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#19 Hidden Gems: Delhi’s Lesser-Known Tombs (Old Delhi Series)

0 Delhi is home to magnificent tombs like Humayun’s Tomb and Safdarjung’s Tomb. But the city also houses many exquisite yet obscure tombs that remain off the tourist trail. Exploring these hidden gems provides a glimpse into Delhi’s history. The Blue Tomb Nestled in South Delhi’s Humayun’s Tomb complex is the striking Sabz Burj, meaning the Blue Tomb. Did you know it was built in the 16th century by Emperor Humayun for his wife?  You will be surprised to know, it is called the Blue Tomb thanks to the striking bright blue tiles that adorn its dome and interiors. The structure combines Central Asian and Mughal architecture styles, with lush gardens surrounding it.  While overshadowed by Humayun’s grand Tomb, the petite Sabz Burj has its own understated elegance. Don’t miss this hidden treasure. Awe-inspiring Architecture Within the grounds of Safdarjung’s Tomb lies Isa Khan’s Tomb, built in the 16th century. Do you know Isa Khan was a courtier in Sher Shah Suri’s administration? You will be awed by the tomb’s grand architecture – an octagonal main chamber with verandahs and ornate cupolas surrounding it. Intricate jaali screens and beautiful carvings adorn the structure.  Not only that, it is one of the earliest examples of Lodi architecture. The sheer size and detail of Isa Khan’s Tomb will leave you spellbound. Tranquil Oasis Nestled in the Hauz Khas Village, the Chiragh Delhi tomb complex holds the dargah of Sufi saint Sheikh Nasiruddin.  Do you know it was built between the 14th to 16th centuries? Beautifully carved Jali screens surround the saint’s white marble tomb, and fountains dot the tranquil complex.  You will be enchanted by the lush green gardens and old-world charm that make it an offbeat oasis amidst the urban chaos. Don’t miss discovering this hidden retreat. Old Delhi has many little-known tombs and monuments that connect to its long history. These hidden gems give exciting peeks into Delhi’s past eras, even though they blend into the city. For travellers who love exploring, finding these secrets all over Old Delhi makes it a place of endless treasure waiting to be found. Go beyond the famous monuments and explore these exquisite yet lesser-known tombs for delightful discoveries of Delhi’s rich history.

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#18 Mysteries of Old Delhi (Old Delhi Series)

0 Old Delhi, often referred to as Shahjahanabad in honor of the formidable Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, who founded this enclosed city in the 17th century, extends far beyond its majestic landmarks and lively markets. Concealed within its narrow alleys are untold tales and enigmatic secrets that unveil the shadowy past of this historic metropolis.  For the inquisitive traveler and culture enthusiast, delving into the lesser-known intricacies of Old Delhi can offer a more exhilarating experience than simply checking off landmarks from a guidebook.  Delhi’s Sinister Gate Near Lal Qila Metro Station stands the ominous Khooni Darwaza or Bloody Gate. Do you know it got this dreadful name after a dark chapter in Mughal history? In 1658, Mughal Prince Aurangzeb executed his brother Dara Shikoh and his son Sipihr Shikoh. Legend says the gate turned blood-red from the murders.  You will be shocked to know that the notorious gate is linked to paranormal activities. Some claim to have seen ghostly figures near the entrance on full moon nights. Definitely not for the faint-hearted. Graves of the Martyred Behind Delhi Gate near Kashmiri Gate is Khuni Imam Zamin, literally meaning ‘bloody ground of the priest.’  Do you know why this obscure graveyard has such a gory name? In 1803, hundreds were killed here in clashes between the army of Sikhs and Mughals. These martyrs were buried in a mass grave on this site.  You will find no markers here except a board stating ‘graves of martyrs.’ Yet Khuni Imam Zamin remains a mysterious remnant of Delhi’s history. Raj Ruins  Near Kashmere Gate is the forgotten Lothian Cemetery, the resting place of British Raj soldiers and their families.  Do you know it is said to be haunted? There have been spooky encounters like unexplained sounds and spectral figures spotted here! Locals avoid this eerie cemetery at night. Not only that, take a stroll here to admire the Victorian Gothic graves and mausoleums lying in picturesque ruin amidst wild foliage. A haunting yet visually stunning relic of the British Raj. Creepy Cemetery Located near Kashmiri Gate, Nicholsan Cemetery, dating back to the British Raj era, has an eerie, haunted reputation. Named after Brigadier General John Nicholson, this forgotten graveyard houses elaborate tombs of British officers and their families. Locals believe it to be haunted by the ghosts of deceased British soldiers.  The cemetery’s location is next to Kashmiri Gate, the site of the 1857 mutiny, which adds to its sinister history. Definitely not for the faint-hearted. Nonchalant Mosque Hidden in the labyrinth of lanes between Jama Masjid and Red Fort lies Khair-ul-Manzil mosque, an architectural gem lost in time. Built-in 1561 by Maham Anga, Emperor Akbar’s wet nurse, the mosque has an intriguing fusion design of Rajput and Persian styles.  Discover these spine-chilling secrets of Old Delhi for an intriguing exploration of the unknown side of the city’s history

