gate surrounds the grave of Shah Turkman Balpabani. Bier-shaped tomb covers the grave of Shah Turkman. It was built of stone and mortar. It was originally fenced with a railing of marble.
The Nigambodh Gate is situated at the northeastern point of the city. This place dates back to the days of the Mahabharata and the Hindu period. The original ghat extended towards the gate and near the Saleemgarh fort. According to legends, Brahma took a plunge into the river to recover his lost memory and not only recovered it but also discovered where he had kept his sacred books. The name Nigambodh is derived from Nigam signifying the Ved and Bodak the knowledge. The Kashmiri Gate or double gateway was another gate built by Shahjahan. The gate gained strategic importance during the 'Mutiny'. During 1857, the British used this entrance in order to prevent the mutineers from entering the city. The gate walls, damaged by cannon balls, bare witness to the fury of the battle.The ruins of Mori Gate are only visible from the gaps in the walls, which flank the road leading to the railway line, laid by the British, from Calcutta to Delhi. This gate was demolished in 1867 in order to allow easy movement to traffic after the Mutiny.
Tripolia Darwaza or the triple gateway was built during the later Mughal period by Nazir Mahaldar Khan in 1728-29 AD. The gateway was built of brick and layers of sandstone. It is unique in its design as no other gateway in Delhi has a triple passage. The only other gateway with more than one passage is the Kashmiri Gate. Tour to India Gate Delhi India Gate is located in Rajpath and was the first gate to be constructed in the Delhi. It was built as a War Memorial to commemorate the death of 90,000 India soldiers, who were killed in the North West Province during the First World War and the Afghan Fiasco of 1919. The Duke of Connaught laid the foundation of this Memorial on 10th February 1921. The India Gate was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and was completed in 1931. The gate is built of sandstone rising to a height of 160 ft. the height of the arch is 136' externally and 87'6" internally.
The names of the soldiers are inscribed on the walls of the gate. An eternal flame called Amar Jawan Jyoti is always burning to honor the soldiers who were killed in the 1971 war with Pakistan. A red sandstone canopy also designed by Lutyens stands nearby, which once housed the statue of King George V. it has now been removed from there.
When Guru Har Gobind, the Sixth Guru, was invited by Emperor Jahangir he stayed at Majnu-Ka-Tila. Guru Har Gobind starter preaching his name and many people thronged to him to listen to his spiritual discourses. The Emperor became suspicious and imprisoned him in the Fort of Gwalior. After his release from the prison, Guru Har Gobind again stayed at Majnu-Ka-Tila on his way back to Punjab. Thus, the shrine gained great importance and a gurudwara was constructed. There is a well in the gurudwara compound. Sardar Baghel Singh who came to Delhi in 1783 AD encamped at Majnu-Ka-Tila. He raised a small structure at this sacred place in the memory of the Sikh Gurus. The marble gurudwara was constructed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, parts of which can be seen even today. He also endowed it with a Jagir, the income from which was used for the maintenance of the gurudwara. The present building constructed in 1950.
The remarkable feature of the mosque is the concept of the enclosed space. There is a rectangular open space defined by arched openings on three sides known as iwans for congregational prayer, which give the delusion of both openness and enclosure. The iwans on the western wall are given more prominence. The prayer chamber is divided into seven alcoves internally. The central one and the two at the extreme ends are domed. The domes are low set and impart solidity and sternness to the entire structure. The building is constructed of rubble masonry coated with plaster. The pillars of the arched openings are made of hard compact granite squared into large masses. The western façade also has two slender turret-like structures on either side of the main dome and one on each of the ends. There are no minarets for the muezzin to summon for the prayer.
The gate of the mosque is built in the Hindu style. The gateway, with its typically Hindu style arch and pillar is reminiscent of a temple. It has a short squat dome on top and a passage allowing access through the northern side of the mosque. Incidentally, the enclosure has only one entrance, which has been barricaded by a rickety wooden gate painted blue.
The inside of the building is at once harmonious and yet articulated towards the mihrab or niche in the qibla wall. The mihrab is simply a recess or alcove indicating the qibla or direction for prayer. On the right side of the mihrab is the mimbar of pulpit from where the prayer leader or imam could address the congregation.
The arches, pillars, the red sandstone dripstones, the moldings and brackets speak of the admixture of two styles of architecture. The external walls of the iwans and the vaulted insides of the domes bear show of inscriptions carved in plaster, the quality of which is so good that the distinctness of the lines is perfect to this day. There are two narrow domes hujras or cells on either side of the open pillared cloisters, which probably served as secluded chambers for performing austerities or meditation. One of them still has remnants of an intricate red sandstone jaali (lattice-work).
