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: 3. Mughal Grandeur
A Step away from Heaven| Taj Mahal, Agra
August is a month of holidays, and everybody I know is busy making plans for those long weekends that are just waiting to be lapped up! If you haven’t yet planned anything fun, you might just have a really hard time booking anything at this point. But worry not, folks. If you are in Delhi you know…
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…
One thousand desires | An Ode to Mirza Ghalib
It has been more than 200 years since the birth of the great poet Ghalib but his poems continue to have a remarkable relevance to our time. His works, when recited with élan, still leave people spellbound. Born as Mirza Asadullah Baig Khan, Takhallus Ghalib Ghalib (meaning, not surprisingly, ‘the most excellent’), as he chose…
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! 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…
Wonder where this is?
Do you know the name of this place in Delhi? Update: This is the Dargah of Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki in Mehrauli, Delhi…the same Sufi saint after whom the Qutb Minar was named! He was the disciple of the Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti who is revered at Ajmer, and himself became a highly venerated figure in Delhi’s…
The Rage of an Emperor | Adham Khan’s Tomb, Mehrauli
If you like old paintings, you would love to take a look at this page from court poet Abul Fazal’s Akbarnama, depicting Mughal Emperor Akbar punishing his foster brother Adham Khan by throwing him down the terrace of Agra Fort, not once but twice! Reason? Adham Khan had killed Akbar’s favorite general Atgah Khan out…
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…
An old painting of the Red Fort along the Yamuna
Thomas Metcalfe, as Governor-General’s Agent at the Imperial court of Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar in early 19th century Delhi, ordered a series of images of the monuments & ruins of this city, to be created by Delhi artist Mazhar Ali Khan. Here’s one such masterpiece…a painting of the Red Fort as viewed from Metcalfe’s…
Wonder where this is?
An ornate little tomb cordoned off from the world…do you know what or where this is, dear readers? Update: This is the mausoleum of Atgah Khan, foster-father to Mughal Emperor Akbar, and minister at his court. He was murdered by Adham Khan (a foster-brother of Akbar, not Atgah Khan’s son) out of jealousy. Those who’ve seen…
A Date With Delhi 