Undoubtedly, most of you know Delhi by historic Red Fort, but there is also an another imposing fort in the city which will captivate your attention with its rugged beauty. A wonderful example of medieval military architecture, Old Fort or Purana Quila is a must visit place during your trip to Delhi. Old Fort is located just south-east of India Gate and north of Humayun’s Tomb and the Nizamuddin Railway Station. Mughal Emperor Humayun laid the foundation stone of this impressive fort in 1538 but he couldn’t complete it as Afghan warrior Sher Shah Suri defeated him in 1541. Later, Sher Shah Suri made essential modifications in the fort and named it as Shergarh. When the fort was built, there were canals on three sides and the remaining side was banked by the river Yamuna. Old Fort was flanked with massive walls and there were three main entrances to the fort.
Today, most of the old structures of the fort are in ruins, but the remaining portions are enough to mesemerize you.
Old Fort – History
Old Fort is located in the pre-historical Indraprastha of the Mahabharata, which has been surveyed and proved in findings of 1955. From 3rd B.C to pre-Mughal period, there was a fort in Indraprastha. Mughal Emperor Humayun built a new fort here and Old Indraprastha became Dinpanaha. Sher Shah Suri defeated Humayun in 1541 and occupied the power. In 1548 Sher Shah Suri died, eventually Humayun recaptured Delhi in 1555 by defeating Sher Shah’s son Islam Shah. Humayun also destroyed Sher Shah’s capital Shergarh.
Sher Manzil : When you enter the fort through the Zoo Garden or the Talaki Entrance in north, you will come across the octagonal peaks made of sand stones on Sher Manzil. Actually, Sher Manzil was built by Sher Shah but later, Humayun used it as a personal library. In 1556, after hearing Azaan (call for prayer), Humayun intended to offer Namaaz, while coming out from his library he suddenly fell down from the stair-cases and died. Just beyond the library is the Qila-i-Kuhran mosque or Sher Shah Mosque which is known for its unique Indo- Afghan sculpture.
Field Museum : Behind Sher Manzil on the right side at Humayun Darwaja (gate) is Field Museum which has the collection of anthropological exhibits. The Field Museum houses valuable items belonging to Mughal dynasty, Sultanate dynasty, Rajput dynasty, Gupta dynasty, Sunga dynasty, Maurya dynasty and the era before Christ. In addition to these, the coin collections of Sunga dyansty (200 – 100 B.C) is a remarkable attraction inside the museum.
What’s So Special
Sound and Light Show : The Sound and Light show at the Old Fort is an added attraction which you should not miss. During this one hour show, the rise and fall of Delhi from Indraprastha to Mughal era becomes live in Sound and Light. Voice of this Sound and Light show has been given by Bollywood personalities like Jaya Bachchan, Om Puri and others. Show Timings
English Version : September to October & February to April – 20.30 p.m to 21.30 p.m.
November to January – 19.30 p.m. to 21.30 p.m.
May to August – 21.00 p.m to 22.00 p.m.
Hindi Version : September to October & February to April – 19.00 p.m to 20.00 p.m.
November to January – 18.00 p.m. to 19.00 p.m.
May to August – 19.30 p.m to 20.30 p.m.
* Show Timings may vary, please confirm the timings from the Booking counter ITDC, Connaught Place or concerned authority.
Boating : Just infront of the Old Fort is a lovely lake where you can go for boating. Boats are available on hire at a reasonable price and you may enjoy boating in a group of two to four.
How to Reach
By Air : Delhi is well-connected by several domestic and international flights with important places of India and the world. Indra Gandhi International Airport and Palam airport are the two main airports of Delhi. These airports are five mnts away from each other and served by regular shuttle services.
By Train : Delhi, New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station are three main railheads of Delhi. Several mail, super fast, Rajdhani and Superfast trains connect Delhi to rest of the country.
By Bus : National Highways and State Highways connect Delhi with neighbouring states and other parts of India. Buses of DTC (Delhi Transport Corporation) and other State Transport Corporation ply to and from Delhi.
Local Transport : DTC and private buses runs within Delhi and nearby Noida, Gurgaon, Faridabad. Apart from buses, taxis, cars, auto-rickshaws and metro are other local modes of transport. You can reach Old Fort by taking any mode of local transport.
Places Where You Can Stay
Accommodation is not at all a problem in Delhi as the city is dotted with hundreds of good hotels, lodges, rest houses etc. You may opt any of the accommodation option as per your budget and requirement.