A walled graveyard faces the mosque. The grave of the saint Makhdum Sabzwari is over a raised platform facing a spacious courtyard lined on three sides by pillared cloisters, which form part of mosque. The funerary garden, or rawda, is traditionally organized around a focal point called baraka. The focus here is the tomb of the saint. The walled enclosure containing the grave of Makhdum Sahib is, however, a humble and modest one. Practically nothing is known of the Sufi saint who lies buried here.
The plaster on the grave has fallen away in places, divulging the bare bricks that stick out. The canopy or chhatri that covers the grave still has remnants of some beautiful blue inlay work that is visible only in patches now on the lintels and the crown of the dome. The dargah and mosque of Makhdum Sabzwari is in a state of reasonably good preservation. In this regard a big deal is to be said for the solidness of the structure. Like other Pathan buildings, this too is no less remarkable for its durability and simplicity as well as uniqueness of form in which it differ in a striking degree from the Mughal architecture.
The Neharwali Haveli in the Pratap Street of Gola Market in Darya Ganj area of Delhi is the birthplace of General Pervez Musharraf. Over the period of time, the original structure of the haveli has given way to rapid modernization. The courtyard of the haveli has given way to a famous theatre, Golcha. The haveli was built over a sprawling complex spread in Kucha Sadullah Khan in the crowded Faiz Bazaar area. It is a complex with four storeyes builds on 700 sq. yards.
Neharwali Haveli The original haveli was built according to late Mughal architectural style. Arches of the courtyard of the haveli and the intricate jali or latticework are the only structural remains of the old building. The haveli has now been converted into a residential complex. The arches display little of the craftsmanship that Mughal architecture is known for. The jalis were used as zanan khana for the women during the Mughal era. Red sandstone jalis have lost their original luster and color as the present owners have painted them white.
There are eight divisions of the haveli and around 28 families and individuals live there these days. The ground portions are taken over by more than 40 dimly lit shops. Another portion of the haveli, occupied by the Golas, has been turned into a commercial complex The original structure had been bifurcated into two parts and was occupied by two families. In one portion, President Musharraf's grandmother Ameena Begum and her sister lived while Musharraf's granduncles and Ameena's brothers, Motmanuddin Ahmed, Qazi Mohammed Nizamuddin Ahmed and Qazi Mugheezmuddin Ahmed, occupied the other. President Musharraf's father is believed to have inherited this portion from his mother, Ameena Begum, who received it from her father Motmanuddin. The third portion of the same haveli had gone off to another sister of hers, Sayyeda.
Rajesh Jain, a chartered accountant, claims to be living in the portion of Sayyeda these days. The three Gola brothers, Rakesh, Sandeep and Hem Chand, claim that their father, Prem Chand Gola, had bought this haveli from Husna Begum, a paternal aunt of the General, with the registered price of Rs. 65,000 in 1946.
As part of the preparations for the visit, a special stone structure has been constructed at the entrance of the haveli.
The major havelis include Seth Chhunnamal ki Haveli,Hakeem Ahsanullah Khan ki Haveli,Haksar ki Haveli where Pt Jawaharlal Nehru got married to Kamala Nehru,Namak Haram ki Haveli named after a traitor Bhuwani Shankar in Chandni Chawk,Haveli Zeenat Mahal,Mirza Ghalib ki Haveli,Haveli Hissamuddin Haider. Except Chunnamal Id Haveli,most of the havelis are on the point of ruin. Begum Samru's Kothi : It is a large,elegant building near Chandni Chowk,today popularly known as Bhaghirath Palace. This Haveli was built in the classical style and owned by Begum Samru. It was a very beautifully decorated building,and used to have marble baths inside. Namak Haram Ki Haveli ( The Traitor's Mansion ) : Namak Haram Ki Havel was owned by Bhawani Shankar,one of the most trusted companions of Jaswant Rao a great Maratha warrior. Bhawani Shankar later deserted him and went over to the British side. Thus he was called a traitor and hence,the strange name for his haveli. Haider Quli Ki Haveli : The Mansion Of Haider Quli is spread over many square feet near the Fatehpuri Mosque. Haider Quli was the Commander-of-Artillery in the court of the Mughal Emperor,Mohammad Shah Rangila. But today his haveli has been replaced by houses. Haveli Of Hakeem Ashanullah Khan : Hakeem Ashanullah Khan was a personal physician of the emperor Bahdur Shah Zafar. His Haveli was a fortress for those who were able to hide themselves here in the 'ghadar'- the Sepoy Mutiny time. The mansion is spread over 2,000-square-yards. It was because of the orders of the Hakeem that Ghalib was given the scholarship to write the history of the Mughal dynasty. Haveli Of Zeenat Mahal : Zeenat Mahal was the wife of Bahadur Shah Zafar. The Haveli of Zeenat Mahal today is a mansion in disarray. Today it is occupied by has mundane shops. and is occupied by a grinder factory for spices,a girls' school,a milk shop,a nursery for children and some houses. It used to be a massive mansion spread over almost four acres. Ghalib's Hakimon Ki Haveli : Ghalib lived in this Haveli for almost all his life after he came from Agra. Ghalib's Hakimon ki Haveli at Gali Qasimjan in Ballimaran is in shambles today. Living in this Haveli he wrote his Urdu and Persian 'diwans'.
