Wednesday 30 November 2011

indira gandhi museum place


Indira Gandhi Museum


Indira Gandhi Museum is located on the Safdarjung Road in the south of Delhi. It was established in the year 1959 and was dedicated to the late former prime minister of India, Mrs. Indira Gandhi. About the Indira Gandhi Museum it is the same place were Indira Gandhi used to reside before her assignation.
This place was the residential place of her while serving as the prime minister of India. She was assassinated on 31st October in the year 1984 by her Sikh bodyguards. After her death this place was totally dedicated to her remains properties.

About Indira Gandhi Museum

The main feature of this museum is the photograph of the Gandhi and Nehru families which makes this place special from other museum. The belongings of Indira Gandhi were also preserved in this museum so that the upcoming generation can know more about her. The garden in which Mrs. Indira Gandhi was murder have some megaphones hidden in the bushes which continues play the speeches of Mrs. Indira Gandhi that she used to give during her prime minister section.
The blood spot of Indira Gandhi where she was murdered are preserved in a glass frame for the people display. The history of Indria Gandhi museum is pretty simple and sober as it does not have those huge hanging paintings and lights. It was a modest Bungalow where her whole family including her grandchildren Rahul, Priyanaka and Varun used to live with each other. Now it is open for the public display and the timing for visiting the museum is from 9.30 in the morning to 5.00 in the evening.

National Gallery of Modern Art

National Gallery of Modern Art was established by the government in the year 1954. The national gallery was a variety of collection of arts from not only indigenous arts but foreign artist too.
The collection of Rabindranath Tagore, Raja Ravi etc are having their home in the gallery. About national gallery of modern arts, it comprises of more than 14000 arts sculptures made by various artists across the global.

About National Gallery of Modern Art

The national gallery of modern art is situated near to the Raj part and it faces towards the Indian Gate. The building in which the gallery is established was the residential palace of the Maharaja of Jaipur and was formerly known as “Jaipur House”. The history of national gallery of modern arts relates to the idea of the late prime minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru. It was inaugurated in the presence of Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru and Vice president Dr. S. Radhakrishnan. The first curator was a German art after which there was an addition of numerous sculptures.
There was an addition of a new wing in the year 2009 which was about six times of the present gallery. The new wing consists of a new auditorium, a theatre and a library which adds up to the knowledge of the visitor coming to the gallery. The gallery also has an exhibition of Anish Kapoor from November 2010-february 2011 which was first in this history.
The gallery has a documentation centre for the collection of all the modern and old age sculpture data. The restoration service in the gallery is used to renovate the sculptures which are becoming older day by day

Chor Minar

Chor Minar or we say the “Tower of Thieves” is a minaret which is situated near to the Aurobindo Marg in Hauz Khaz area of the south of Delhi. It is having more than 200 holes in it which makes its name more meaningful. The construction of this minaret was done by the Alaudiing khiliji of the khiliji dynasty which made the style of architecture in the khiliji style.
The history of Chor minar reviles that this was the place where the head of thieves were displayed to the loyal people through the holes in the minaret although some people said that it was for the Mongolian people who made a settlement with the khiliji ruler. The Mongolian settled them in a nearby region of Delhi which is now a day’s known as”Mongolpuri”. About 8000 Mongol prisoners were executed during the raid of Ali beg and Traghi in the year 1305.

About Chor Minar

The Chor Minar took about 3 decades to get whole construction. About the Chor minar it is said that it was the only place liked the Khiliji dynasty for the execution of the prisoners that were captured from some crime. The Chor Minar in modern Hauz khas has got a lot of demolition and encroachments due to which all of its more than 200 holes have suffered a major destruction. The renovation work is need to this medical time period building which is staying standing high on its feet.
During the wars and invasion the Chor minar suffered the most as foreign rulers tried to destroy it.



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Tuesday 29 November 2011

historical place of delhi

Sultan Ghari Tomb

Sultan Ghari Tomb, Sultan Ghari Tomb historical, Sultan Ghari Tomb travel, Sultan Ghari Tomb tourism, Sultan Ghari TombAbout 8-km southwest of the Qutub-Minar, on the Mehrauli-Palam road, is Sultan Ghari's tomb, the first example of a monumental Muslim tomb in India excluding some pre-Sultanate monuments in Kutch District. From an inscription on its main gateway, we learn that it was built in 1231 by Iltutmish over the remains of his eldest son and heir-apparent, prince Nasir-ud-Din Mahmud.
An Inspiring Architecture 
The prince had waged several wars on his father's behalf and had died in 1229 at Lakhnauti. The monument exemplifies the same phase in tomb-architecture, as one finds in the Quwwatu'l-Islam mosque. It is built with architectural members detached from temples and employs the trabeate construction with which the indigenous architects were familiar.

