Posts Tagged ‘Walking tour’

On the Trail of Sufis & Sultans: Heritage Walk in Mehrauli Archaeological Park, 27Sept15

September 30, 2015 in DHW,Mehrauli Archaeological Park,Mehrauli Archaeological Park Heritage Walks,Walking Tour | Comments (0)

Many of us know that Delhi has the unfortunate title of one of the most polluted cities in the world. However, standing at the gate of Mehrauli Archaeological Park, an expansive 100-acre space, with greenery all around, it’s quite easy to forget about the pollution. To be sure, the park has many stories to tell; the Mehrauli area is the oldest continuously inhabited part of Delhi.  From the 11th century Rajput cities of Lalkot, and Qila Rai Pithora, to monuments from Delhi Sultanate, the Mughal, and the British era— there is perhaps no other place in Delhi with such a diverse history. We started our exploration at Balban’s Tomb, the resting place of the Mamluk king who ruled Delhi in the 13th century. Interestingly, the only grave remaining in the tomb complex is not Balban’s, but that of his son, Khan Shahid. Khan Shahid was not known to be a religious figure, but people do pray in front of his grave, and the enclosure often smells of incense. An example of the past and present interacting— popular memory does not always follow historical accuracy.

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Stories of Shahjahanabad: Heritage Walk in Chandni Chowk, 6sept15

September 8, 2015 in Chandni Chowk,Chandni Chowk Heritage Walks,DHW,Heritage Walks,Old Delhi,Old Delhi Heritage walks,Walking Tour | Comments (1)

This heritage walk explores the history of the city of Shahjahanabad, today, old Delhi or Purani Dilli. The trail focuses on the street of Chandni Chowk which was the main boulevard of the 17th century city, and still remains so. Over a period of 400 years the city has seen many changes, but two events have most prominently shaped it: the suppression of the rebellion of 1857, and the Partition of 1947. Delhi was one of the major centres of the Revolt of 1857. The rebellion was crushed and the Mughal dynasty came to an end. India became a British colony. The British occupied the Red Fort and the city and large parts of the city were flattened. A clearing was created outside Red Fort to provide for firing range, in case of another rebellion; prominent public buildings like Fatehpuri Masjid were razed in this clearance of settlements; the Mughal buildings inside the Fort were pulled down and barracks for British soldiers created. The physical fabric of the city was drastically altered. 1947 saw a massive migration of people across the newly created border. A number of refugee colonies came up to settle the people displaced by Partition. Many of these were built on lands which were part of garden estates of the nobility in Shahjahanabad. Both 1857 & 1947 have had a tremendous impact on the life of the city and as it appears to us today. We also have to keep in mind that in old Delhi many site will have historical associations but the buildings identifying the sites could be fairly recent. This is because it is an area of continuous settlement; people who have lived here have built, repaired and rebuilt on older sites.

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A glimpse of Mehrauli Village

August 26, 2014 in Delhi Heritage Walks,DHW,Heritage Walks,Mehrauli Village,Mehrauli Village Heritage Walks,Walking Tour | Comments (0)

These photographs were taken at the Mehrauli Village heritage walk, 3Aug14, by Tejinder Singh


NatGeo Moment Awards, Instawalk @ Mehrauli, 1mar14

March 12, 2014 in Delhi Heritage Walks,DHW,Heritage sites in Delhi,Heritage Walks,Mehrauli Archaeological Park,Mehrauli Archaeological Park Heritage Walks,Monuments of Delhi,Walking Tour | Comments (0)

Pictures from Instawalk organised for NatGeo channel for the NatGeo Moment Awards 2014. This event was exclusively for 20 odd people selected for participation by NatGeo. The heritage walk + photography event (thus, the name, Instawalk) was organised at Mehrauli Archaeological Park & was led by our team member, Moby Zachariah. The walking tour included Balban’s tomb, Jamali Kamali Mosque & tomb, Thomas Metcalfe’s estate called Dilkusha & a stepwell called Rajon ki Baoli. The pics are by Kavita Singh, another team member at Delhi Heritage Walks. Thanks all for joining!

 

 


Of Sayyids & Lodis: heritage walk in Lodi Garden, 9feb14

February 18, 2014 in Delhi Heritage Walks,DHW,Heritage sites in Delhi,Heritage Walks,Lodi Garden,Lodi Garden Heritage Walks,Monuments of Delhi,Walking Tour | Comments (0)

A park in Delhi’s heart, Lodi Garden has something to offer for everyone: it has a cluster of medieval structures, a bonsai park, a lake with ducks & aquatic birds, butterfly conservatory, trees, birds, butterflies- you name it. This variety is not limited to flora & fauna, but extends to people too: joggers, poets, yoga practitioners, pet lovers, families on picnics, painters & lovers all lay claim to Lodi Garden. Even the dustbins have character! (more…)