The large main hall is un-elaborate except for the open central shrine,where a sculpted bronze cupola hangs over a smaller golden dome under which silk sheets are spread out and covered with flowers. This shrine is the scene of constant devotional music,whose ethereal tones are relayed throughout the entire complex.
Gurdwara has also got a trough that stores the holy water known as 'Amrit' or nectar,which when consumed is believed to cure the diseases of the sick. Gurdwara also has a sarovar or a holy pond,where people take a holy dip and pray to the Guru. Raja Jai Singh dedicated this palace in the memory of the Guru Sahib,which is today famous as Gurudwara Bangla Sahib.
Modern Delhi, or Delhi as it is called, centers around Rashtrapati Bhawan. It is architecturally a very impressive building standing at a height, flowing down as it were to India Gate. This stretch called the Rajpath is where the Republic Day parade is held. The imposing plan of this area conceived by Lutyens does not fade in its charm with the numerous summers or winters that go past.
Recorded history exists from the 11th century when Dillika, as this little town was known, found its focal point south of where it is now. This kingdom was known as Lal Kot. The famous ruler of this line of Tomars was called Prithvi Raj Chauhan. He is said to have built many temples and a huge fort called Qila Rai Pithora. However, their 200-year-old rule culminated with the arrival of the first set of invaders—the Slave Dynasty. One of the rulers of this dynasty, Qutub-ud-din Aibak, built the tall Qutab Minar. The Qutab Minar has five floors. It is 72.55-m high with a base diameter of 14.40 tapering to 2.4 m at the top. Delhi remains the center of power. Once it was a city of royal power. Then it became the seat of colonial power. Later it was the seat of bureaucratic power. The seat of political power it has always been. Today it is emerging as an important center for corporate power too. The most fascinating aspect of this city is its cosmopolitan nature. You can find the whole of India in its little colonies and structures. Contemporary times will be far more difficult to record for tomorrow’s history.
Lesser Known Monuments of Delhi
Gandhi Smriti Museum
Tour to Gandhi Smriti During his last days, Mahatma Gandhi lived in the Birla House on Tees January Marg. It was a huge colonial bungalow designed by a French architect for the famous Indian industrialist G. D. R. Birla. Gandhi's bedroom is kept the way as he left it. There 11 items in totality including his glasses and the walking stick. This place is known as Gandhi Smriti Museum and the government's official museum dedicated to the Mahatma. The pictures and the texts tell about the life of Gandhi as well as the independence movement. A collection of dioramas presents the events in the life of Gandhi. There are 10 different documentaries available on request for viewing. A sober prayer ground is in the back of the garden. An eternal flame marks this place where Gandhi expired in the back garden. A gallery has memorabilia of Mahatma Gandhi including an exhibition of dolls created by Sushila Gokhale and donated by the Gandhi Exhibition Trust, Mumbai.National Gandhi Museum
The origin of National Gandhi Museum traced to the period soon after the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi on January 30, 1948. The Hriday Kunj is outside the main building. It is the replica of the complex with similar name in the Sabarmati Ashram. Gandhi's room is fully furnished. However, Kasturba, his wife's room was bare. A courtyard faces her room. A kitchen and a guest room are the part of the complex.The slow process of collecting and preserving the personal relics, manuscripts, books, journals and documents, photographic and audio-visual material for the Museum on the life, philosophy and work of Mahatma Gandhi. It began in a modest way in Mumbai. The work was later shifted to Delhi and in early 1951; the nucleus of a Museum on Gandhi was set up in the Government hutments adjoining Kota House. Later still, in mid-1957, it was shifted to the colorful old mansion at 5, Mansingh Road. It was finally shifted to its present new and permanent home, most appropriately built opposite the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi in 1959. The imposing two storey Museum was formally inaugurated by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the President of India on January 30, 1961. The Museum was named 'Gandhi Memorial Museum' (Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya), now commonly known as 'National Gandhi Museum' (Rashtriya Gandhi Sangrahalaya).