Around an octagonal tomb-chamber resting on two-tiered pillars removed from earlier temples was raised here a square platform to about half the height of the chamber by piling up rubble stones, so that approached from the platform, now serving the purpose of a courtyard, the chamber assumed the character of a crypt (ghar).

The chamber was roofed by providing beams and lintels and covered with the opening on the south, suggests that the original approach to the interior was perhaps through this staircase, the opening through the veneer having been pierced later. The high platform is enclosed by colonnades on the east and west and plain walls on the other two sides, with domed bastions on the corners, which give the monument the appearance of a small fortress.

The corridors probably served as a 'madrasa' or college. In the centre of the western wing is a prayer-niche of marble, raised on pillars and provided with a minhrab richly ornamented with Quranic inscription. A marble 'yoni-patta' (base slab for a linga) is found re-used in the floor of this prayer-chamber. The exterior of the tomb-chamber is faced with marble stones over an earlier grey sandstone veneer, and appears to have been the work of Feroze Shah, who mentions having carried out certain repairs here.
Recent Excavations 
Sultan Ghari Tomb, Sultan Ghari Tomb historical, Sultan Ghari Tomb travel, Sultan Ghari Tomb tourism, Sultan Ghari TombRecently some sculptured lintels and an upright stone of a railing from some temples have been discovered embedded in the thickness of the roof concrete, suggesting that a temple existed here around the 7th-8th century. They re-used grey stone and marble in several places, as well as the amalakas lying here, appear to come from a different and later temple.
Around The Tomb 
To the south of Sultan Ghari's tomb lie the pillared tombs of Rukn-ud-Din Firuz Shah (died in 1237) and Mu'izz-ud-Din Bahram Shah (died in 1241), sons of Iltutmish, who occupied the throne subsequently for brief periods, the earlier in 1235 and the latter in 1241.

A Sanskrit message dated in 1361 on a slab found used in a house of later date to the west of the tomb records the digging of a tank on the occasion of a marriage-ceremony, while a stone linga is found used as a lintel in a blind arch. A mosque in ruins in the neighbourhood was possibly built by Feroze Shah, while other remains here may belong to the late Mughal period.






National Gallery of Modern Art

National Gallery of Modern Art, National Gallery of Modern Art historical, National Gallery of Modern Art travel
Location : Jaipur House, Near India Gate Attractions : Paintings Dating Back 150 Years. 

The stately Jaipur House is the place for the National Gallery of Modern Art. On display are paintings, sculpture and graphic art dating from the mid 19th century to today.

All the well known an present, are exhibited here. There works by Raja Ravi Varma. The school is represented by Abanindranath Tagore, especially his Advent of the Rainy Season, Twilight and Landscape: Nandalal Bose, Ramkumar Kinkar, Rabindranash Tagore, Binod Behari Mukherjee among others. On view also are Amrita Shergill's Self Portrait, Two women, Musicians, Bathers andJamini Roy's Krishna and Balarama, Kirian, Yasoda and Krishna.

The exhibits also include works by major modern artists like M F Husain, Vivan Sundaram, J Swaminathan, Ghulam Mohammed Sheikh and Bhupen Khakhar.

National Gallery of Modern Art, National Gallery of Modern Art historical, National Gallery of Modern Art travel
Rich Showcase of Indian Contemporary Art
  • To acquire and preserve works of modern art from 1850's onward
  • To organise maintain and develop galleries for permanent display
  • To organise special exibitions worldwide
  • To develop an education and documentation centre in order to acquire, maintain and preserve documents relating to works of modern art
  • To develop a specialised library of books, periodicals, photographs and other audio visual materials
  • To organise lectures, seminars and conferences, and to
  • encourage higher studies and research in the field of art history, art criticism, art appreciation, museology and the interrelations on visual and performing arts
Timing : Daily 10.00am - 5.00pm







