That was a cool and pleasant morning in Delhi. While enjoying my tea with Sam, my cousin, in the balcony, I was quite excited to see the headline in the newspaper. It said that the Delhi Government had signed an agreement with INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) for protection and conservation of 92 monuments. Those monuments would get a facelift as part of the Delhi government's move to make them attractive from touristic point of view ahead of the Commonwealth Games. We had a quick shower and left for the historical monuments of Delhi, which are part of the heritage of India.
Our exploration started from the Humayun's tomb, a magnificent and marvellous structure of
the Mughal Empire. Built in 1565 AD by Hamida Banu Begum (Humayun's widow), the structure is preceded by a tomb with blue dome made with Persian tiles. Along with the unique architecture and carvings, I was highly impressed with the well maintained huge garden. Another admiring monument was the 72.5 m high Qutab Minar, that boasts of being the highest monument in India. Sam told me that this tower was built to celebrate the victory of Mohammed Gauri over the Rajputs in 1192. Located near this might of Islam, is the 7.2 m tall Iron pillar (Ashoka Stambha), which stands tall unaffected by the test of time.
the Mughal Empire. Built in 1565 AD by Hamida Banu Begum (Humayun's widow), the structure is preceded by a tomb with blue dome made with Persian tiles. Along with the unique architecture and carvings, I was highly impressed with the well maintained huge garden. Another admiring monument was the 72.5 m high Qutab Minar, that boasts of being the highest monument in India. Sam told me that this tower was built to celebrate the victory of Mohammed Gauri over the Rajputs in 1192. Located near this might of Islam, is the 7.2 m tall Iron pillar (Ashoka Stambha), which stands tall unaffected by the test of time.While passing through the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the President of India designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, we reached Jantar Mantar.
I was overwhelmed to see this 1724 structure, which is known as the largest astronomic observatory of stone. Amazing and commendable work by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh of Jaipur. We stopped at Connaught Place for a quick bite, and then headed for India Gate, the identity of Delhi. I was aware with the fact that it was built in 1931 in the memory of the 90,000 Indian soldiers who died in World War I. But this 42 m high, free standing arch with an eternal flame (Amar Jyoti), touched my heart. I could see the names of the soldiers inscribed on the walls of this monument. It was surrounded by several huge gardens and water pools. Sam told me that it serves as a favourite picnic spot of the locals and the tourists in the evening.
Our next halt was the majestic Red Fort that is situated on the banks of the River Yamuna. In a circumference of over 2.2 km, it was built by the Mughal emperor Shajahan with an aim of concentrating the Mughal power in one monument. I paid short visits to Naubat Khana, Diwan-e-Am, Mumtaz Mahal, Rang Mahal, Khas Mahal, Diwan-e Khas, Hammam and Shah Burj, which are the major attractions. Our last halt was the citadel of Humayun- the Old Fort (Purana Quila). This 1583 structure has three gates - Humayun Darwaza, Talaqi Darwaza and Bara Darwaza, and an amazing two-storied octagonal pavilion in red sandstone. I enjoyed a spectacular sound and light show there. Visiting so many colourful aspects of this historical city was an out of the world experience. It was simply exploring India in miniature.
I was overwhelmed to see this 1724 structure, which is known as the largest astronomic observatory of stone. Amazing and commendable work by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh of Jaipur. We stopped at Connaught Place for a quick bite, and then headed for India Gate, the identity of Delhi. I was aware with the fact that it was built in 1931 in the memory of the 90,000 Indian soldiers who died in World War I. But this 42 m high, free standing arch with an eternal flame (Amar Jyoti), touched my heart. I could see the names of the soldiers inscribed on the walls of this monument. It was surrounded by several huge gardens and water pools. Sam told me that it serves as a favourite picnic spot of the locals and the tourists in the evening.Our next halt was the majestic Red Fort that is situated on the banks of the River Yamuna. In a circumference of over 2.2 km, it was built by the Mughal emperor Shajahan with an aim of concentrating the Mughal power in one monument. I paid short visits to Naubat Khana, Diwan-e-Am, Mumtaz Mahal, Rang Mahal, Khas Mahal, Diwan-e Khas, Hammam and Shah Burj, which are the major attractions. Our last halt was the citadel of Humayun- the Old Fort (Purana Quila). This 1583 structure has three gates - Humayun Darwaza, Talaqi Darwaza and Bara Darwaza, and an amazing two-storied octagonal pavilion in red sandstone. I enjoyed a spectacular sound and light show there. Visiting so many colourful aspects of this historical city was an out of the world experience. It was simply exploring India in miniature.
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