Delhi

1. Qutab Minar and Smith’s Folly ~ An Architectural Disaster:

Qutub Minar complex houses several structure, some dating back even beyond the days of the Qutab Minar, while some are just over a century old. Smith’s Folly is one such structure. In 1803 the Qutub Minar was severely damaged in a earthquake. Major Robert Smith was appointed to restore the Qutab Minar. Major Smith in his restoration process crowned the Qutub Minar with a Bengali style Chatri, thus creating an architectural blunder. The folly was removed in 1848 nduring the time of Viceroy Lord Harding, and placed at the corner of Qutab Complex, where it can still be seen. It christened the Smith’s Folly. Read more…

2. Barber’s Tomb ~ Humayun’s Tomb Complex, Delhi:

Kings and queens have their magnificent tombs so does their brothers, sisters and cousins. Tombs of favorite ministers and even dogs are also not uncommon. But a tomb of Emperor’s favorite barber is something rarely heard of. Humayun the second of great Mughal ruler honored his favorite barber with a beautiful tomb, located next to his very own magnificent mosuleum. Located towards the south – east of the Humayun’s Tomb stands a slender, elegant domed structure commonly known as the Nai – Ki – Gumbad, literally meaning the Barber’s tomb. No one knows who are burried inside this picturesque tomb of red and grey sand stone. Popular myth is that the tomb is dedicated to Mughal emperor Humayun’s royal barber & was commissioned by emperor Akbar. Read more …

3. Sabz Burj (Green Dome):

Sabuz Burz is a unknown tomb located on a grassy traffic island at the junction of Mathura Road and Lodi Road. Contrary to the name Sabz Burj, which literally means green dome, the tomb is crowned with a dazzling blue dome. The octagonal tomb with with alternate wide and narrow sides follow the Baghadid Tomb architecture style. All the eight sides are marked with high recessed arches and it is crowned with a high drummed double domed. Although nothing much is known about the history of the tomb historians consider it to be a early Mughal period tomb as its more Central Asian than Mughal in architecture.Read more…

4. Safdarjung’s Tomb:

Located at the heart of Delhi, the Safdarjung’s Tomb is the last of the Mughal styled mausoleum, complete with the Mughal style charbagh garden. Safdarjung’s mausoleum is built in the lines of the Humayun’s mausoleum, the first example of mature Mughal Architecture in India. Sadly Safdarjung’s mausoleum, lacks the beauty, grace and elegance of its former counterpart. In spite of all its weakness, the Safdarjung’s tomb has the distinction of being the last of the Mughal styled mausoleum of India. Read more…

5. Abdul Rahim Khan – i – Khanan’s Tomb:

Abdul Rahim (1556 – 1626), popularly known as Rahim, was a poet and philosopher and was one of the Navaratnas (Nine Gems) of Akbar’s court. Located just south of the Humayun’s Tomb complex Rahim Khan’s Tomb looks decapitated and abandoned. Only traces of sandstone and marble can be found on the outer walls of the Tomb. Literally the tomb was stripped of its marble, sandstone and all ornamentation for the construction of the nearby Safdarjung’s Tomb. Read more…

6. Jahaz Mahal and Hauz – i – Shamsi, Mehrauli, Delhi:

Located deep inside the Mehrauli area of South Delhi and approachable from the Darga of Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki by a complex network of lanes and by – lanes is the Jahaz Mahal, literally meaning the Ship Palace. Although in ruins the Jahaz Mahal, towers like a ship over the congested and overcrowded Mehrauli neighborhood. Located next to the Jahaz Mahl is a huge lake called Hauz – i – Shamsi. Read more…

7. World War I (WWI) Plaque, Mehrauli, Delhi:

13 lakh Indian soldiers joined the British and the allied forces against the Germans and Turks during the Great War of 1914 – 18. 74,000 Indian soldiers during the World War I (WWI). The plaque is only a century old and is dedicated to the Indian soldiers from Mehrauli and Badarpur, who for the British during the World War I (WWI). Read more…

