In a series of articles here, we are going to talk about the lesser known history of Delhi. Each article will cover details of a single site, with photographs. Delhi is practically littered with historic sites. Yes, we know of the world heritage sites, but what about the numerous ruins, by lanes of Delhi, each with a story of its own.

(Nicholson Cemetery)

Let’s start our heritage trail with the event of 1857. We all have learnt of it from our history textbooks: the tales of Tantia Tope, Rani of Jhansi: ‘khoob ladi mardani woh of Jhansi wali rani thi’, Mangal Pandey (made even more famous by Amir Khan’s movie) & Bahadur Shah Zafar, the poet-king & reluctant leader of the Uprising. (more…)

The neighbourhood of Kashmiri Gate is one of the unusual trudges in Delhi. Located near the ISBT, Railway station, a bulk market for car parts, a University Campus, it is extremely busy through the day & the heritage walk is best done on a Sunday morning, when the usual activity has not yet picked up pace. Kashmiri Gate was the area where many Europeans settled in the first half of 19^th century & later during the rebellion of 1857, many of its events were played out here. (more…)

Last Sunday morning was an attempt to explore and discover Chandni Chowk neighborhood which has seen a history of more than three hundred years. We started our heritage trail at Digambar Jain Lal Mandir which is the oldest Jain temple of old Delhi. What is today old Delhi for us was Shahjahanabad, the capital established by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan & it remained the capital till 1857. (more…)

Delhi was a key site where events of 1857 unfolded. 1857 changed Delhi forever & this heritage walk recalls some of the events of 1857 rebellion. Although the remains of the 19^th century & memorial on 1857 are of the British, there is an attempt to present both sides of the story. Our walking tour starts at Nicholson Cemetery, followed by Kashmiri Gate. The sites covered include the Bada Bazaar, old St. Stephens College & its rival, Hindu College’s old campus & Fakhr ul Masajid. Close by is the first church of Delhi, St James Church built by James Skinner. William Fraser’s house is located behind the church. In the campus of a university is the building where David Ochterlony had his Residency, said to have been built upon Dara Shukoh’s library. Our heritage trail ends on Lothian Road where there are two very important British memorials: the telegraph memorial & the British Magazine.

(posted by Kavita Singh, team member, Delhi Heritage Walks)

1857 Uprising: Kashmiri Gate Heritage Walk

Heritage Walks at Lodi Garden are a regular feature of our calendar. This walking tour is usually organized in the evening, when it is pleasant to walk around the park. Our heritage walk starts at Mohammad Shah Sayyid’s tomb & covers Bara Gumbad, Shish Gumbad, Sikander Lodi’s tomb, a Mughal period bridge called Athpula, some late Mughal buildings & a standalone turret

(posted by Kavita Singh, team member, Delhi Heritage Walks)
Lodi Garden Heritage Walk