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India Gate
Built as a memorial to commemorate the 70,000 India soldiers killed in World War I, India Gate was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and completed in 1931.
Built from sandstone, the arch also houses the Eternal Flame, a gesture in memory of the Indian soldiers who laid their lives in the 1971 war with Pakistan.
India War Monument is in the memory of the Great War 1914-18. Its foundation stone was laid by H.R.H. The Duke of Connaught, in 1912 and opened by Lord Irwin. The inscription reads, "To the dead of the Indian armies who fell honoured in France and Flanders. Mesopotamia and Persia, East Africa, Gallipoli and elsewhere in the near and the far-east and in sacred memory also of those whose names are recorded and who fell in India or the north-west frontier and during the Third Afgan War."
This 42 metre heigh huge building was built in the memory of 90,000 soldiers of the Indian Army who died in first world war. This grand memorial arch was designed by Lutyens and started to built in 1921 the work was completed in 1931.
The names of soldiers are inscribed on the arch of this tower. In the centre of the arch stands an inverted rifle and helmet and an eternal flame burns in honor of the unknown soldiers. Sunset at India Gate, when the arch and the fountains are illuminated with colorful lights, is truly an exhilarating experience. It also provides a spectacular view of the Rashtrapati Bhawan.
Supreme Court
The apex court is one of CPWD’s most splendid architectural achievements. It came up in 1958 and is located on Tilak Marg. The Supreme Court of India functioned from the Parliament House till it moved to the present building. It has a 27.6 metre high dome and a spacious colonnaded verandah. For a peek inside, you’ll have to obtain a visitor’s pass from the front office.
Northern Ridge
North of Old Delhi, way beyond any residential colony, is Delhi’s very own junkyard of history. Most of the statues erected by the British have been unceremoniously dumped in this park. Getting here needs some doing but a visit can be quite rewarding for true-blue Raj fans. Drive past the Civil Lines and Kingsway Camp to reach the Coronation Memorial site, now no more than an abandoned park with wild grass and weeds.
This was the site of the three Durbars enacted in Delhi and a lone obelisk is a poor memorial to that. It was here in 1911 that King George V was declared Emperor of India and announced the shifting of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi. If you look closely you can still see a statue of him rise ghost-like out of the bushes nearby, where it was dumped after being removed from the canopy near India Gate. It depicts King George V in the coronation robe he wore on the occasion. Other imperial dignitaries can be spotted keeping the King company. Do go and say hello to Lord Willingdon and Lord Hardinge who were lovingly been placed on red sandstone plinths.
George V Memorial
Facing the elephantine arch of India Gate is a classical version of the chhattri or cenotaph so dear to Hindu kings and the sure symbol of regality in India. Lutyens perhaps designed it as a token gesture to keep the King who wanted oriental features happy. But chances are he would still have preferred to describe it as an open cupola or a baldachino.
Made of cream and pink stone, it is set in a rectangular pool with fountains and once contained an excellent marble statue of King George V by C.S. Jagger. However thanks to Indian politicians, who frequently break out into a rash of wanting to undo history or more aptly its reminders, the statue was dispatched to Delhi’s junkyard of history – the Coronation Memorial Park beyond Kingsway camp.
The canopy of course stands unmolested and is decorated with allegorical sculpture and symbols of kingship. The nautilus shells symbolize Britain’s maritime prowess – Britain was, after all, at one time the undisputed queen of the seas. The canopy is a pleasant counterpoint to the bulk of India Gate and you can frequently spot pigeons perching on it.
Parliament House
If it were not for the Montagu-Chelmsford reforms of 1919, the Parliament House may not have been built. It’s corny how the building most indispensable to modern Indian democracy came up as an afterthought. Earlier called the Circular House, it was added to the layout at a later stage following the reforms which created a large Legislative Assembly.
This edifice is the brainchild of Herbert Baker and was much criticized in comparison with Lutyens creations. An article by Robert Byron in Architectural Review, January 1931describes it thus: "The Council Chamber has been Sir Herbert’s unhappiest venture. Its effect from a distance has been described. It resembles a Spanish bull-ring, lying like a mill-wheel dropped accidentally on its side."