Monday 28 November 2011

qutub minar visit place


Qutub Minar

Qutab Minar Tower
Historical Construction Of A Landmark In 1199, Qutub-ud-Din raised the Qutub Minar either as a victory tower or as a minaret to the adjacent mosque. From a base of 14.32m it tapers to 2.75m at a height of 72.5m and a valid reason why it took two decades to complete this monument. Its a red sandstone tower covered with beautiful and striking carvings and is inscribed with verses from the holy Quran.
Qutub Minar is still the highest stone tower in India as well as one of the finest Islamic structures ever raised and Delhi's recognised landmark. The sultan's successor and son-in-law, Iltutmish, completed it. In 1303, Ala-ud-Din established the second city of Delhi, called Siri, of which nothing remains but the embattlements. He also had dug a vast reservoir, Hauz Khas, to supply water to his city. Contemporary historians describe the Delhi of that time as being the "envy of Baghdad, the rival of Cairo and equal to Constantinople". For the sake of convenience, tourists visiting the Qutub Complex could also see the Tomb of Adham Khan and Zafar Mahal in Mehrauli and the Tomb of Jamali-Kamali behind the Qutub Minar. These however, belong to a later date. The Damage & Restoration From the Nagari and Persian inscriptions on the minar, it appears that it was damaged twice by lightning, in 1326 and 1368.
The first damage occurred during Muhammed Tughluq's reign (1325-51), and was repaired by him apparently in 1332. The second damage was attended by Feroze Tughluq (1351-88). Later in 1503, Sikandar Lodi (1489-1517) also carried out some restoration in the upper storeys. Originally the minar had only four storeys, faced with red and buff sandstone. The uppermost storey, which was damaged in 1368 during Feroze Tughluq's reign, was replaced by him by two storeys, making free use of marble but leaving the lower portion of the fourth storey built with sandstone in its original condition. The original three storeys are each laid on a different plan, the lowest with alternate angular and circular flutings, the second with round ones and the third with angular ones only, with the same alignment of flutings, however, being carried through them all. Its projecting balconies with stalactite pendentive type of brackets and inscriptional decorative bands on different storeys heighten its decorative effect. It has a diameter of 14.32 m at the base and about 2.75 m on the top. With a height of 72.5 m and 379 steps, it is the highest stone tower in India and a perfect example of minar known to exist anywhere.
 The Legend Of The Qutub There exists a tradition that the Qutub-Minar was built by Prithviraj, the last Chauhan king of Delhi, for enabling his daughter to behold the sacred river Yamuna, from its top as part of her daily worship. A Landmark In Islamic Architecture The Minar's entire architecture, however, bespeaks an Islamic origin, with two of its prototypes in brick still existing at Ghazni, although Hindu craftsmen were certainly employed for its construction, as is evident also from certain 'Devanagari' inscriptions on its surface. Sometimes sculptured stones from temples have been found utilised in it. Originally, it was surmounted by a cupola, which fell down during an earthquake and was replaced early in the 19th century with a new cupola in the late Mughal style, by one Major Smith. It looked, however, so incongruous that it was brought down in 1848, and may now be seen on the lawns to the south east of the 
minar. A Complex Of Astounding Monuments Quwwatu'l-Islam Masjid Just adjacent to the tower is the mosque of Quwwatu'l-Islam Masjid, which can become a bewildering experience for those who are not familiar with its history. It was supposed to have been built using the materials and masonry of the remains of Hindu Temples and architecture. On one hand there is the beautiful, exceptional Islamic handwriting and brocaded designs. Then there are pillars with clearly pre-Islamic Hindu motifs. The reason is that the pillars were taken from the 27 temples of Qila Rai Pithora, the city of the Rajput king Prithviraj Chauhan.This in fact has been recorded by Qutub-ud-Din in his inscriptions,who call it the Jami Masjid (Friday Mosque) in his inscriptions.
  The mosque was started in 1192 by Qutub-ud-din Aibak, the first ruler of the Slave Dynasty and was finished four years later.
The Iron Pillar In the courtyard of the Quwwatu'l-Islam mosque stands the famous iron pillar, which bears a Sanskrit inscription in Gupta script, palaeographically assignable to the 4th century, a date which is also confirmed by the peculiar style of its 'Amalaka'-capital. The inscription records that the pillar was set up as a standard or dhvaja of god Vishnu on the hill known as 'Vishnupada', in the memory of a mighty king, named 'Chandra', who is now regarded as identical with Chandragupta II (375-413) of the imperial Gupta dynasty. A deep hole on the top of the pillar indicates that an additional member, perhaps an image of 'Garuda', was fitted into it to answer to its description as a standard of Vishnu. The pillar has been brought here evidently from somewhere, else, as no other relics of the 4th century are found at the site. There is a strong bardic tradition that it was brought here - wherefrom, nobody knows - by Anangpal, the Tomar king who is credited with the founding of Delhi.

Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid Delhi
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.