8. Zafar Mahal and Moti Masjid, Mehrauli, Delhi:

Zafar Mahal, named after the last Mughal ruler Bahadur Shah II and constructed by the second last Mughal ruler Akbar II happens to be the last major structure to be constructed by the Mughals in India. Bahadur Shah II added the gigantic Hati (elephant) gate to the summer palace, which allowed elephants to pass through it. Read more…

9. Azim Khan’s Tomb, Mehrauli, Delhi:

The tomb of Azim Khan (also known as Akbar Khan) is located on a small hillock, overlooking the Delhi – Mehrauli road. The square tomb,crowned with a dome, dates back to the days of the great Mughal Emperor Akbar. Although a prominent landmark of South Delhi, the tomb has been an example of utter neglect and nothing much is known about its historical background. The tomb has been restored recently (in 2010) by ASI who have added a staircase to make the tomb accessible to the public. Read more…

10. Isa Khan’s Tomb, Humayun’s Tomb Complex, Delhi:

Although located inside the Humayun’s Tomb Complex, Isa Khan’s Tomb predates the Humayun’s Tomb by almost two decades. Isa Khan Naizi (1453 – 1548) was a nobleman in the courts of Sher Shah Suri and his son Islam Shah Suri. The octagonal Isa Khan’s tomb lies in a octagonal enclosure and is approached through an arched gateway. The complex also houses a mosque dating back to the same period. Read more…

11. Rajon Ki Baoli, Mehrauli Archaeological Park:

The magnificent  step well of Rajon Ki Boali was constructed by Dalut Khan during the reign of Sikandar Lodhi (1489 – 1517). The step well of Rajon Ki Baoli has been restored in the early 2000 by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) with the assistance of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The four stage Rajon Ki Boli follows the conventional U – shaped pattern of step well. The Rajon Ki Baoli also houses a mosque and a domed pavilion in the complex. Read more…

12. Gandhak Ki Baoli, Mehrauli:

Located at the southern end of the Mehrauli Archaeological Park, in South Delhi, Rajan Ki Baoli is a step well constructed during the reign of Sultan Samshuddin Iltutmish (1296 – 1316). As the name suggest Gandhak Ki Baoli contains water rich in sulpher and is beneficial for people with skin decease. Even today Gandhak Ki Baoli contains water during the monson months and often used as a swimming pool by the local kids of Mehrauli. Read more…

13. Adam Khan’s Tomb, Mehrauli, Delhi:

Adam Khan’s Tomb stands next to the crowded bus terminus of Mehruli, Delhi. Adam Khan was the general in Akbar’s army and murdered Ataga Khan, the Prime Minister of Akbar. Akabr had Adam Khan killed by throwing him from the rampant of Agra Fort. Later Akbar build a magnificent octagonal tomb for Adam Khan, which stands to this day. Read more…

14. Lodi Period Tomb, Lado Sarai:

The small non – descriptive tomb lies on a small Delhi Development Authority (DDA) Park at the crossing of Mehrauli – Mahipalpur and Mehrauli – Badarpur Roads in the Lado Sarai region of South Delhi. Although nothing is known about the tombs original occupant, but it has been encroached upon by intruders for centuries. In 2002 Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) along with Delhi Development Authority (DDA) took up the initiative of restoring the unknown Lodi Period Tomb of Lado Sarai. Read more…

15. Quli Khan’s Tomb, Mehrauli:

The octagonal Tomb of Mohammad Quli Khan, was converted into a garden house, in about 1830s, by Sir Thomas Theophilus Metcalf, civil servant and agent of the Governor General of India at the imperial court of the last Mughal Enperor Bahadur Shah Zafar. The Tomb of Quli Khan has been restored to its former glory, can be considered as one of the most stunning tombs of Delhi. The tomb stands on a high plinth and is approached by a flight of stairs. Its is octagonal on outside and square on inside. Read more…

