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15 June 2009 / Labels: Safdarjung Tomb
Safdarjung Tomb

Later, the Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah gave him the title of "Safdarjung". He was an efficient administrator and handled the administration of Awadh with great precision. Safdarjung rendered valuable assistance to the weakened Muhammad Shah. Very soon, he occupied an important place in the Delhi court. When Ahmad Shah Bahadur ascended the throne at Delhi, Safdarjung became his Wazir-ul-Mamalik-i-Hindustan or the Chief Minister of India.
The tomb of Safdarjang was built to commemorate the memory of Wazir of Hindustan. It is situated in the center and has a huge dome. There are four water canals leading to four buildings. One of the canals has an ornately decorated gateway, while the other three are pavilions, with living quarters built into the walls. There are octagonal towers in the corners. There are also four oblong tanks (canals) on each side of the tomb.
/ Labels: Humayun's Tomb
Humayun's Tomb

The tomb took eight years to build and had a Char Bagh Garden style in its design, the first of its kind in the region. These were later introduced in the Red Fort of Delhi and at the Taj Mahal of Agra. Persian architectural traits are also evident in the building and its main chamber is said to be inspired from the tomb of the Persian Mongol ruler, Oljeytu, at Sultaniyya. The tomb of Timur (Tamerlane) in Samarkand is also said to be the source of inspiration for the Mughal architecture in India.
In the central domed chamber, the sarcophagus of Humayun is found. According to Islamic practice, his head is pointing south, and facing east. The vaulted chambers also contain tombs that were added later. These tombs contain symbols that provide complete information about their occupant. The sarcophagi are not usually inscribed, but these tombs are believed to be containing the remains of the wives of Humayun, along with several later Mughal emperors and princes.
The name of Humayun's tomb is found in the list of UNESCO Heritage buildings and was the first Indian building to use the Persian double dome. Its harmonious proportions are undoubtedly the work of skilled craftsmen. Set upon a platform, it exhibits certain Indian architectural features too, such as the small kiosks or 'chhatris' on the roof. The attractive inlaid tile work is carved intricately using Indian and Persian patterns and elements. Its carved stone screens are praiseworthy for their delicate look.
/ Labels: India Gate
India Gate

It is said that Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker designed India Gate and its surrounding area. India Gate is situated on Rajpath (the Royal Road). It is the ceremonial boulevard of the Indian republic that boasts of ornamental parks, pools and gardens alongside. It is here that the much-awaited event of Republic Day Parade takes place on 26th January every year. Rajpath runs through India Gate and Vijay Chowk and has Rashtrapati Bhavan at one end and National Stadium at another.
As we go along Rajpath, across Raisina Hill - the administrative center of India, we find the two secretarial buildings - North Block and South Block on its either side. One can also see Sansad Marg and the Parliament House along the stretch of this wide road. North Block houses the offices of Finance and Home Ministries, while South Block is home to External Affairs and Defense Ministries. Other than this, Rajpath is surrounded by many official buildings and museums. There is Indira Gandhi National Center for Arts as well as National Museum, famous for its archaeological collections.
/ Labels: Old Delhi
Old Delhi

Chandni Chowk, Red Fort and Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, are also a part of Old Delhi. The prime attractions of Old Delhi include Kashmiri Gate, which was witness to the desperate fighting where mutineers of 1857 were crushed by the British with an iron hand. Then, there is the British-erected Mutiny Memorial, the Ashoka pillar brought here by Feroz Shah Tughlaq, Digambar Jain Mandir, Sunehri and Fatehpur Masjid, the ruins of the city of Feroz Shah Kotla, erected by Feroz Shah Tughlaq in 1354, and Raj Ghat.
Today, Purani Dilli is a labyrinth of tiny lanes lined, with the remnants of 17th century havelis (mansions), inhabited by a predominantly Muslim population. Yet other attractions of Old Delhi include Zinat-ul Masjid in Daryaganj, which is also known as Cloud Mosque and was built in 1710 by one of Aurangzeb's daughters. Then, there is the Gandhi Memorial Museum and the St. James Church, the oldest church of Delhi built by Col. James Skinner, who was the son of a Scotsman and his Rajput wife.
/ Labels: Akshardham Temple
Akshardham Temple

