delhi historical place

Safdarjung's Tomb

Safdarjung's tomb was built by Nawab Shuja-ud-Daulah, the son of Safdarjung. Safdarjung was the governor of Awadh and later became the Prime Minister of Muhammad Shah, the Mughal emperor. Built in 1753-1754, the Safdarjung tomb lies at the Lodi road, New Delhi. Safdarjung's tomb is set in the middle of a garden, which spreads over an area of 300 sq m. The garden of Safdarjung's tomb is laid down on the pattern of the Mughal Charbagh style. The Safdarjung tomb was erected roughly on the pattern of Humayun's tomb.

Safdarjung's tomb represents the last phase of the Mughal style of architecture. The tomb of Safdarjung was built in red sandstone and buff stone. There are two graves here, one of Safdarjung and the other apparently his wife's. The square central chamber of the mausoleum is surrounded by eight rooms all around. All the apartments, except the corner ones are rectangular in shape, the corner ones being octagonal. The dome of the tomb rises from a sixteen-sided base. On either side of the Safdarjung tomb are beautiful pavilions, known as "Moti Mahal" or the pearl palace, "Jangli Mahal" or the sylvan palace and "Badshah Pasand" or the emperor's favorite.

Jama Masjid

The Biggest Mosque In India:

Near the Red Fort about 500m away is the Jama masjid, the biggest mosque in India. It was begun by Shah Jahan in 1650 and completed six years later and the whole cost about a million rupees. It is hard to imagine a building more suited to evoking the awe of the majesty of Allah in man. The mosque stands on a rocky elevation. Its huge gateway looks down at you like fastidious connoisseur from an immense platform which has steps that lead up to it.

Constructed in Sandstone and white marble, Jama Masjid can be entered from both the directions - North and the South Gates. The eastern gateway is supposed to remain open in Friday and was used by the emperor himself. Jama Masjid is cluttered by devotees who offer namaz, especially during Muslim Festival. For those who don't belong to non - Muslim community, a specified time is mentioned to enter the mosque

Old Fort Delhi

Introduction

The Purana Quila or the old fort is one of the most captivating tourist sites that narrate the history of Delhi in details. Constructed by the Mughal emperor – Humayun, the Purana Quila is evidence to the glory of the Mughal art. The Purana Quila is situated in New Delhi and is said to guard the ruins of the city of Indraprastha that is mentioned in the Mahabharata.

History

Known as Dinpanah meaning the ‘refuge of the faithful', the Purana Quila was built between 1538 and 1545 by the Mughal emperor Humanyun. The fort originally lay on the bank of the river Yamuna before the river changed its course. The Purana Quila was built by Humayun in an attempt to build a city of his own. But characteristically, the Old Fort did not bear the name of its creator unlike the other emperors erecting such structure. When Sher Shah defeated Humayun most of the structures inside the old fort were demolished and was renamed as ‘Shergarh' . But once again as Humayun recaptured his city from Sher Shah's son he took the task of completing the city and rebuilding its old glory.

Description

The Purana Quila is another reminder of the bygone Mughal era which excelled in architectural styles. The Purana Quila has three majestic gates:
The Humayun Darwaza
The Bara Darwaza
The Talaqi Darwaza

The three gates are double storied and built with red sandstone. The Humayun Darwaza and the Bara Darwaza were the two gates that were open for entry inside the old fort. Entry was prohibited through the Talaqi Darwaza as the name suggests. Talaqi means ‘forbidden'

• The other two attractions at the fort site are:
• Qila-I-Kuhna Masjid,
• Sher Mandal
• the small museum

The Qila-I-Kuhna Masjid was built by Sher Shah when he had captured the Purana Quila after defeating Humayun in 1541. The prayer hall is the most imposing part of the masjid that has five doorways with horse shoe shaped arches. The original plans of building the entire place with marble was jeopardized due to supply shortage. But the fusion of marble and sandstone has given the masjid a unique style.

The Sher Mandal is now an observatory, octagonal in shape. The structure and style of the building suggests that the Sher mandal was built for entertainment purposes. The style and design of the building proves a definite coupling of the Muslim and Hindu architectural magnificence. When Humayun recaptured the Purana quila from Sher shah's son, he used the Sher Mandal as his own library.

The museum at the gate of the Purana Quila has many artifacts recording the beginning and end of a glorious era of the Mughal period.

How to get there

Tourists can avail local buses, taxis and auto rickshaws from different points within the city. Many hotels arrange for conducted tours for tourists.

Get more information on other tourist attractions in Delhi while browsing our site and for online booking, please fill in the form given.

source: historical places in delhi {www.delhiplaces.com}