DELHI

A Walk Down Mehrauli Village
In the beginning Delhi was Mehrauli. When new cities like
Jahanpanah, Siri and other subsequent ones came up, this
became the old city. When Shahjahanabad was built, that
was the new Delhi and Mehrauli was not even regarded a
part of Delhi – it was like another town or village that people
‘travelled’ to. And when today’s central Delhi and later south
Delhi were developed, Shahjahanabad became old Delhi and
Mehrauli again became a part of New Delhi.
Are you confused?
A walk in the village takes you back centuries, where residents
live like they would in an urban village – with parts being
taken over for some of the finest restaurants and boutiques
in the city. While the latter may be well known, a peek into
the lesser known historical remains is highly recommended.
Adham Khan’s Tomb or Bhoolbhulaiyan
Adham Khan was a favoured noble of Mughal Emperor
Akbar, and son of his foster mother Maham Anaga.
Adham Khan committed the folly of murdering another of
Akbar’s favourites, Atgah Khan, and was awarded the death
penalty. This tomb was built in Adham Khan’s memory by
his mother. It is by far the largest structure in the village,
Adham Khan’s Tomb or Bhoolbhulaiyana
and cannot be missed opposite the bus terminal. It is also
known as Bhoolbhulaiyan because of a maze on its upper
corridor along the dome – it is supposedly easy to get lost
in it. Unfortunately, it is now closed to visitors. According
to the ASI caretaker, there is a tunnel running from here all
the way to Agra!
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