Friday 25 November 2011

delhi historical place


Red Fort

Red Fort
About Red Fort
Red Fort or Lal Quila as it is more popularly known is a masterpiece of architecture and one of the most haunting spots for tourists from both India and abroad. This colossal fort on the banks of the river Yamuna, built by Shahjahan as the citadel of the 17th Century Delhi is a significant link between the past and the present, for it is from here that the prime minister of India addresses the people on the Independence Day (August 15th).
Mughal Emperor Shahjahan started construction of the Red Fort in 1638, which was completed in 1648. The fort contains - halls of public and private audience, domed and arched marble palaces, plush private apartments, a mosque and elaborately designed gardens. Even today, the fort continues to be an impressive evidence to Mughal grandeur.
The Architecture
The Red Fort with thick red sandstone walls, bulging with turrets and bastions is one of the largest and oldest monument in Delhi India. The Fort rises above a wide dry moat in the northeast corner of the original city of Shahjahanabad, now Old Delhi. Its walls extend from 2 kms and vary in height from 18 m on the river side to 33 m on the city side.
The Fort also houses the Diwan-i-Am or the Hall of Public Audiences where the Emperor would sit and hear complaints of the common folks. The Diwan-i-Khas is the hall of private audiences where the Emperor held private meetings. This hall is made of marble and its centre-piece used to be the Peacock Throne, which was carried away to Iran by Nadir Shah in 1739.
The other attractions within this monument are the Royal Baths or hammams, the Shahi Burj, which used to be Shahjahan's private working area and the Moti Masjid or the Pearl Mosque, built by Aurangzeb for his personal use. The Rang Mahal or the "Palace of Colours" housed the Emperor's wives and mistresses. This palace was crowned with gilded turrets, delicately painted and decorated with an intricate mosaic of mirrors, and a ceiling overlaid with gold and silver that was reflected in a central pool in the marble floor.

Humayun's Tomb

Humayun's Tomb
Humayun was the eldest son of Babar who was the first emperor of Mughal Empire in India. He succeeded in becoming the next Emperor. Humayun ruled India for about a decade till he was bitten by an Afghan Emperor Sher Shah Suri. In 1555 AD Humayun regained Delhi with the help of Shah of Persia. Humayun died an unfortunate death in less than a year's time after his conquer. He felt from the stairs of his own library known as Sher Mandal library. The Persian wife of Humayun named Bega Begum then decided to build a tomb for her husband which was named as Humayun Tomb.
The construction of the tomb started in 1562 and the building was completed in the year 1572. The building is famous as the first building built in the era of Humayun's son Jallaluddin Mahammad commonly known as the Akbar. The tomb was constructed with the help of Persian architect named Mirak Mirza Ghiyuath. For this reason, Humayun Tomb has a clear influence of Persian architecture. The site for construction was chosen on the bank of Yamuna River adjoining the shrine of the Nizamuddin Auliya a Sufi saint of Chisti silsilah. The tomb was the first garden tomb made in India. This tomb became the landmark in establishing different essential norms for buildings later built in Mughal Era.
The structure is mainly built in red sandstone. The marble is largely used in the borders. The dome is made of white marble. To relieve the monotony black and white marbles have been used. Humayun's tomb is the first building built in India to use the originally Persian concept of a double dome. The tomb is geometrically placed in the middle of specially made garden. The garden is divided into 4 parts. Therefore the garden is called as Char Bagh. The garden is divided in 36 small squares by grid of water paths and channels. The Persian garden concept was introduced in this tomb firstly which then went on till the period of Shah Jahan.
There are two double-storey gateways on south and west that lead to the enclosure. There is a pavilion at the center of the eastern wall and a bath chamber in present at the center of the northern wall. For entering the tomb's chamber we have to come through the south entrance. The other three sides have been covered with mesh wire and white marble. In the exact middle of the central chamber lies the tomb. The actual resting-place of Humayun is directly beneath the underground chamber. The roof is surmounted by a double dome made of marble which has huge diameter of 42.5 meters. The dome had pillared kiosks (also called as chhatris) placed around it. Several rulers of the Mughal era have been buried here.
In 1857, during the first independence war, Bahadur Shah Zafar with three princes had taken refuge in this tomb. Humayun's Tomb is a must visit place if you are planning to roam Delhi, the city of big hearted people!
Accommodation:
Being a capital of India, Delhi serves you with all types of stay and food options. Many 3 star, 5 star hotels are available in the city. Also many low cost lodges make you rooms available.


Safdarjung's Tomb

Safdarjung 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.



Thursday 24 November 2011

delhi historical place


Safdarjung's Tomb

Safdarjung 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

Jama Masjid Delhi
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

Old fort
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.



jama masjid historical place


Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid Delhi
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.

Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar.
A unique structure raised in 1724, now lies in the heart of Delhi's commercial centre near Connaught place. This is the Jantar Mantar, one of several astronomical observatories raised by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur. The various abstract structures within the Jantar Mantar are, in fact, instruments that were used for keeping track of celestial bodies. Yet, Jantar Mantar is not only a timekeeper of celestial bodies, it also tells a lot about the technological achievements under the Rajput kings and their attempt to resolve the mysteries regarding astronomy. The Jantar Mantar of Delhi is only one of the five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh II, the other four being located at Jaipur, Varanasi, Ujjain and Mathura.
All of these were built as far back as AD 1724-1730 during the period generally known as the dark age of Indian history, when the last great Mughal emperor Aurangzeb had died and the Mughal Empire was rapidly declining. During this period of turmoil, Muhammad Shah ascended the throne of the Mughal Empire. As many enemies surrounded him, he sought the alliance of the Hindu rulers. Of these, the most notable was Sawai Jai Singh II of Amber, who came into limelight since the days of Aurangzeb. When Jai Singh ascended the throne of Amber in 1699, he was barely eleven, but sharp and shrewd far beyond his years. The then Mughal emperor Aurangzeb was so impressed with the young ruler that he gave Jai Singh II the title of 'Sawai', meaning one and a quarter of an average man in worth.
As Jai Singh repeatedly proved himself a worthy ally of the Mughals, Muhammad Shah, who was seeking a dependable ally, zeroed in on Jai Singh and duly raised him to the rank of governor of Agra and later, of Malwa. Legend Behind Jantar Mantar Jai Singh was passionate about two things-arts and the sciences, chiefly astronomy. Once, at the court of Muhammad Shah, he found the Hindu and Muslim astrologers embroiled in a heated argument over certain planetary positions. It was imperative that the positions be known accurately to determine an auspicious hour for the emperor to set out on an expedition. Jai Singh offered to rectify the then available astronomical tables, an offer that was readily accepted by the Mughal emperor.
The result was an onsite Jantar Mantar in Delhi, an astronomical observatory where the movements of sun, moon and planets could be observed.
Jai Singh's idea was to create a rebirth of practical astronomy among the Indian masses and practicing astronomers. However, the lofty ideals of the Jantar Mantar remained unfulfilled as the country at that time was in chaos and the full potential of this observatory was never realized. In the beginning, Jai Singh tried to use brass instruments in this observatory, but soon gave them up because of several inherent flaws. They were too small, for one thing, their axes were unstable so the center often got displaced. He then decided to follow the style adopted by the renowned Arab astronomer, Prince Ulugh Beg, builder of the famous 15th century observatory at Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The massive masonry instruments at Samarkand suited Jai Singh's architectural tastes and promised to be more accurate because of sheer size. In 1730, Jai Singh sent a mission to the king of Lisbon. On its return to Jaipur, the mission brought back a telescope and the court astronomer by the name of Xavier de Silva. The Observatory This unique observatory was completed in 1724 and remained operational only for seven years.
 
Astronomical observations were regularly made over here and these observations were used for drawing up a new set of tables, later compiled as Zij Muhammad Shahi dedicated to the reigning monarch. Jai Singh named his observatory Jantar Mantar, which is actually pronounced, as 'Yantra Mantra', yantra for instrument and mantra for formula. A huge sundial known as "Samrat Yantra" or 'Prince of Dials',
 meant to measure accurate time of the day within half a second and the declination of the sun and other heavenly bodies dominates it.
Jai Singh himself designed this yantra. Other yantras were also meant for the study of heavenly bodies, plotting their course and predicting eclipses. The two pillars on the southwest of Mishra Yantra are meant to determine the shortest and longest days of the year. Interestingly, in December one pillar completely covers the other with its shadow while in June it does not cast any such shadow at all. After the completion of the first Jantar Mantar and with a view to verifying astronomical observations made at Delhi, Jai Singh built similar, even if smaller observatories, at other important Indian cities-Jaipur, Varanasi, Ujjain, and Mathura. The Jantar Mantars may have fallen into disuse but they remain an integral part of India's scientific heritage. It presents that the spirit of scientific enquiry was not dead in India and would have yielded rich results if only an opportunity of research and development had been given to it. This monument situated just a stroll away on the Parliament Street, still remains one of the most intriguing structures of the capital, one that burst in a flood of questions inside the curious mind of the tourist. Timing : Daily 9.00am - 7.00pm.

Old Fort Delhi

Old fort
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.
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