The museum has a charkha or spinning wheel section. It displays different types of spinning wheels. A huge hall exhibits photographs of Gandhi's life from a very young age. A new gallery exhibits his personal belongings like towel, clothes, pen and barrister box. There is a gallery, which contains paintings on Gandhi made by various artists. One work is on peanut and another of wire on wood. A batik piece and a tapestry from Kashmir are also there. A glass case contains the white garment Gandhiji had worn when he was shot.
Masjid Moth
Tour to Masjid Moth The Masjid Moth was built by Wazir Miya Bhoiya, the minister of king Sikander Lodhi, during the 16th century AD. It is located between the present day Uday Park and the South Extension Part II area of South Delhi. There is an interesting story regarding the construction of the mosque. The land on which mosque was built was a forest land.On one particular day Miya Bhoiya was strolling along with the king when the King suddenly bent down and picked up a grain of lentil or the moth ki dal. The king then presented the grain to his minister, Wazir Miya Bhoiya. Amazed at the gift given to him, the minister accepted it with matching humility and gratitude. On going home, the minister spent the whole night speculating over what should or could be done with the gift that had been bestowed on him by the king. Initially he thought that the grain should be thrown away. He, later, realized that if it were thrown away, then it would amount to disrespect to his king. So he thought of the ways to ensure that it should be protected in the proper manner. As dawn broke, the minister felt that it would be a good idea to plant the grain in his garden, which was quite huge. After that, he sowed the seed in the ground and dug the ground often to check if the seed was intact. He did not have to do it for long as the seedling grew with remarkable speed. In the first year itself, it gave as many as 200 grains of yield. Within a few years, the minister had multiplied the produce so much that history records a seed revolution. There was so much surplus that the minister decided to build a masjid from the income that came from the produce of moth. After the mosque was complete, he went to Sultan Sikander and invited him to visit the monument built from his gift. So pleased was the King with the minister that he even named the building, Moth ki Masjid or the Mosque from the Moth Lentil.
Agar Sain Ki Baoli
The Agar Sain ki Baoli is a short walk from Jantar Mantar towards Kasturba Gandhi Marg. It is a small structure built of rubble and dressed stone. It was once known as a citadel of peace. The baoli is shaded by a massive neem tree from the side where it has no roof. The northern end of the baoli is a raised platform, which is roofed. Baoli is a stepped well to store natural water, constructed in a manner whereby one could get water and also resting space for a traveler. The Agar Sain ki baoli has five levels where each level has an arched area, which was used as a resting place. The center of the well has water and the water is also linked to a well dug in a covered platform.The story behind the beautifully constructed well is a mystery since there are no historical records to give an insight into who built it. Legends say that it was constructed by a king called Agar Sain who ruled over Agra many centuries before Sikander Lodi of the Lodi dynasty. The king was a frequent traveler to Delhi and thought it fit to construct a place where one could rest in cool environs. Some legends tell us that the name could have been derived from Ugar Sain, who was supposed to be the father of Kamsa, the uncle of Krishna. The Agar Sain ki baoli is a wonderful example of the stepped wells constructed during the past but continues to remain neglected and uncared for. Such structures definitely are among the many things that tourists especially those coming from across the seas would like to admire if for nothing but the novelty of the concept.