Regal Building
This was one of the first buildings to come up in Connaught Place and houses a popular cinema hall. Jackals and wild pigs still roamed the area when it was being built. Initially Regal Cinema could not attract many patrons but soon it became very popular with Delhi’s rich elite. There used to be a bar in the lobby for gentlemen and a special matinee show for ladies.
Unlike any other cinema hall in Delhi, Regal has a porch which is forever plastered with colourful, sometimes lewd, film posters. The pavement has been taken over for all manner of activity. There are booksellers, ice-cream vendors, curio shops, music shops, lottery ticket booths and weighing machines – all pressed together cheek by jowl. Regal has fallen on bad times since its glorious heydays. It is a rather seedy, ill-kempt theatre that often shows semi-porn movies to titillate its essentially working class clientele.
Apart from the cinema, the building is home to shops and restaurants too. One of the earliest stores in the block was the Army and Navy Store which has now closed down. and in its place stand the Khadi Gramodyog Bhawan. But one place that’s a must is the Standard Bakery which turns out excellent softies, pastries and masala kulchas (a type of spicy bread).
Rashtrapati Bhavan
The Rashtrapati Bhavan is the official residence of the President of the country. Designed by Lutyens, it was the official residence of the Viceroy when the British ruled India. With 340 rooms and an area of about 330 acres, it is an imposing structure and a tourist's delight. The pillars and the porticos are an architect's marvel and so are the Durbar Hall and the Ashoka Hall within the complex. Although special permission has to be obtained to visit the complex, the Mughal Gardens within the complex are a treat for the eyes and are open to the public during certain periods of the year.
Red Fort
Red Fort is one of the most magnificent places in the world. India's history is also closely linked with this fort. It was from here that the British deposed the last Mughal ruler, Bhadur Shah Zafar, marking the end of the three century long Mughal rule. It was also from its ramparts that the then Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawharlal Nehru, announced to the nation that India was free form colonial rule.
From the Lahore Gate, a visitor has access to the Chatta Chowk (vaulted arcade ) which was once a royal market and housed court jewelers, miniature painters, carpet manufacturers, workers in enamel, silk weavers and families of specialized craftsmen. The road from the royal market leads to the Nawabarkhana (band house) where the royal band played five times a day. The band house also marks the entry into the main palace and all visitors, except royalty had to dismount here.
Qutub Minar
Qutab-ud-din Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi, commenced the construction of the Qutab Minar in 1200 AD, but could only finish the basement. His successor, Iltutmush, added three more storeys, and in 1368, Firoz Shah Tughlak constructed the fifth and the last storey. The development of architectural styles from Aibak to Tughlak are quite evident in the minar. The relief work and even the materials used for construction differ.
Some believe it was erected as a tower of victory to signify the beginning of the Muslim rule in India. Others say it served as a minaret to the muezzins to call the faithful to prayer. No one can, however, dispute that the tower is not only one of the finest monuments in India, but also in the world.
The 238 feet Qutab Minar is 47 feet at the base and tapers to nine feet at the apex. The tower is ornamented by bands of inscriptions and by four projecting balconies supported by elaborately decorated brackets.
Purana Quila
It is 4 km away from Connaught Circus to the S-East of India Gate, the foundation of this Fort was started by Humayun in 1530 but remained incomplete as he was defeated by Afghan hero Sher-Shah-Suri in 1541. It is located in the pre-historical Indraprastha (as is surveyed and proved in 1955 findings) of the Mahabharata and completed by Sher Shah as the 6th city or Killa or the Fort. Later it was named Shergarh.
On the 3 sides by Jamuna. From 3rd BC to pre-Mughal period, there was fort in Indraprastha. Humayun built a new one.
Old Indraprastha became Dinpanaha. The Fort was encircled with high walls having 3 main entrances. Entering through the Zoo Garden or the Talaki Entrance of north, you will see the octogonal peaks made of sand stones on Sher Manzil. After the death of Sher-Shah-Suri in 1548, Humayun recaptured Delhi in 1555 defeating Sher Shah' son Islam Shah. Humayun also destroyed Shergarh. However, Sher Manjil founded by Sher Shah became Humayun's library.