16. Dargah of Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki, Mehrauli:

Qutb Minar, one of Delhi’s most iconic land mark, was started by Qubuddin Aibak and was completed by his successor Iltutmish, but with was not named after the founder of the slave dynasty Qutbuddin Aibak, but after a Sufi Saint Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki. Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki was a Muslim Sufi mystic of Chishti order. He played a great role in establishing the order in and around Delhi and also has the distinction of having the oldest dargah of Delhi. Read more…

17. Ghiyas-ud-din Balban’s Tomb, Mehrauli Archeological Park:

Ghiyas-ud-din Balban was the ninth and the last major ruler of the famed slave dynasty. A Turk by origin Balban had a humble beginning as a water carrier boy, who was captured by the Mongols and sold as a slave in the bazars of Ghazni, Afghanistan.What makes Balban’s tomb unique is that it is the first structure in the sub continent to have a true arch and a true dome. Read more…

18. India Gate, Rajpath (Kingsway):

India Gate (originally called the All India War Memorial), the icon of Delhi, stands at the eastern end of Rajpath (formerly Kingsway). India Gate is a memorial to 80,000+ soldiers of the undivided Indian Army who died in the period 1914–21 in the First World War. It is also dedicated to the fallen soldiers of the Third Anglo-Afghan War. Of these 13,000+ names inscribed on the India Gate. The India Gate is designed by Edwin Lutyens, the chief architect of New Delhi. The India Gate stands 42 meters high and is inspired by the Arc-de-Triomphe in Paris. Read more…

19. Baolis (Stepwells) of Delhi:

Even at the beginning of the next century Delhi had more than 100 Baolis (Stepwells) but today there are only about a dozen left. One of the earliest examples of water conservation the Baolis are integral part of Northern and Western India. Apart from providing water Stepwells also served as a place for social gatherings and religious ceremonies. This led to the building of some significant ornamental and architectural features, often associated with dwellings and in urban areas. Read more…

20. A Panoramic Tour of Delhi:

A compilation of panoramic photos of the monuments of Delhi covering Feroz Shah Kotla, Isa Khan’s Tomb, Jantar Mantar, Lodi Garden, Safdarjung’s Tomb, Zafar Mahal, Tuglaqabad and Adilabad Fort. This is a compilation post and not exhaustive and it would be updated from time to time. Read more… 

21. Lodi Gardens, an combination amazing of heritage and nature:

Lodi Garden, is an urban open space located at the heart of Delhi. The Lodi Garden covers an area of 90 acres. The Lodi Garden is a beautiful landscaped park complete with lawns, flowerbeds, ponds and bridges. It is a favorite for morning walkers and have jogging tracks along with paved walking paths. The park is best visited in the morning hours. Lodi Garden contains several monuments dating back to the Sayyid Dynasty (1414 – 51), and Lodi Dynasty (1451 – 1526). There are even a few dating back to later periods. Read more…

22. A Historic trail along North Ridge (Kamala nehru Ridge), Delhi:

Delhi Ridge, or simply The Ridge, is a an extension of the ancient Aravalli Range and runs through the heart of the National Capital Territory (NCR) of Delhi. The Delhi Ridge covers a distance of about 35 km and refereed to as the green lung of Delhi and protects the city from the hot winds of the deserts of Rajasthan. The Delhi Ridge is divided into four regions and the North Ridge is the smallest of the four. The North Ridge also known as the Kamala Nehru Ridge contains several monuments like the Mutiny Memorial, Ashokan Pillar, Pir Gahib, Chauburja Mosque and Flagstaff Tower. Read more…

23. Adilabad Fort and Nai ka Kot, near Tughlaqabad Fort:

Just south of the fortified citadel of the mighty Tughlaqabad lies the small and lesser known forts of Adilabadand Nai ka Kot. Both the forts were constructed by Muhammad bin Tughluq. Although much smaller in size than the neighbouring Tughlaqabad Fort, the Adilabad Fort follows a similar plan and can be considered as a scaled down version of Tughluqbad Fort. The Adilabad Fort is well maintained with landsaped gardens and manicured lawns on the other hand the Nai ka Kot lies in utter neglect. Read more…