Hauz-i-Alai Hauz Khas Pond
The city of Delhi is bestowed with many ancient water reservoirs called baolis. The kings of various dynasties that ruled this historic city built them. A baoli or step-well consists of two parts: a vertical shaft from which water is drawn and the surrounding inclined subterranean passageways, chambers and steps, which provide access to the well. The galleries and chambers surrounding these wells were often carved profusely with elaborate detail. They played the role of resting place for the travelers during summers. The Hauz-I-Alai or the Hauz Khas Pond is a large reservoir constructed by Alauddin Khilji (1296-1316 AD). It went into disuse soon after his death in 1316 AD. Feroz Shah Tughlaq rebuilt it during his reign almost 50 years later.The Hauz-I-Alai was magnificent structure enclosed by masonry walls. It had dried up and lay almost buried under wild growth and some cultivation till Firoz Shah Tughlaq chanced upon it one day. He prided it as one his major achievements to have been able to excavate the pond, cleaned and filled it with water once again. The place came to be known as the Hauz Khas when Firoz Shah built a college at one end and the building started looking magnificent. The enclosure, which is irregular, was like the pond also enclosed by stone and cement. Firoz Shah's tomb is also in the complex. Today while there is little water, the lake's area is evident. Delhi Tourism holds some entertainment programmes there and Alauddin's tank now serves as an excellent backdrop to cultural events.
Gates of Delhi
Tour to Lal Kot Delhi was described as the city of "seven castles an fifty two gates' by a European merchant, Finch in 1611 AD. Today, only 13 gates exist and can be identified. A few of them are in ruins while many are in fair conditions of preservation.Lal Kot was built by the Tomar ruler Anangpal I in about 731 A.D and rebuilt by Anangpal II in 11th century when he transferred the Capital from Kannauj to Delhi. The Chauhans defeated the Tomars in 12th century AD. Prithviraj extended the old city of Lal Kot and added ramparts and moat. It came to be known as Qila-I-Rai Pithora, the first city of Delhi. Lal Kot was an oblong structure having seven gates-Sohna, Ranjit, Ghazni, Hauz Rani, Barka, Budaun and Maya. The traces of Hauz Rani, Barka and Buduan can still be seen around the remains of the Lal Kot in the present Mehrauli area.
Alai Darwaza is the southern gateway to the extended Quwwatul Islam mosque and is described as one of the most treasured gems of Islamic architecture. It was built by Alauddin Khalji in 1311AD. It is the first building, which used true Islamic architectural principles of accurate construction and geometric ornamentation. The darwaza is a square, domed building with intricate carvings in red sandstone and marble. It is also the first building to have a horse shoe shaped arch and a dome. Alai Darwaza Talaq-I-Darwaza is the northern gate of Purana Qila. It was built around 1533-34 AD. It is one of the most exquisite gateways in Delhi and was aligned with the central vista by Sir Edwin Lutyens. It was made of random rubble with dressed stone facing. The gate consists of a lofty arch with two smaller arched openings within. The second floor of the gate has two openings. The gate is flanked by two circular bastions, which have high ceiling rooms. Humayun Darwaza is the southern gate of the Old Fort. It is called Humayun Gate probably because Humayun constructed it or the tomb of Humayun is visible from there. The entry into Old Fort is through the third gate called Bara Darwaza.
The Khooni Darwaza was a building belonging to Sher Shah Suri's reign and situated opposite the Ferozeshah Kotla It was known as the Kabuli Darwaza because caravans to Afghanistan passed through this. The gateway is 15.5 m high and built of Delhi quartzite stone it has three staircases leading to different levels of the gate. The gate became popular as the Khooni Darwaza during the Moghul days. Though even in Sher Shah's time, it was used presumably both as an outpost and the place where heads of criminals were exhibited, since it was on the outskirts of the city. Emperor Jahangir, in the early decades of the 17th century AD, ordered the killing of the two sons of Abdur Rahim Khan-e-Khanan here on the charges of being the traitors. The bodies of the Khan-e-Khanan's sons were left here to be eaten by birds of prey. Aurangzeb hanged the head of his elder brother Dara Shikoh at the gate after he ousted his father Shahjahan. The Lal Darwaza was opposite the Old Fort or the Purana Qila. It is also called the Sher Shah Gate. It is a double-storeyed structure build of red sandstone and gray quartzite.
On September 22, 1857 Major Hodson murdered the sons of Bahadur Shah Zafar, Mirza Mughal and Mirza Khizr Sultan and grandson Mirza Abu Bakar, at the gate after the king's surrender to the British. The princes were brought from Humayun's Tomb in Nizamuddin where Zafar had taken refuge in a bullock cart. The Khooni Darwaza saw bloodshed again during the riots of 1947. Many refugees were murdered here while they were proceeding towards Purana Qila for their safety.