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#17 The Resilience of Old Delhi (Old Delhi Series)

0 Through the centuries, Old Delhi has endured countless upheavals – from war sieges to urbanisation. Tracing its history reveals a city that has persevered despite challenges that destroyed many contemporaries.  Old Delhi has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, survived bloody sieges, and adapted to countless rulers over its long history. For centuries it has been destroyed and rebuilt, changing with the ages. Old Delhi was ravaged by wars, plundered by invaders, torn apart during Partition, and strained under rapid urbanisation.  But like a phoenix rising from ashes, the old city has resurrected itself time and again. Though its monuments crumbled and culture blended with new influences, Old Delhi never lost its enduring spirit. Through resilience built over centuries, it continues to thrive as a city that reflects the old and new. Surviving Sieges and Sackings  Old Delhi faced bloody sieges through mediaeval era ruler rivalries. Do you know the 1303 Mongol siege led by Alauddin Khilji left thousands dead and over 100 mosques destroyed?  You’ll be shocked that during the 1857 Uprising, the British recaptured Delhi after prolonged fighting that ravaged the city. Old Delhi bore deep battle scars but resurrected.   Not only that but the city revived after the political upheavals of Partition too when Delhi was divided. Old Delhi’s spirit of resilience shone through the rubble. Adapting to Political Change As the capital shifted between kingdoms, Old Delhi adapted to changing power equations.  Do you know the seat of power moved between Mehrauli, Siri and Tughlakabad before returning to Shahjahanabad under the Mughals?  You’ll be surprised how Old Delhi’s character underwent a cultural fusion mirroring shifting political influences – from Rajput and Islamic to Mughal and European trademarks. From Shahjahanabad to British Delhi, the old city flowed with the tide of history. Surviving Urbanisation Onslaught  Post-Independence, Old Delhi saw its walls and gates demolished to accommodate growing populations.  Do you know the moat around the Red Fort was filled up for the railway line constructed in the mid-1800s? You’ll be amazed how amidst modernization pressures, the old city retains its symbolic heart – the lively Chandni Chowk market. For over seven centuries, Old Delhi has withstood the inexorable churn of time. This tenacious spirit remains its cornerstone today as development exacts its price.  Yet if one looks closely, the essence of purani Dilli lives on in its people, food, and dialect – unafraid of change and ready to absorb it into its age-old fabric.

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#16 Traditional Music and Dance of Old Delhi (Old Delhi Series)

0 Old Delhi resounds with diverse music and dance woven into its cultural fabric. Exploring these lively art forms offers a glimpse into the city’s living heritage. Old Delhi comes alive with the sounds of music and dance. As you walk along the busy lanes, you can hear melodies that transport you back in time.  The soulful voices of qawwals singing devotional songs echo from the alleys near Nizamuddin Dargah. The rhythmic beat of dholaks and the swirling sounds of the santoor float above the chatter of the bazaars. Under the arches of monuments, dancers wearing anklet bells perform flowing Kathak movements.  From classical ragas perfected in royal courts to folksy Bhatial dance tunes, music and movement bring Old Delhi’s layered culture to life. Let the harmonies of past and present carry you away. Melodies of Mystic Sufis The alleys around Nizamuddin Dargah echo with qawwalis and Sufi renditions. Do you know Amir Khusro, the revered Sufi saint, invented qawwali here in the 14th century? You’ll be amazed that qawwalis infuse Persian, Arabic, Turkish and South Asian sounds glorifying the divine. Watching qawwals perform at the Dargah is mesmerising.   Not only that but musical gatherings called mehfils at the Dargah feature soulful songs passed down generations. Courtly Dance and Music Old Delhi was the hub for prestigious dance and music under Mughal patronage. Do you know Tansen gave his first Delhi performance here? You’ll be shocked that the Red Fort hosted legendary courtesans who excelled in Kathak dance, singing and poetry. Their kalbeliyas or dance bells still jingle in Old Delhi’s lanes. Not only that but majestic naubat recitals on traditional instruments once marked royal occasions inside the Red Fort. Folk Traditions of Shahjahanabad Old Delhi bustled with street performers and folk arts trending among the common public.  You’ll be charmed watching Bhatial folk dancers in colourful costumes perform acrobatics and fire dances near the Red Fort. Not only that but rustic music traditions like Nautanki, Khyal and Sham-e-Ghazal historically thrived in the walled city’s bazaars.  From exalted classical arts to earthy folk forms, Old Delhi resounded with diverse melodies and movements reflecting its composite culture.  Old Delhi’s lanes and ruins still echo with centuries of melodies and rhythms. The alleys hummed with Tansen’s ragas, Amir Khusro’s qawwalis, and courtesans’ ankle bells. Even today, the narrow streets are filled with the resonant voices of qawwals singing praises, the beats of festive drums and the strains of sitars from the past.  Music and movement intertwine with Old Delhi’s living heritage. Through its many notes, steps, and traditions, we can discover the enduring soul of a city and its people. The cultures of yesterday blend seamlessly into the culture of today through these vibrant expressions.