In 1556, hearing Muezzin Azaan he intended to attend the prayer and coming out from his library he suddenly fell down from the stair cases and died 3 days later. Red grey colour bow-shape arch of Sher Shah gate is beautiful.
Jantar Mantar
The Maharaja of Jaipur Sawai Jay Singh II founded it. A little distance of Connaught Circus at Sansad Marg it was built in 1725. It is space observatory a house that is instrumental in observing astronomical and aeronotical movements of sun, moon and other stars and planets. The huge Prince Dial is unique. It is next to that similar one in Jaipur in size and grade. There are other Jantar-Mantars in Ujjain, Varanasi and Mathura. Open from 9-00 to 19-00. There is one Bhairab Temple as old as Jantar-Mantar.
Humayun's Tomb
Humayun's tomb is a grand affair, built by his widow who brought 300 craftsmen from Persia for this job. This magnificent tomb in red sandstone, crowned by a glorious double-dome in marble stands on a terrace, Char Bagh-the authentic Islamic lay out for a paradise on earth. Four canals divide the garden into four sections. In the central domed chamber is Humayun's grave lying in isolated grandeur. Some less fortunate later Mughal princes are also buried here. In 1857, Bahadur shah II sought refuge in the tomb but was captured, tried and exiled.
Jama Masjid
Work on the Jama Masjid mosque was begun in 1650 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to complement his palace at the Red Fort. More than 5,000 workers toiled for six years to complete the largest mosque in India. Every Friday, the emperor and his retinue would travel in state from the fort to the mosque to attend the congressional prayers.
A fine example of Mughal architecture, the Jama Masjid has three gateways. The largest and highest on the east was reserve exclusively for the emperor. The main courtyard of the emperor. The main courtyard of the mosque is 408 square feet and paved with red stone. In the centre is a large marble tank in which the devout wash before attending prayers.
The main mosque is crowned by three onion shaped domes made of white marble and inlaid with stripes of black slate. On the north and south of the complex are two 130 feet high minarets which offer a spectacular bird's eye-view of the city. Jama Masjid is not only architecturally beautiful, but also a place of great religious significance as it houses a hair from the beard of the Prophet and also a chapter of the Holy Quran written by him.
Safdarjung's Tomb
Representing the last phase of the Mughal style of architecture, Safdarjang's Tomb stands in the centre of an extensive garden.
Built in 1753 by Nawab Shauja-ud-Daula to house the remains of his father, who was a minister in the Mughal court, the tomb is referred to as the "last flicker in the lamp of Mughal architecture." It shows how the grace and simplicity of he Mughals had been overtaken by decadence. The tomb also has a mosque.
Rajghat
4 km away from Janpath to the N-East of Feroz Shah near Delhi Gate at Ring Rd on the bank of Jamuna situated Rajghat. Jawaharlal Nehru Rd also ends opp. Rajghat. On 31st Jan. 1948, Mahatma Gandhi's last rites was performed here. The memorial stone of Gandhi is square in shape made of black stone. His last ward- 'Hey Ram' is inscribed on it.
Ordinary people, VIPs, foreign tourists all come here at Rajghat to pay their homage to him. On every Friday (the day of his death) a prayer is being held. Except Monday, a regular feature of projecting Gandhi philosophy in picture, sculpture and photos from 10-00 to 17-00 is being performed at Rajghat. Besides, there is Gandhi Memorial Museum projecting his life and the philosophy of Sarvodaya Movement in film from 9-30 to 17-30 except Thursday and on Sunday at 16-00 in Hindi and 17-00 in English.
Another Gandhi memorial is Gandhi Balidansthal or assassinated spot at Tis January Marg of the city. On 30 Jan. 1948 on his way to prayer at Biral Bhawan , he was assassinated by bullets. Hence, this memorial.
Lakshmi Narayan Mandir
Situated due west of Connaught Place, this garish modern temple was erected by the industrialist BD Birla in 1938. Its's dedicated to Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and good fortune, and is commonly known as Birla Mandir. Built in Orissan style, the temple is a fine example of modern Indian architecture.
