What is the image the word “grand” brings to mind? To a Delhi-wala, there can only be one vision: towering minarets, bulbous domes and soaring arches! Ruined as they may be today, the forts of Delhi still inspire jaw-dropping amazement a thousand years after they were built. So here’s my take on this week’s photo challenge…the grandness…
Category: Shahjahanabad/ Old City
Window to the Past
Spotted this in Chandni Chowk…can’t believe it’s from this century! Wonder what goes on behind that dilapidated window…. Would it transport us to 1857, perhaps even earlier?
Purani Dilli at Ramzaan| A Photo Essay
On any ordinary day, one peek at the majestic Jama Masjid of Old Delhi will take your breath away. It will bring to your mind a picture of a royal cavalcade proceeding slowly from the Delhi Gate of the Red Fort to the entry of the royal mosque, a mighty Mughal Emperor making his way…
A Tawaif’s Palace| At Chandni Chowk, Delhi
Most of you out there must have heard about the tragic tale of Devdas, brought to life on the silver screen multiple times, played across time right from Dilip Kumar to Shah Rukh Khan. In the last version, too, the ‘tawaif’ Chandramukhi was immortalized by the lovely Madhuri Dixit, mesmerising us all with her graceful…
The Road to Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti | Ajmeri Gate, Delhi
Of course you’ve been to the New Delhi railway station and witnessed all the chaos there. Would you believe me if I told you that nearby lies a place far removed from the hustle and bustle of this busy city? Yes, friends, for all those who simply want to while away their time in case…
What’s in a Name! Kinari Bazaar, Old Delhi
Do you know how Kinari Bazaar got its name? You would think this Bazaar gets its name from the “kinara” or edge of some landmark, but you couldn’t be farther from the truth! It is said this busy marketplace for wedding finery actually derives its name from all the ‘zari’ and ‘gota’ (laces) sold here, the…
What’s in a name! Chawri Bazaar, Delhi
Do you know how Chawri Bazaar got its name? ‘Chawri’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Chawhat’ meaning a ‘cross-section of four roads’. Another theory suggests the name comes from the Marathi word chawri, which means ‘meeting place’. The name could have stuck because of the many meetings that occurred here to resolve disputes before…
In the Name of Antiquity… | Turkman Gate and Dargah, Old Delhi
Amidst several little-known historical treasure troves that the beautiful city of Shahjahanabad has to offer, is the quiet shrine a 13th century Sufi saint, the Dargah of Hazrat Shah. The shrine is regarded as the oldest shrine in the whole of Old Delhi, and is centuries older than Shahjahanabad. Located to the east of Turkman…
It’s finger licking good! Karim’s, Chandni Chowk
While the Paranthe Wali Gali caters to your vegetarian tastes, right opposite Jama Masjid is the original Karim’s-a gastronomic delight for non-vegetarians. Well, vegetarians are welcome too, but at their own risk! If you love Mughlai food then this place would surely be your Mecca in Delhi. Located close to a market known as Darya…
Sibling Rivalry
The fascinating story of blood thirsty rivalry between two crown princesses… I know you must be wondering what’s the big deal about a little fighting here and there with your own brothers and sisters. You all fought as kids, got your parents to scold the ‘other one’, and while you smiled gleefully, your sibling secretly…
Wonder where this is?
This is the house of a famous son of Delhi. Do you know his name and where this house is located? Update: As pointed out by one of our readers, this is indeed the house of Mirza Ghalib, arguably the most famous poet of the country! Through the narrow alleys of Ballimaran off Chandni Chowk,…
The Less Favorite Mosque
In the chaos of Chandni Chowk, in the horrific blare of horns and pushing and shoving of thousands of people going about their daily business and shopping sprees, history is often lost… What remain are yards and yards of sequinned sarees displayed on shop windows, vendors selling everything kitschy in the world, and a din like…
A Date With Delhi 