Qutab Minar – Overview
If you are an architecture lover and planning a trip to Indian capital, Delhi, then do not forget to include imposing Qutab Minar in your itinerary. Take a drive 13 kms south from Luteyn’s Delhi, that is Connaught Place, to reach the Qutab complex. Although the 72.5 m high Qutab Minar or Victory Pillar is visible from long distance, but as you reach close to the Minar, your curiosity will increase many folds. Leave your vehicle, buy the entry ticket and enter inside the Qutab complex through magnificent Alai Darwaza. As you enter inside the complex, you will see graves of historical persons who were cremated on the left and right of gateway. Of course, Qutab Minar is top priority for you in the Qutab Complex, but apart from this you will be certainly mesmerized by excellent examples of early Afghan architecture.
Qutab Minar - Architecture
Architecturally, Qutab Minar was built in Afghan style and it underwent repairing and remaking several times. When you reach close to tower, you will see Aayaats (Verses) from Holy Qoran inscribed all over the walls. In addition to this, you will also view another inscription in Kupee language that “The tower was erected to cast the shadow of God over both east and west.”
The 72.5 mts Minar is slightly leaned and there are 367 revolving steps of flights reaching to top. At its root, the radius is 14.40 mts which gradually reduces to 2.44 m at the top. Qutab Minar has five distinct storeys, each marked by a projecting balcony. The first three storeys of Qutab Minar are made of red sandstone while the fourth and fifth floor are made of marble and sandstone.
Qutab Minar – History
The construction of Qutab Minar was started by Qutub-ud-udin Aibak in 1199 and it was completed by his son-in-law Iltutmish in 1236. Qutub-ud-din commenced construction of the minar but he could complete only the 1st floor, the 2nd and 3rd floor were made by Iltutmish and the 4th and 5th floor were added by Feroz Shah Tughlaq.
The earthquake of 1803 destroyed the Qutab Minar and in 1829 British Major Robert Smith re-built the tomb. Few years later the tomb was brought down from the Qutab Minar and reset in the adjacent garden. In 1981, some students died of stampede while on their way up the steps of flights, since then ascending to the Minar is forbidden.
Tourist Attractions in Qutab Minar Complex
Quwwat – Ul – Islam Mosque : Situated north-west of Qutab Minar, Quwwat – Ul – Islam mosque is one of the oldest mosques built in India. Quwwat – Ul – Islam mosque was built in between 1193 and 1198 A.D. Qutub-ud-din began the construction of this mosque in 1193 but a number of additions and extensions were made over the centuries. The original mosque was built upon a Hindu temple, an inscription over the eastern gateway states that the mosque was built with materials obtained from demolishing ’27 idolatrous temples.’ Initially, this mosque was small, later in 1210 – 1230 A.D, Shamsuddin Iltutmish extended the whole compact area to double and surrounded it with huge walls. In 1300 A.D, Alauddin Khilji increased the area by adding a court to the east and the huge Alai Darwaza gateway.
Even today, you can see the Hindu and Jain origins in many of the elements used in mosque’s construction. The Prayer Hall is 16 mts high and it has arch-type design, while the sand-stone veil built in Indo-Islamic style has hand-written Aayaat from Holy Qoran.
Iron Pillar : Just adjacent to the Quwwat – Ul – Islam mosque is 7.2 mts high Iron Pillar. The Iron pillar stands in the courtyard of the mosque which has been here even much before the construction of the mosque. Originally the Iron Pillar was erected here in the 4th century A.D by Chandra Varman but a six line Sanskrit inscription indicates that it was brought here from somewhere else. You may see the carrier of Vishnu, Garur on the Iron Pillar and it seems that it was brought from a Vishnu Temple.
Alai Minar : Head north of the Qutab Minar and the Quwwat – Ul – Islam mosque to see the Alai Minar, the unfulfilled dream of Alauddin Khilji. While Alauddin Khilji made additions to mosque he also planned a much more ambitious project. Khilji planned that he would build a second tower of victory just like the Qutab Minar and it would be twice the height of the former. But Alauddin Khilji died during the construction of Alai Minar and the tower could reach only 27 mts high. After Khilji, no one was willing to continue his over-ambitious project and kept the construction confined right at the stage of single floor. Alai Darwaza : Alauddin’s Alai Darwaza, the main entrance to the whole complex is a popular attraction which will fascinate you with its awesome architecture. Built in 1310 A.D, this red sandstone gateway is fully enriched with zafri network and stands just south-east of the Qutab Minar. Alauddin Khilji hired architectures from Bisenstine and Turkey to build this gateway and first introduced bow-type arch in Indian history.