24. Agrasen ki Baoli, the most ornate baoli of Delhi:

Although Delhi has more than a dozen stepwells the Agrasen ki Baoli, also called Ugrasen ki Baoli stands out. It is one of the largest and definitely the most ornate stepwell of Delhi and the definitely the most visited baoli in Delhi. It is located at the very heart of Delhi on Haley Lane, just off the Haley Road and behind the Banga Bhagabawan, and is located at a walking distance from both Connaught Place and India Gate.Even though easily accessible Agrsen ki Baoli remains hidden behind the modern tall buildings and the old bungalows of Luytens’ Delhi. Read more…

25. Khooni Darwaza, a tale of a notorious gate:

On 22 September 1857, as a retaliation of Sepoy Mutiny, General Hodson, shot dead the three Mughal princes in cold blood in front of the towering arched gateway, which later came on to be known as the Khooni Darwaza. Today the notorious Khooni Darwaza stands on a traffic divider opposite the Feroze Shah Kotla, the fifth city of Delhi. The 15.5 meter double storied structure is made of Delhi quartzite stone and is topped with battlements. The windows and the archways have red sandstone ornamentation. Three are three different sets of stairways leading to different levels of the gateway, but these are kept under lock & key. Read more…

26. Dwarka Baoli, a recently discovered stepwell:

Only about a dozen of 100+ baolis (stepwell) have survived to this day and most of them are located in the central, south and south eastern part of Delhi. The newly developed posh Darwaka area in south west Delhi is the most unlikely place for an ancient Baoli. It was only in 2011 the Dwarka Baoli was again rediscovered from under a foliage of thick vegetation and undergrowth and hidden behind a large group of tall trees. The 22 step stepwell or baoli, made of rubble masonry, measuring 52′ by 16′ 6″. The well, now covered by an iron grill, is situated on the southern end of the baoli. The side wall contains two sets of recessed arches.. Read more…

27. Feroz Shah Kotla (Ferozabad) fifth citadel of Delhi:

Feroz Shah Tughlaq (Reign 1351 – 88), the third ruler of the Tughlaq Dynasty  was embarked on a vigorous campaign of construction activity, consisting mainly of public buildings of utilitarian nature. He made 1200 garden around Delhi and is credited with the erection of 200 towns, 40 mosque, 30 villages, 30 reserviors, 50 dams, 100 hospitals, 100 public baths and 150 bridges. In 1354 Feroze Shah Tughlaq built Feroz Shah Kotla or Ferozabad, the fifth citadel of Delhi. Read more…

28. Mutiny Memorial, North Ridge (Kamala Nehru Ridge):

After the Mutiny of 1857 sites related to the Mutiny were preserved and turned into late Victorian tourist attraction. Monuments were erected all over the sub – continent in memory of the Britishers and Indian soldiers who fought for the British. The Mutiny Memorial at North Ridge (Kamala Nehru Ridge) Delhi was the most prominent of the mutiny memorials of the sub continent. Built in Gothic style the Mutiny Memorial is a octagonal tapering tower in red sand stone. It has a richly ornamented faced and is crowned with a marble crucifix. The four tired tower stands on a two tired platform and total height of the tower stands at 33 meters. Flights of stairs on all the four sides of the platform leads to the base of the tower. Read more…

29. Nicholson Cemetery, Kashmiri Gate:

Nicholson Cemetery, near Kashmir Gate, provides an interesting insight into Delhi’s colonial past. The cemetery is the final resting place of hundred of Christians (both British and Indian) and its still in operation. The cemetery in named after Brigadier General John Nicholson, who is often considered by the British as the hero of the Revolt of 1857. Another important person to be buried in the Nicholson Cemetery is Yasudas Ramachandra, professor of Mathematics at Delhi Government College. Master Ramachandra was one of the leading personalities of Delhi in the first half of 19^th century. Read more…