The Delhi Gate is a southern gateway to the Red Fort. It was build by Shahjahan between 1639-48. It was built of random rubble and stone. The gate was used by the emperor when he proceeded towards the Jama Masjid for the prayer. It is one of the important gates of the Red Fort. It is simple in design and made of locally available stone. Two large elephants adjacent to the gate can be seen. The Ajmeri Gate is one of the gates of the city Shahjahanabad. The original structure has not much altered over the years. It opens towards Ajmer and thus called Ajmeri Gate. The Turkman Gate is on the left side of present Ramlila ground. The gate surrounds the grave of Shah Turkman Balpabani. Bier-shaped tomb covers the grave of Shah Turkman. It was built of stone and mortar. It was originally fenced with a railing of marble.
The Nigambodh Gate is situated at the northeastern point of the city. This place dates back to the days of the Mahabharata and the Hindu period. The original ghat extended towards the gate and near the Saleemgarh fort. According to legends, Brahma took a plunge into the river to recover his lost memory and not only recovered it but also discovered where he had kept his sacred books. The name Nigambodh is derived from Nigam signifying the Ved and Bodak the knowledge. The Kashmiri Gate or double gateway was another gate built by Shahjahan. The gate gained strategic importance during the 'Mutiny'. During 1857, the British used this entrance in order to prevent the mutineers from entering the city. The gate walls, damaged by cannon balls, bare witness to the fury of the battle.The ruins of Mori Gate are only visible from the gaps in the walls, which flank the road leading to the railway line, laid by the British, from Calcutta to Delhi. This gate was demolished in 1867 in order to allow easy movement to traffic after the Mutiny.
Tripolia Darwaza or the triple gateway was built during the later Mughal period by Nazir Mahaldar Khan in 1728-29 AD. The gateway was built of brick and layers of sandstone. It is unique in its design as no other gateway in Delhi has a triple passage. The only other gateway with more than one passage is the Kashmiri Gate. Tour to India Gate Delhi India Gate is located in Rajpath and was the first gate to be constructed in the Delhi. It was built as a War Memorial to commemorate the death of 90,000 India soldiers, who were killed in the North West Province during the First World War and the Afghan Fiasco of 1919. The Duke of Connaught laid the foundation of this Memorial on 10th February 1921. The India Gate was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and was completed in 1931. The gate is built of sandstone rising to a height of 160 ft. the height of the arch is 136' externally and 87'6" internally.
The names of the soldiers are inscribed on the walls of the gate. An eternal flame called Amar Jawan Jyoti is always burning to honor the soldiers who were killed in the 1971 war with Pakistan. A red sandstone canopy also designed by Lutyens stands nearby, which once housed the statue of King George V. it has now been removed from there.
Majnu-ka-Tila, Delhi
A fakir lived on the banks of river Yamuna during the reign of Sultan Sikander Lodhi. He used to carry people across the river in his boat free of charge. He used to spend most of his time in prayers and meditation and yearned for the glimpse of the God. He was so much lost in his own thoughts often fasted. As a result of which he became thin and people started calling him Majnu after the Persian lover whose name became symbolic of intense love in mysticism in the Sufi literature. Majnu Ka Tila Delhi One day, the fakir met Guru Nanak who blessed him and after that he achieved supreme enlightenment. He became the disciple of the Guru. His hermitage on the banks of the river Yamuna thereafter came to be known as Majnu-Ka-Tila. Many yogis, sufis and fakirs came to hold spiritual discourses with Guru Nanak at this place. Most prominent among them was the Sajadanahin of famous Saint Nizamuddin Auliya. He was deeply influenced by the teaching of Guru Nanak.When Guru Har Gobind, the Sixth Guru, was invited by Emperor Jahangir he stayed at Majnu-Ka-Tila. Guru Har Gobind starter preaching his name and many people thronged to him to listen to his spiritual discourses. The Emperor became suspicious and imprisoned him in the Fort of Gwalior. After his release from the prison, Guru Har Gobind again stayed at Majnu-Ka-Tila on his way back to Punjab. Thus, the shrine gained great importance and a gurudwara was constructed. There is a well in the gurudwara compound. Sardar Baghel Singh who came to Delhi in 1783 AD encamped at Majnu-Ka-Tila. He raised a small structure at this sacred place in the memory of the Sikh Gurus. The marble gurudwara was constructed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, parts of which can be seen even today. He also endowed it with a Jagir, the income from which was used for the maintenance of the gurudwara. The present building constructed in 1950.
