Echoes of heritage

Most people visiting Delhi head straight to the Red Fort or Qutub Minar. But the city hides many ancient and amazing places that are not crowded with tourists. These forgotten sites tell us about rulers, legends, and lost eras. 1. Tughlaqabad Fort – The Doomed Fortress Emperor Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq built this massive fort in the 1300s, dreaming of a powerful capital. But a saint, Nizamuddin Auliya, cursed it. He said it would never flourish. Today, the fort lies in ruins, surrounded by wild greenery, giving it a spooky charm. 2. Hauz Khas Ruins – Where Kings and Students Once Walked Alauddin Khilji built a reservoir here, and Feroz Shah Tughlaq later added a school, mosque, and tomb. Now, the area is filled with cafes and art, but the old stone walls still tell tales of royal Delhi. It’s the perfect mix of old and new. 3. Feroz Shah Kotla – Home of the Djinns Built in the 14th century, this fort holds an ancient Ashokan pillar. But it’s more famous for something else — the belief that...

In the crowded streets of Old Delhi lie beautiful old mansions called havelis. Once full of life and charm, many of them now stand in ruins. Yet, their old walls seem to quietly share stories of a time long gone. Walk around Ballimaran, Churi Walan, or Kashmere Gate, and you’ll come across these historical homes. The haveli of Mirza Ghalib, the great Urdu poet, still exists in Ballimaran. Visiting it feels like travelling back in time. These houses were built with great attention to detail. You’ll see big open courtyards, airy rooms, and wooden windows with delicate designs. Some even have hidden doors and traditional balconies known as jharokhas. Every corner had meaning — from the spaces for guests to where women spent their time. Life in these havelis was warm and festive. Families came together, shared meals, enjoyed music, and celebrated traditions. These weren’t just buildings; they were full of emotions, culture, and connection. Sadly, most havelis are now worn down. Some are us...

Delhi’s ancient gates are more than just structures – they are part of its living history. Built centuries ago, they were strong entrances to protect the old city and welcome travelers. Let’s explore a few of these gates and what they have seen. Ajmeri Gate Made in 1644 by Shah Jahan, Ajmeri Gate faced the road to Ajmer, a holy city in Rajasthan. It was one of the main gates of Shahjahanabad. Over time, it saw many battles, especially during the 1857 rebellion. Now close to New Delhi Railway Station, the gate still stands with pride. Lahori Gate This gate leads into the Red Fort and is named because it faced Lahore. Shah Jahan also built it. It was once used by Mughal royals and is still used today during Independence Day celebrations, when the Prime Minister gives a speech from here. It shows the strength and spirit of India. Turkman Gate Turkman Gate is named after a Sufi saint, Hazrat Shah Turkman. Built in the 13th century, it is in the heart of Old Delhi. It has seen peaceful pray...

Delhi has many hidden treasures from the past, and one of them is its Baolis or stepwells. These ancient structures were smart ways to store water during summers and dry months. They show the clever thinking and eco-awareness of old civilizations. Let’s take a look at three of Delhi’s most interesting Baolis – Agrasen ki Baoli, Gandhak ki Baoli, and Rajon ki Baoli. Agrasen ki Baoli Past : Said to have been started by King Agrasen, this Baoli was likely rebuilt in the 14th century by the Agarwal community. It sits close to the heart of Delhi. Design : The Baoli is long, wide, and has 103 stone steps divided into three levels. Its carved arches and deep structure keep the inside cool. Importance : It’s a peaceful place for tourists and locals, standing as a reminder of Delhi’s deep history. It’s even featured in movies like PK. Gandhak ki Baoli Past : Built in the 13th century by Sultan Iltutmish, this Baoli is in the Mehrauli area. Its water had a sulfur-like smell, giving it the name G...

Old Delhi, also called Purani Dilli, is more than just a place—it’s like a living museum. Its narrow lanes, old buildings, and busy markets have seen centuries pass by. Every street here has its own story, filled with memories of kings, freedom fighters, poets, and common people. Chandni Chowk – Where History Meets Buzz One of the most famous areas is Chandni Chowk, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. His daughter Jahanara Begum helped design it. Once filled with water canals reflecting moonlight, today it’s a bustling market. Behind the chaos, there are old havelis (mansions) and hidden mosques that whisper stories from the past. Ballimaran – The Poet's Lane This lane is famous for Mirza Ghalib, one of the greatest Urdu poets. His haveli still stands here, turned into a museum. Walk through Ballimaran and you’ll feel the poetic soul of Delhi. The narrow paths, old shops, and homes take you back in time. Chawri Bazaar – From Dancing to Printing Chawri Bazaar was once a place where ...

Delhi has a long and rich history. Many rulers ruled this city, and each one added their own style to its buildings. The look of the city has changed a lot from the time of the Delhi Sultans to the British era. Architecture During the Sultanate (1206–1526) The Delhi Sultans made many strong and grand buildings. They used red sandstone and liked features like arches and domes. The Qutub Minar, built in this time, is still a famous landmark. Other examples are the Alai Darwaza and Tughlaqabad Fort. Mughal Architecture (1526–1857) When the Mughals came, they built more elegant and beautiful structures. They used white marble and created big gardens and detailed designs. The Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and Humayun’s Tomb are beautiful examples of Mughal style. British or Colonial Architecture (1858–1947) During British rule, the buildings in Delhi looked more European. The British used Western styles like Victorian and classical. Later, Lutyens’ Delhi was built with grand roads and buildings li...