As a spiritual leader, Swamiji constantly travels and meets people across the world, to help them lead better lives. There are various cultural and educational activities conducted by the Swaminarayan Sanstha. Akshardham is also a part of BAPS's initiative to promote Indian art, culture and values. BAPS also has a charitable arm, known as BAPS Care, working for the betterment of the people. The main shrine in the complex is dedicated to Bhawgwan Swaminarayan.
The temple enshrines 11 ft tall gilded statue of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. The building is constructed entirely from Pink Sandstone and Italian Marble, without any concrete or steel. The intricate carvings, magnanimous structure and the backdrop of River Yamuna, render the temple a masterpiece of art. Other than the main temple, there are a number of buildings in the complex where you can enjoy cultural and spiritual activities.
The Halls
'Sahajanand Pradarshan' is the first Hall in the complex. It features life size robots, dioramas, and incidents from Bhagwan Swaminarayan's life. It also houses world's smallest animatronic robot, in the form of Ghanshyam Maharaj, the child form of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
'Nilkanth Kalyan Yatra', Hall 2, houses a large format screen. Here, a movie, specially commissioned for the complex, shows the journey of Bhagwan Swaminarayan throughout India.
'Sanskruti Vihar', Hall 3, takes visitors on a journey through 10,000 years of Indian history in 10 minutes. Visitors are seated in specially designed peacock boats that make their way around an artificial river.
The Yagnapurush Kund
The Yagnapurush Kund is India's largest step well. It descends down, via a series of steps, to a traditional 'yagna kund'. At night, a musical fountain show, representing the circle of life, is played for an audience, seated on the same steps.
The Bharat Upavan
The Bharat Upavan, or 'Garden of India', has sprawling lawns, varied trees and shrubs, dotted with bronze sculptures of the contributors to India's culture.
The Yogi Hraday Kamal
It is a lotus shaped garden, containing stones engraved with quotes from world luminaries, ranging from Shakespeare and Martin Luther King, to Swami Vivekananda and Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
Other Features
- Nilkanth Abishek Mandapam
- Narayan Sarovar
- AARSH Centre
- Premvati Ahargruh
/ Labels: Chandni Chowk
Chandni Chowk

It was from here that the troops of Nadir Shah started their mission of plundering and massacring the 'infidels' at Delhi. One of the most prominent wholesale and retail markets of India, Chandni Chowk is more than 300 years old. It was established in 1650, when Mughal Emperor Shahjahan shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi, as an accompaniment to the fort. Jahanara, the Emperor's favorite daughter, is credited with designing this market, where an arcade of shops was built in a half-moon shape around a pool.
It soon budded into a prosperous trading center and branched into a number of by-lanes and soon stretched from the Fort to Fatehpuri Mosque. A canal known as Faiz Nahar, renovated by Ali Mardan Khan, is said to have run through the entire length of Chandni Chowk, providing water for both drinking and irrigation, but it went into disuse later. Besides the Red Fort situated nearby, one can also visit the famous Chawri Bazaar.
It is one of the narrowest, busiest and most prosperous trading centers of Delhi, dealing in iron and hardware, paper, utensils of brass, copper and stainless steel. You can see traditional framework of Chandni Chowk consisting of 'Havelis', 'Kuchas' & 'Katras'. Visit the seven major Hindu and Jain temples, two Churches, three Mosques and two Gurudwaras in the area. These places of worship include Sri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir, Jama Masjid, Gurudwara Shish Ganj, Gauri Shankar temple and Sunahari Masjid.
/ Labels: Rashtrapati Bhawan
Rashtrapati Bhawan

It presents a blend of Mughal and European architectural styles. While Rashtrapati Bhavan is the official residence of the President of India, Sansad Bhawan or the Parliament House is the center of political power in India Parliament House is one of the most magnificent buildings in New Delhi. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker, it took six years to be constructed. It was inaugurated on 18th January, 1927 by the then Governor-General of India, Lord Irwin. The massive circular edifice has a circumference of about one-third of a mile and stretches across six acres.
The beautiful works that make the architecture of the Parliament House so special include the layout of fountains both inside and outside the building, statues, murals and marble 'jali' (mesh) that adorn its windows. It houses Lok Sabha (House of the People), Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and the erstwhile Library Hall (formerly the Princes Chamber). Along with this, there are well-planned garden courts, accommodation for Ministers and Chairmen, Parliamentary Committees, Party Offices, important offices of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha here. Secretariats and the offices of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs are also located here.
/ Labels: Rajghat in Delhi
Rajghat in Delhi

Raj Ghat is situated to the south of Red Fort and is very peaceful. The black marble tomb is inscribed by the words 'Hey Ram!', the last words that were spoken by Mahatma Gandhi, as he fell down after being shot by Nathuram Godse. The whole edifice of the Samadhi reflects the simple and nature-loving personality of the great leader. The cenotaph stands surrounded by earthworks that protect it from the flooding of the Yamuna. These walls have resulted in the open space of the memorial being converted into an enclosed garden.
It is customary to circumambulate the tomb three times. The powerful spiritual aura of the place touches one's heart. This national shrine has an eternal flame and the sandstone walls enclosing it are inscribed with various passages written by Gandhi. The entire area of Rajghat stands surrounded by trees and here, one can see some of the most exotic shrubs of the country. This greenery is what lends such a serene aura to the Samadhi. The affairs of the Rajghat are being managed by an autonomous statutory body.
It is known by the name of Rajghat Samadhi Committee and was created by an Act of Parliament in 1951. One can also visit the National Gandhi Museum in the vicinity, which houses a collection of rare photographs and trivia related to Gandhiji. Vijay Ghat is the memorial of Prime Minister Lal Bhadur Shastri, while Indira Gandhi was cremated in Shakti Sthal. Rajeev Gandhi followed his mother's footsteps and was the most beloved Prime Minister of India, when he was slaughtered in a terrorist attack. He was cremated at the Veer Bhoomi.
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