Other Structures : The Imam Zamin tomb is another attraction which stands beside the Alai Darwaza. Imam Zamin came to India from Turkey in 16th century. The tomb of Iltutmish, who died in 1235 lies by the north-west corner of the Quwwat – Ul – Islam mosque. To the South-West of mosque, Allauddin Khilji (1316) was cremated in L-shape graveyard of Seljuk design.
How to Reach
By Air : Delhi has two airports – Indra Gandhi International Airport and Palam Domestic Airport. Both these airports are connected with regular flights from important cities of the country and the world as well. Frequent shuttles run between these airports.
By Train : Delhi has three major railheads namely – Delhi, New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station. These stations are served by many express and super fast trains from various parts of the country.
By Bus : Good motorable roads including National Highways and State Highway link Delhi with nearby states and rest of the country.
Local Transport : Buses, Taxis, Cars, Auto-rickshaws are available as local modes of transport, you can reach Qutab Minar by opting any mode. Metro railway is new attraction in Delhi but presently it is not linked to Qutab Minar.
Places Where You Can Stay
Plenty of accommodation options are available in Delhi that suit your budget. Choose from wide array of hotels ranging from five star to tourist lodges and enjoy a pleasant stay during your Delhi trip.
Red Fort – Overview
As you reach old walled city of Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi), the imposing Red Fort on the east will fascinate you with its grandeur. Red Fort or Lal Quila is a historic fort where the national flag of independent India was hoisted on 15th August 1947. Originally, this fort was built by fifth Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, but later British captured the fort and finally 300 years later, this historical fort came under the control of a democratic Government after India’s independence. Built in red sandstone, the Red Fort extends over two kms and varies in height from 18 mts on the Yamuna river side to 33 mts on the city side. Initially, there were 14 gates to the fort, but now there are two main entrances namely - Delhi Gate to the south and Lahore Gate to the west. Today, the Red Fort is typically an Indian tourist attraction, here you will find guides leaping forth to offer their services as soon as you reach close to the fort. But above all, if you leave the frantic streets of Old Delhi for Red Fort, you will surely get a feel of calm.
Mughal emperor Shah Jahan commenced the construction of Red Fort in 1638 and it was completed in 1648. Shah Jahan erected this fort with an aim to shift his capital from Agra to his new city of Shahjahanabad in Delhi, but his dream was never fulfilled as his son Aurangzeb deposed him and imprisoned him in Agra Fort. Aurangzeb was the first and last great Mughal emperor to rule from the Red Fort. In fact, the Red Fort provides a glimpse of the very peak of Mughal power, when the emperors rode out on elephant back into the streets of Old Delhi.
Tourist Attractions in Red Fort
Lahore Gate : Lahore Gate, the main gate to Red Fort borrows its name from the fact that it faces towards Lahore, now in Pakistan. You will enter inside the fort through 3 – tire Lahore gate and immediately you will find yourself in Chhata Chowk of the ancient Baghdadi type Meena Bazaar. It was a shopping centre for ladies of the court and shops and establishments of the period still exist here. The women sellers are no more the only one here, you will find men and women of various community selling antiques.
On the entrance you will see semi-circular arch and marble stone tomb. In the past, on the outset of the entrance there were galleries on both sides having the sitting arrangements for the guests. As you move further from the arcade of shops, you will reach the Naubat Khana, which was used to be a gallery for court musicians. Today, the Naubat Khana is just an open courtyard.
Diwan – I – Aam : Diwan – I – Aam or the ‘Hall of Public Audiences’ was the hall where the emperor would sit to hear complaints or disputes from his countrymen, except Fridays. On every Wednesday, a court of the masses was held here. Initially due to lime plaster walls, Diwan – I – Aam looked crystal white, while the sand stone walls of the hall was supported by strong columns.
Diwan – I – Aam was elegantly decorated in Persian and Bengali architectural styles. Behind the Hall, there was seat of the shadow of God or throne of the Emperor. The emperor’s aclove in the wall was marble panelled and set with precious stones – most of which were looted following the Mutiny. Later, Lord Curzon restored this hall in 1898 – 1905. In front of the emperor’s seat was gold railings and in the back was Florentine style of ornamentation of flowers, creppers, leaves etc and also the images of brutes framed in 318 tablets.
