Recognized as the ‘National Capital of India’, Delhi has witnessed power shifts from one dynasty to another. Each and every dynasty  that ruled over Delhi for a specific period of time brought so many changes in terms of culture, cuisine, clothing and architecture. Even after so many years of modernization, you will often find century old buildings rubbing shoulders with the modern malls. It would not be an overstatement to say that Delhi showcases an amazing juxtaposition of old and new. But these medieval zones and communities residing here represent the history, heritage, culture and architecture of this city.

Heritage Walks in New Delh

The concept of ‘Heritage Walks’ has been introduced to conserve the historical heritage that dot the length and breadth of Delhi. It is an important strategy that aims:

• To create awareness about the major historic areas  within the city.
• To aid citizens and tourists to connect to the historical parts of the city through a guided tour.
• To bring into light some those architectural heritage of Delhi which are not so tourist friendly.
• To start community based  efforts on heritage conservation by involving architects, town planners, naturalists and historians.
• To increase the number of visitors that in turn will increase the heritage value of historic settlements and stimulate various communities to step forward and make efforts for the preservation of their own heritage.

Let me take you on a tour of the five major historic areas of Delhi where ‘Heritage Walks’ are conducted on a weekly basis.  Here they are:

Chandni Chowk

Designed by Shah Jahan’s daughter ‘Jahan Ara’, Chandni Chowk is one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi. It is a 2 kilometer long street from Red Fort to Fatehpuri Masjid. The street is basically a market brimming with shop’s selling garments, toys and cuisines. Chandni Chowk has served as the backdrop for shooting various movies and TV soaps.

Nizamuddin

It is a prominent historic colony of South Delhi across Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station. The main attraction of this place is the shrine of Sufi saint Nizamuddin Aulia. Besides the shrine, the place is home to a 13^th century mosque, the tomb of Ghalib and the shrine of Amir Khusrow.

Mehrauli Archaeological Park

One of the 11 capitals of Delhi, Mehrauli, located in the southwest district of New Delhi, is home to an array  of monuments built during the reign of Delhi Sultanate such as the Balban’s tomb, Jamali Kamali’s mosque and tomb, Metcalfe’s bridge, Boathouse, Quli Khan’s tomb, Metcalfe’s Guesthouse, Rajon ki Baoli, Mosque and tomb, Serai , Maulana Majduddin’s tomb and Khan Shahid’s tomb.

Lodi Garden

Spread over 90 acres, Lodi Garden contains some exquisite examples of Islamic and Mughal architecture such as Syed and Lodi tombs and mosques, a Mughal garden and mosque, and other scattered structures.

Hauz Khas

One of the elite and posh areas of New Delhi, Hauz Khas is famous for a 13^th century reservoir famous for a water tank, Madarsa, Ferozshah Tughlaq Pond and a pavilion.

This blog was an endeavor to explain the purpose behind the ‘Heritage Walk’ and to provide a brief overview of the five major historic places in New Delhi. This blog post will be followed by five individual blogs on each of the above mentioned heritage sites.

NDH

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