Mosque of Makhdum Sabzwari
The mosque of Makhdum Sabzwari is located at the Mayfair Gardens in Delhi. The mosque was built in the 15th century AD, during the invasion of India by Timur who was a Muslim ruler from central Asia. The mosque of Makhdum Sabzwari is a mix of Indian and Pathan style of architecture. The sloping walls, squat domes, negligible ornamentation and simple severity of outline combine together to give buildings a stern look. The interior of the mosque is made in typical Islamic style. The mosque is a typical evidence of the gradual inter-mingling of the indigenous elements with the Islamic architectural styles by the Muslim invaders in India.The remarkable feature of the mosque is the concept of the enclosed space. There is a rectangular open space defined by arched openings on three sides known as iwans for congregational prayer, which give the delusion of both openness and enclosure. The iwans on the western wall are given more prominence. The prayer chamber is divided into seven alcoves internally. The central one and the two at the extreme ends are domed. The domes are low set and impart solidity and sternness to the entire structure. The building is constructed of rubble masonry coated with plaster. The pillars of the arched openings are made of hard compact granite squared into large masses. The western façade also has two slender turret-like structures on either side of the main dome and one on each of the ends. There are no minarets for the muezzin to summon for the prayer.
The gate of the mosque is built in the Hindu style. The gateway, with its typically Hindu style arch and pillar is reminiscent of a temple. It has a short squat dome on top and a passage allowing access through the northern side of the mosque. Incidentally, the enclosure has only one entrance, which has been barricaded by a rickety wooden gate painted blue.
The inside of the building is at once harmonious and yet articulated towards the mihrab or niche in the qibla wall. The mihrab is simply a recess or alcove indicating the qibla or direction for prayer. On the right side of the mihrab is the mimbar of pulpit from where the prayer leader or imam could address the congregation.
The arches, pillars, the red sandstone dripstones, the moldings and brackets speak of the admixture of two styles of architecture. The external walls of the iwans and the vaulted insides of the domes bear show of inscriptions carved in plaster, the quality of which is so good that the distinctness of the lines is perfect to this day. There are two narrow domes hujras or cells on either side of the open pillared cloisters, which probably served as secluded chambers for performing austerities or meditation. One of them still has remnants of an intricate red sandstone jaali (lattice-work).
A walled graveyard faces the mosque. The grave of the saint Makhdum Sabzwari is over a raised platform facing a spacious courtyard lined on three sides by pillared cloisters, which form part of mosque. The funerary garden, or rawda, is traditionally organized around a focal point called baraka. The focus here is the tomb of the saint. The walled enclosure containing the grave of Makhdum Sahib is, however, a humble and modest one. Practically nothing is known of the Sufi saint who lies buried here.
The plaster on the grave has fallen away in places, divulging the bare bricks that stick out. The canopy or chhatri that covers the grave still has remnants of some beautiful blue inlay work that is visible only in patches now on the lintels and the crown of the dome. The dargah and mosque of Makhdum Sabzwari is in a state of reasonably good preservation. In this regard a big deal is to be said for the solidness of the structure. Like other Pathan buildings, this too is no less remarkable for its durability and simplicity as well as uniqueness of form in which it differ in a striking degree from the Mughal architecture.
Neharwali Haveli (Birth Place of a President.
The Neharwali Haveli in the Pratap Street of Gola Market in Darya Ganj area of Delhi is the birthplace of General Pervez Musharraf. Over the period of time, the original structure of the haveli has given way to rapid modernization. The courtyard of the haveli has given way to a famous theatre, Golcha. The haveli was built over a sprawling complex spread in Kucha Sadullah Khan in the crowded Faiz Bazaar area. It is a complex with four storeyes builds on 700 sq. yards.
Neharwali Haveli The original haveli was built according to late Mughal architectural style. Arches of the courtyard of the haveli and the intricate jali or latticework are the only structural remains of the old building. The haveli has now been converted into a residential complex. The arches display little of the craftsmanship that Mughal architecture is known for. The jalis were used as zanan khana for the women during the Mughal era. Red sandstone jalis have lost their original luster and color as the present owners have painted them white.
There are eight divisions of the haveli and around 28 families and individuals live there these days. The ground portions are taken over by more than 40 dimly lit shops. Another portion of the haveli, occupied by the Golas, has been turned into a commercial complex The original structure had been bifurcated into two parts and was occupied by two families. In one portion, President Musharraf's grandmother Ameena Begum and her sister lived while Musharraf's granduncles and Ameena's brothers, Motmanuddin Ahmed, Qazi Mohammed Nizamuddin Ahmed and Qazi Mugheezmuddin Ahmed, occupied the other. President Musharraf's father is believed to have inherited this portion from his mother, Ameena Begum, who received it from her father Motmanuddin. The third portion of the same haveli had gone off to another sister of hers, Sayyeda.
