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night. A magnifi cent building housing the Modern Art Gallery if found
on the circular road around India Gate. This gallery exhibits at least
200,000 exquisite paintings of Indian as well as foreign artists.
Purana Qila
Purana Qila, meaning ‘old fort’ is just a few kilometres from India
Gate on Mathura Road. It was built on an ancient mound by
Humayun the second Mughal emperor. However, Humayun was
defeated by the Afghan chieftain, Sher Shah Suri who renamed it
Shergarh. The fort is a ruin today with only Sher Shah’s mosque
and the building believed to be Humayun’s library remaining. The
entrance, to the fort is an imposing red sandstone gate called the
Bara Darwaza (Main Gate). To the south is the Humayun’s Gate,
which has an inscription bearing Sher Shah’s name and the date
950 AH (1543-4 AD). To the north, is the Taliqi Darwaza (Forbidden
Gate) with carved reliefs, and across the road is the red sandstone
Lal Darwaza (Red Gate) or Sher Shah Gate, that served as the
entrances to the township that grew around the fort. Qila-i-Kuna
Mosque, built by Sher Shah has calligraphic inscriptions in red, white
and grey marble. It has a second storey which served as a prayer
hall for the ladies and a section with ornate jharokas that served as
the prayer area for the royals. Sher Mandal stands to the south of
the mosque. This double-storied octagonal tower of red sandstone
was built by Sher Shah and was used as a library by Humayun after
he recaptured the fort. It is the tragic spot where Humayun slipped
off the stairs, and died. Boating in the lake near the fort is another
enjoyable activity. The Delhi Zoo called Chiriaghar is also next to this
fort and is a great attraction for people of all age groups.
Humayun’s Tomb
Humayun’s Tomb
Purana Qila
HERITAGE WALK
Humayun’s Tomb – a World Heritage Site – is
located in Nizamuddin East, to the south east of
India Gate. It was one of the fi rst monuments to
be built in Mughal style of architecture in India.
This tomb was built in the memory of Emperor
Humayun by his wife Hamida Begum and is said
to be the inspiration for the architecture of the Taj
Mahal. It is a majestic red sandstone structure
with high arches and double dome that are
typical of Mughal architecture. The tomb is right
in the centre and is decorated with beautiful
latticework. There are lush green lawns in front
of the monument that have been divided neatly
into sub squares by walking paths and adorned
with fountains which are also an integral part of
the Mughal architecture. Just before the tomb is
another tomb with a blue dome that was made
with Persian tiles, which became very popular
from that time.
Lodhi Garden
Lodhi Gardens located on Lodhi Road house the ancient tombs
of Mughal emperors Mohammed Shah and Sikander Lodhi.
These gardens are also quite close to India Gate. The gardens
are popular with joggers, walkers, and picnic-goers. In the
centre is an imposing gateway called the Bara Gumbad and
opposite to it is a structure called the Sheesh Gumbad, which
has the remains of an unknown family. The tomb that is visible
from the road is that of Mohammed Shah. It is an octagonal
chamber and has a round stone roof. Sikander Lodi’s tomb is
also similar except for the roof. It is very refreshing to walk in
these gardens, as the monuments give a real feel of the era
gone by.
Lodhi Garden