Diwan – I – Khas : Behind the Mehtab Bagh is the single storeyed marble building called Diwan – I – Khas or the ‘Hall of Private Audiences’. Diwan – I – Khas was the luxurious chamber where the emperor would hold private meetings. Till 1739, the centrepiece of the Diwan – I – Khas was the magnificent 3 yards long, 2.5 yards wide and 5 yards high Peacock Throne or Mayur Sinhasan. But Nadir Shah became mad to get it and eventually he took it to Samarkhand in 1739. However, the throne was broken and did not remain in its real shape. Diwan- I- Khas was unique in its sculpture and decoration, the columns were studded with gems and lattice art work of the building was extra-ordinary. The walls were crystal white marble and the ceilings were made of sliver.
In 1760, the Marathas removed the silver ceiling from the hall, today you can only see a pale shadow of its former glory. On the bow like arch towards north and south walls, you can see inscription in Persian language, “Agar Firdous bar ru-e-zaman ast, Hamin ast a hamin ast a hamin ast”, which means if there is a paradise on earth, it is this, it is this, it is this. In 1857, British captured Delhi and made the Red Fort the barrack of soldiers that led to the ultimate damage of everything of Diwan – I – Khas, even Mughal Frescoes became faded and dirty.
Rang Mahal : Crossing the Diwan- I- Khas, you will come across the Rang Mahal or the Begum Mahal. Initially this romantically charming palace was decorated with fountain on the basement, but later it was converted to lotus-shaped marble palace. Perfumed water was supplied through the pipe lines and the ceilings were covered with gold and silver which had been faded out over the years. Inside the Rang Mahal is the Mumtaz Mahal which is equally attractive in its design. In 1857, during the mutiny it became the guard room of the British and converted to an Archaeological museum in 1912. The museum is open from 10.00 am to 17.00 pm, except Fridays.
Khas Mahal : To the north of Rang Mahal is Shahjahan’s Khas Mahal built fully in marble. Toshkhana or Gorhal looks wonderful, while on the marble fringe was astronomical line drawing and you might see the moon from the north and sun from the south moving round the earth. To the east of Khas Mahal, the Emperor used to come to deliver his assembly of his tenants from the 3-storeyed octagonal Shahi Burj. Royal Baths : Just next to the Diwan- i – Khas are the royal baths or the hamams. Royal baths have three large rooms surmounted by domes and have a fountain in the centre. One of the royal baths was set up as a sauna.
Moti Masjid : Moti Masjid or Pearl Mosuqe is located close to the Royal Baths. Built in 1659 by Aurangzeb, the richly decorated small mosque appears unique in white and ash colour stripes. The exterior of the mosque is very attractive while the interior is very simple and looks like a replica of mosque in Mecca. Aurangzeb built this mosque for reciting five times daily prayer for himself and his family members, particularly for female members.
What’s So Special
Sound and Light Show : The evening programme Son-et-Lumière, is now a modern attraction of Red Fort. The Sound and Light show recreates events of India’s history particularly those linked with the Red Fort. You may see a 330 years long history starting from Mughal era to the day of independence. The Sound and Light Show is one hour long programme and it is presented alternatively in Hindi and English. For watching the Sound and Light show, you have to buy ticket from ITDC in L Block, Connaught Place.
Show Timings
English Version : February 1 to April 30 – 20.30 p.m to 21.30 p.m.
May 1 to August 31 – 21.00 p.m. to 22.00 p.m.
September 1 to October 31 – 20.30 p.m to 21.30 p.m.
November1 to January 31 – 19.30 p.m to 20.30 p.m.
Hindi Version : February 1 to April 30 – 18.00 p.m to 19.00 p.m.
May 1 to August 31 – 19.30 p.m. to 20.30 p.m.
September 1 to October 31 – 19.00 p.m to 20.00 p.m.
November1 to January 31 – 18.00 p.m to 19.00 p.m.
* Show Timings may vary, please confirm the timings from the Booking counter ITDC, Connaught Place.
How to Reach
By Air : Delhi’s international airport, Indra Gandhi International airport is connected with major cities of the world. Palam domestic airport has several flights from important cities and towns of India. Regular shuttle services remain operational between Indra Gandhi airport and Palam airport.
By Train : Delhi has three main railheads namely Delhi, New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway station. These three railway stations are served by several trains from various parts of the country.
By Bus : Good network of roads including National Highways and State Highways link Delhi with rest of the country. DTC (Delhi Transport Corporation) and many other State Transport Corporation buses ply to and from national capital Delhi.
Local Transport : Buses, Taxis, Cars, Autos, etc. are local mode of transport in Delhi. Take any of the modes to reach Red Fort.
Places Where You Can Stay
From five star deluxe to budget hotels, Delhi offers a wide array of accommodation for tourist visiting Delhi. You may also stay at tourist lodges available in the city at a reasonable price.
Published At: http://www.vacationsindia.com
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