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#15 The Silk Route’s Connection to Old Delhi (Old Delhi Series)

0 For centuries, Delhi prospered from its location on key overland trade routes like the Silk Route linking India with Central Asia and Europe. Tracing these cross-cultural trade influences provides fascinating insights into Old Delhi’s fabric.   Caravans of the Past Old Delhi grew near the Yamuna river which saw caravans from across the mountains rest here before entering Delhi. Do you know the Urdu Bazar area was a caravanserai stopping point? You’ll be shocked to know camels and horses laden with silk, spices, textiles and more from as far as Samarkand and Persia halted here after the harsh Himalayan crossing.  Not only that but travellers carried their culture too – architecture, language, cuisine and clothing mingled with local influences. Enduring Influences  The bustling Khari Baoli spice market today continues centuries of international spice trade. Do you know its name refers to the saline stepwell where caravans halted? Amazingly, the street food sold in Old Delhi’s lanes fuses tastes from Central Asia, Afghanistan, Persia and beyond that traders introduced. You’ll also notice architectural imprints of ornate gates, pillars and Islamic geometric designs bearing traces of the Silk Route.  Age-old Cross-Cultural Conduits Old Delhi’s bazaars used to buzz with Turkish, Arabic, Farsi, Hindustani, Tibetan and English – remnants survive in the Urdu language. You’ll be surprised that Urdu originated here through Silk Route cultural synthesis, absorbing Persian, Arabic and Sanskrit words. Not only that, but its poetry, music, literature and calligraphy bear influences from Samarkand to Kashmir.  The old city’s cosmopolitan fabric was woven over centuries of trade exchange along the Silk Route conduits. The narrow lanes here reflect its enduring intermingling with outside cultures and trendsetters who imprinted their mark through commerce, connectivity and exchange.  Old Delhi’s winding lanes contain echoes of the busy Silk Route. Caravan bells seem to tinkle in the spice scent of Khari Baoli. The centuries-old Urdu language carries hints of Persian poetry. In the chai aromas linger tastes from Samarkand’s markets. The intricate stonework whispers of craftsmen from distant cities.  Trade shaped Old Delhi’s culture, cuisine and character. While camel caravans have passed into history, their legacy remains woven into the fabric of the old city. The Silk Route lives on in every mouthful, word, and sight that reveals this ancient crossroads enriched by connections across mountains and kingdoms.

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#14 Educational Institutions of Old Delhi (Old Delhi Series)

0 Old Delhi has been a hub of learning since medieval times. Exploring the stories behind its ancient madrasas and schools provides glimpses into the area’s scholarly past. Historic Madrasas  Madrasas in Old Delhi date back centuries to the Delhi Sultanate era. Do you know the orthodox Darul Uloom Deoband started in 1866?  You’ll be amazed that its original aim was to preserve Islamic culture under British rule. Subjects like Arabic grammar, Islamic jurisprudence and literature are taught.  Not only that but the 18th century Rahimiya madrasa near Jama Masjid imparts Quranic lessons. Visiting these institutions reveals Delhi’s strong madrasa heritage. Mughal-Era Schools During the Mughal rule, maktabs were elementary schools teaching Urdu, Persian, Quran and calligraphy.  Do you know Shahjahan set up a chain of maktabs in Old Delhi to provide public education? You’ll be shocked that Ghalib studied at the now lost Wazir Chand maktab near Ballimaran. Seeing students practice calligraphy transports one back in time. Colonial Institutions With the British, English education was promoted through institutions for local elites’ children.  You’ll be amazed that Anglo-Arabic school near Ajmeri Gate is Delhi’s oldest existing school, started in 1696. Not only that but the iconic St. Stephen’s college founded in 1881 played a key role in Delhi’s intellectual life. Its iconic clock tower still stands. Some colonial schools like the metal Aslam Khan Stand in Urdu Bazar survive. These reflect changing education patterns. Modern Centres  Post-Independence, government initiatives expanded education access in Old Delhi. Do you know the Anglo Arabic School for Girls began in 1936? You’ll be surprised that Nizamuddin Basti has continuing education centres for marginalized girls who dropped out of school. Not only that but specialised internship programs at Crafts Museum and National Museum help professionalise new talent. Tracing Old Delhi’s journey from ancient teaching centres to modern institutions provides insights into its educational heritage – one of shaping young minds and empowering communities. Old Delhi has been an enlightened hub of learning for ages. In its quiet madrasas, student chatter fills ancient halls. The teachings of scholars from the past echo in its crumbling maktabs.  Though the gurukuls under shady trees are long gone, their wisdom survives. While many institutions have faded with time, the age-old quest for knowledge remains strong. The story of Old Delhi’s schools and colleges reflects its unbroken tradition of nurturing young curious minds. Education blossomed here over centuries through different rules and crises. This lasting legacy will continue inspiring new generations to dream, question and unlock their potential.

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