Tughlaqabad fort
Tughlaqabad fort, situated as it was on high rocky ground, was ideally located to withstand sieges. Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq helped matters along by putting up formidable walls which, though short on aesthetic value, are excellent examples of solid unimaginative masonry and not the type that any invading army could hope to scale in a hurry. Tughlaq put ramparts towering at heights of anywhere between 9m (30ft) to 15.2m (50ft), and rising up to 29.8m (98ft) around the citadel, between himself and the Mongols.
The fort is half-hexagonal in shape and Ghiyas-ud-din seems to have built defenses around and in it till he was blue in the face. The outer walls are built around the silhouette of the surrounding land and, what with their height and width, add formidably to the natural barriers. They were also well defended. On the north, east and west sides it is protected by trenches that go far down, and in the south a lake acts sentinel.
Nai-ka-Kot Ruins
South of Tughlaqabad and once connected to it by a causeay is the fortress of Adilabad, which was built by Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq. In plan it is a smaller version of Tughlaqabad, with the trademark sloping walls of huge stone. Inside Adilabad was the legendary Qasr-i-hazaar satun or the Palace of a thousand pillars, which seems to have been a really popular idea back then (see Bijai Mandal). The palace had a huge audience hall, which was built on columns of varnished wood. Towards the southern gateway you can still see a vaulted corridor which used to be flanked by guardrooms. Adilabad has all the marks of a fine Tughlaq building with that style's typically austere walls, bare surfaces, corbeled arches and crenellation.
Outside the fortress towards the east is the Barber's fort. It is not known whether a barber actually ever lived in the tiny fortress of Nai ka kot (barber's fort), but it seems Ghiyas-ud-din certianly did. He used this place as a temporary residence when Tughlaqabad was coming up. It is built in the same style as Adilabad.
Dolls Museum
Set up by the renowned political cartoonist, K Shankar Pillai (1902-1989), Shankar’s International Dolls Museum has one of the largest collections of costume dolls anywhere in the world. Housed in the Children’s Book Trust building on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, the museum has a floor area of 5,184.5 sq ft and occupies a portion of the first floor. A separate entrance, a stately winding staircase, leads up to a foyer. Inside, the museum is divided into two halves. The two sections have over 160 glass cases, 1,000 ft long, mounted on walls. One section displays exhibits from European countries, the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Commonwealth of Independent States, other Asian countries, the Middle East, Africa and India.
Craft Museum
The large permanent collection of 20,000 items of folk and tribal arts, crafts and textiles is housed in a concrete, but almost ‘invisible’ building. Charles Correa, the architect, had a challenge before him – on the one hand to provide a pucca building for safe preservation and display of the rare art objects, but on the other, not to let the building be so imposing that it would belittle the humbler objects collected from village homes. The scale and appearance of the building had to be such that it would not attempt to upstage its ancient neighbour, the Purana Qila on the one side and the Village Complex of the Museum on the other.
Consequently the low-lying building has old carved wooden doors and windows from Gujarat and Rajasthan, central courtyards having champa trees, tulsi shrines and a monumental temple-car coexist in this ‘modern’ building not as revivalist ethnic chic exercise, but as a contemporary juxtaposition of past traditions in a modern building meant for a modern Indian Crafts Museum.
National Rail Museum
The RTM is a train buff’s delight and one of Delhi’s best museums. The collection includes 26 vintage locomotives, 17 carriage and saloons including the four-wheeled saloon used by the Prince of Wales (Edward VII) in 1876 and the Maharaja of Mysore’s saloon of teak, gold and ivory.
Jamali Kamali Tomb
The tomb lies immediately behind the mosque and is a smallish chamber. Small but not humble. Upon entering it your eye is immediately caught by the richly ornamented ceiling and walls. They are covered with tiles of various hues and patterns in incised and painted plaster. Several verses compose by Jamali are also inscribed on the walls.
The beautiful and spruce lawns of Jamali Kamali make it a popular picnic spot for Delhites.
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