30. Coronation Park:

Delhi Durbar meaning the court of Delhi, was an Indian imperial style mass assembly organised by the British at Coronation Park, Delhi, India, to mark the succession of an Emperor ad Empress of India. Also known as the Imperial Durbar, it was held three times, in 1877, 1903, and 1911. Since 2011 the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has been restoring the park. Paved pathways, manicured lawns, small pavilions, amphitheater, restaurant and interpretation centre are all part of the restoration process. Read more…

31. Mausoleum of Ghiyas ud – Din Tughluq:

The massive fortified Tomb of Ghiyas ud – Din Tughluq lies in the shadows of the massive Tughlaqabad Fort, also a creation of Ghiyas ud – Din Tughluq. Like an umbilical cord, a causeway once linked the mother fort with the miniature fort like tomb of the emperor. The tomb stands on beautiful manicured lawn art the centre of the irregular pentagonal fortification. The tomb was commissioned by Ghiyas ud – Din Tughluq, himself during his lifetime and follows the typical Tughluq style of architecture. The simple red sandstone square tomb with sloping walls is crowned with a massive white marble dome. Read more…

32. Purana Qila, the 6th citadel of Delhi:

Delhi has remained the pivot of north India over a thousand years. The stretch of land bounded by the Aravalli Hills and the Yamuna River enjoyed a strategic advantage linking the north – western mountains to the to the fertile flood plains of the Ganges. Probably the capital of the Pandavas of the epic Mahabharata Indrapasta was located at the same location of  Purana Quila. Purana Qila has been continuously inhabited since 3000 years!!! Later under Humayu and Sher Shah it became the 6th city f Delhi. Read more…

33. Teen Murti Memorial, a WWI memorial:

The Teen Murti Memorial stands in the memory of the fallen cavalry men of the 15th Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade. The brigade consisted of cavalry regiments from the states of Mysore, Jodhpur and Hyderabd along with the detachments of Bhavnagar, Kashmir and Kathiwar. They fought in the Saini, Palestine and Syria region during the Great War of 1914 – 18 (popularly known as the First World War). The triangular obelisk shaped memorial has three life sized statues of three soldiers in the three corners. Read more…

34. Tughlaqabad Fort, the third city of Delhi:

The citadel of Tughlaqabad stretches over 6.5 km in circumference, the enormous structure complete with battlements and bastions dominate a stretch of the Mehrauli – Badarpur Road. Block of massive stones are simply piled one above the other forming walls and bastions, some up which rise to a height of 30 meters. Today 13 of the 52 gates still exist and entrance is through one of these remaining gateways through a causeway. The fort is divided into three parts, the palace, living quarters and the citadel. Large portions of Tughlaqabad is overgrown with thorny bushes making most of the area inaccessible. Read more…

35. Bada Gumbad, Lodi Garden:

Lodi Garden is an urban park at the very heart of Delhi. It is an interesting mix of old and new. It is a beautiful landscaped park complete with lawns, flowerbeds, ponds and bridges. Apart from that it comtains a series of monuments dating back to the Sayyid Dynasty (1414 – 51), and Lodi Dynasty (1451 – 1526). There are even a few dating back to later periods. It is a favorite for morning walkers and have jogging tracks along with paved walking paths. Almost at the centre of Lodi Gardens are two gigantic structures popularly known as Bada Gumbad (Big Dome). Read more…

36. Jantar Mantar, Delhi, an ancient observatory:

Jantar Mantars are ancient observatories constructed between 1724 and 1730 Maharajah Sawaii Jai Singh II of Jaipur. A total of five Jantar Mantars were constructed across north India and were located in Jaipur, Delhi, Ujjani, Varanasi and Mathura. Jantar Mantar literally means a combination of instruments and formulas. Each of the observatories consists of a series of masonry architecture of unique form, each with a specialized function for astronomical measurement. Read more…

37. Monuments of Green Park:

Delhi is literally littered with monuments. Tombs and mosque with crumbling domes and minerates can be found in the most unlikely of places including municipality parks and traffic islands. Green Park, an upscale affluent neighborhood in South Delhi is the most unlikely place for historical ruins. Interestingly this posh Delhi neighborhood houses as many as 5 archaeological sites protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Read more…