Rajesh Jain, a chartered accountant, claims to be living in the portion of Sayyeda these days. The three Gola brothers, Rakesh, Sandeep and Hem Chand, claim that their father, Prem Chand Gola, had bought this haveli from Husna Begum, a paternal aunt of the General, with the registered price of Rs. 65,000 in 1946.
As part of the preparations for the visit, a special stone structure has been constructed at the entrance of the haveli.
Havelis
One of the major attractions of Delhi are its large number of havelis,which are an important part of the historical and cultural heritage of Delhi. Delhi was ruled by a series of muslim dynasties,each of whom imparted a different artistic style to the city - Khiljis,Tughlaqs,Sayyeds and Lodhis. During the Mughal and English tenure,Delhi was in fact a city of havelis that have now been converted into commercial buildings and offices.The major havelis include Seth Chhunnamal ki Haveli,Hakeem Ahsanullah Khan ki Haveli,Haksar ki Haveli where Pt Jawaharlal Nehru got married to Kamala Nehru,Namak Haram ki Haveli named after a traitor Bhuwani Shankar in Chandni Chawk,Haveli Zeenat Mahal,Mirza Ghalib ki Haveli,Haveli Hissamuddin Haider. Except Chunnamal Id Haveli,most of the havelis are on the point of ruin. Begum Samru's Kothi : It is a large,elegant building near Chandni Chowk,today popularly known as Bhaghirath Palace. This Haveli was built in the classical style and owned by Begum Samru. It was a very beautifully decorated building,and used to have marble baths inside. Namak Haram Ki Haveli ( The Traitor's Mansion ) : Namak Haram Ki Havel was owned by Bhawani Shankar,one of the most trusted companions of Jaswant Rao a great Maratha warrior. Bhawani Shankar later deserted him and went over to the British side. Thus he was called a traitor and hence,the strange name for his haveli. Haider Quli Ki Haveli : The Mansion Of Haider Quli is spread over many square feet near the Fatehpuri Mosque. Haider Quli was the Commander-of-Artillery in the court of the Mughal Emperor,Mohammad Shah Rangila. But today his haveli has been replaced by houses. Haveli Of Hakeem Ashanullah Khan : Hakeem Ashanullah Khan was a personal physician of the emperor Bahdur Shah Zafar. His Haveli was a fortress for those who were able to hide themselves here in the 'ghadar'- the Sepoy Mutiny time. The mansion is spread over 2,000-square-yards. It was because of the orders of the Hakeem that Ghalib was given the scholarship to write the history of the Mughal dynasty. Haveli Of Zeenat Mahal : Zeenat Mahal was the wife of Bahadur Shah Zafar. The Haveli of Zeenat Mahal today is a mansion in disarray. Today it is occupied by has mundane shops. and is occupied by a grinder factory for spices,a girls' school,a milk shop,a nursery for children and some houses. It used to be a massive mansion spread over almost four acres. Ghalib's Hakimon Ki Haveli : Ghalib lived in this Haveli for almost all his life after he came from Agra. Ghalib's Hakimon ki Haveli at Gali Qasimjan in Ballimaran is in shambles today. Living in this Haveli he wrote his Urdu and Persian 'diwans'.
Bangla Sahib Gurudwara
Bangla Sahib Gurudwara was built in the memory of the 8th Sikh Guru,Sri Harkishen Sahib. Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is one of the important historical Gurdwaras in Delhi.The large main hall is un-elaborate except for the open central shrine,where a sculpted bronze cupola hangs over a smaller golden dome under which silk sheets are spread out and covered with flowers. This shrine is the scene of constant devotional music,whose ethereal tones are relayed throughout the entire complex.
Gurdwara has also got a trough that stores the holy water known as 'Amrit' or nectar,which when consumed is believed to cure the diseases of the sick. Gurdwara also has a sarovar or a holy pond,where people take a holy dip and pray to the Guru. Raja Jai Singh dedicated this palace in the memory of the Guru Sahib,which is today famous as Gurudwara Bangla Sahib.
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 Photo by : vaibhav_patel in Flickr |
 Photo by : vaibhav_patel in Flickr |
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 Photo by : vinia05 in webshots |
Photo by : in webshots |
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