Delhi, India’s Capital has a historic past as it was the seat of power of the Sultans and the mighty Mughals before the British decided to make it the capital of British India in 1911. Consequently it has an amiable mix of Mughal, British and Modern architecture, which is spread throughout the city. This small guide lists all the important archaeological and historical sites of tourist interest in Delhi, which should be experienced by every traveler to Delhi.
RED FORT: This massive fort is the most magnificent of all Indian forts, built out of red sandstone and surrounded by mighty towers from all sides. The fort was built by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan in the 17th Century on the banks of the mystic Yamuna river at a estimated cost of then 9 crore rupees, which is obviously very substantial if seen in present terms. No doubt, its most prized possession was the Peacock throne of Shahjahan, which was carried away by the Persian invader Nadir Shah in 1739. The Red Fort houses other important and historic monuments like Diwan-e-Am, Diwan-e-Khas, Hamams, Rang Mahal, Moti Masjid, Zafar Mahal and such other buildings. The visitor to the Red Fort will surely enjoy the light and sound spectacle held in the fort gardens that recreates the historic grandeur of the Mughal times.
PURANA QILA (OLD FORT): This rustic but well-preserved monument formed the background for former US President George Bush’s felicitation ceremony in 2006. Located south-east of India Gate, the massive gateways and walls of the Purana Qila were initially built by the Mughal Emperor Humayun who designated it as his new capital “Dinapanah”. Later on his bête noire Sher Shah Suri built his capital “Shergarh” in the Purana Qila that was razed to ground by Humayun in 1555 when he regained his lost power. Tourists can enjoy a pleasant boat ride while taking in the scenic beauty of the Purana Qila. Also have a look at the Qila-i-Kunha Masjid and Sher Mandal once inside this historic Delhi monument.
INDIA GATE: This is the most popular War Memorial in India built to honor those brave Indian soldiers who lost their lives during the First World War (1914-18). Designed by Edwin Lutyens, the foundation stone was laid in 1921 and the entire structure was built over a period of ten years. The names of all the lost lives are inscribed on the walls of the India Gate in New Delhi. A War Memorial was also erected to honor the Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Pakistani aggression of 1971. It consists of a Rifle in upright position with a helmet perched on its top, called the Amar Jawan Jyoti (Flame). India Gate is a must see for all travelers to Delhi and its vast expanse contains lush-green gardens, colorful water fountains and offers exciting boat rides and a direct view of the Raisina Hill housing the Presidential Palace.
CONNAUGHT PLACE: The Connaught Place, popularly called CP, was built in 1931 and is located in, approximately, the centre of Delhi with a wonderful connectivity to all regions of Delhi. Circular in shape, the CP consists of two concentric circles with a road passage in between. The inner circle houses a massive garden, beneath which is the Rajiv Chowk metro station. The garden is a popular hangout for teenagers, tourists and the local people; there is also a magnificent fountain in the middle of the garden. The outer circle houses one of India’s most modern shopping cum commercial complex with all the leading retail stores having a presence here. The building architecture is colonial in nature and the facade has recently received a face-lift. Not to be missed at any cost.
JANTAR MANTAR: Jantar Mantar is a medieval astronomical observatory located close to India Gate and it was built in 1724 by Raja Jai Singh of Jaipur who had a keen interest in astronomy. The sprawling complex consists of six curiously shaped structures with many underground passages that offer thrill and excitement to anyone willing to explore the mysteries of Jantar Mantar. Apart from this the gardens of Jantar Mantar are a popular picnic spot for families.
QUTUB MINAR: The Qutub Minar is the world’s tallest stone structure and was built in 1193 by Qutubuddin Aibak in the memory of his teacher Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki. The 72.5 M tall stone tower with 379 circular stone steps has exquisite carvings worth seeing and the view from its top storey is simply mesmerizing. One can view the entire surrounding region of Delhi and New Delhi from the vantage point. The Qutub Minar complex also houses the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, which was also built by Qutubuddin Aibak.
ASHOKAN ROCK EDICT: One of the 181 rock edicts erected by India’s greatest Emperor, Ashoka, this pillar with a 10-line inscription in Prakrit language is located at Shrinivaspuri in South Delhi and was discovered in 1966. The edict was originally erected in Meerut and later transplanted to Delhi by Sultan Firuz Shah Tuqlaq for deciphering its text. The inscription, engraved in the 3rd century B.C., gives the message of Ashoka’s Dhamma and ideas of righteousness and compassion to his subjects. As is true of all Ashokan edicts this too has a symbol of a bull, lion and dhamma chakra (wheel) at the top with a bright shiny surface.
Apart from this definitive Delhi tourist guide I will also come out with a Delhi shopping guide that lists all the popular markets in Delhi.
