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08 Min Read Heritage monuments in Delhi make up for a very large part of the city’s culture, and of course, its history. This makes sense if you delve deeper into its long history which reveals that it is actually an amalgamation of eight cities which were all built in different eras but ended up in a pot-pourri of a capital. Delhi has what others can only dream of: red sandstone walls, bulbous domes, delicately ornate carvings and lush greenery to complete it all.
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After being shut for months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a series of ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) monuments have opened up to allow visitors, albeit with a slew of safety measures and proper social distancing. Wearing of masks is mandatory and tickets are booked in two shifts–morning to noon and noon to evening. Here are some of the most popular ones frequented by visitors. Here are 5 ASI monuments in Delhi that you must check out. That is, if your current lockdown rules permit.
Red Fort
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The architecture of the Red Fort is a true testament to the cultural intermingling that the Mughals brought to India. The Mughal style is a fusion of Persian, Timurid and Hindu styles. As in most Mughal forts, the key rooms to visit are the Diwan-i-‘Am (public hall) and the Diwan-i-Khas (private hall). Commissioned by Shah Jahan, this massive walled citadel with red sandstone walls took nearly a decade to complete.
Humayun’s Tomb
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This magnificent tomb is the first notable example of Mughal architecture in Delhi. The tomb was commissioned by Bega Begum, Humayun’s Persian wife and chief consort in 1565 AD, nine years after the Emperor’s death. The architectural style, like most Mughal monuments, is a delightful amalgamation of Persian, Turkish and Indian influences. Built primarily in red sandstone, the monument is a perfectly symmetrical structure, with a typical Persian Char Bagh layout.
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Qutub Minar
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Almost as old as the history of the Delhi Sultanate, the iconic Qutub Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret, dominates the skyline of the city. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it remains one of the most magnificent buildings of India from the medieval era. It is considered to be the Tower of Victory, built by Qutubuddin Aibak in the 12th century to mark the end of rule by the last Hindu kingdom. The Qutub Minar was built in three stages by three rulers of Delhi and that is probably why the monument appears to tilt a little.
Purana Qila
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Purala Qila is a good place from which to tell the story of Delhi’s urban development over the years. Erected in 1538 by the Mughal king, Shah Suri, it is one of the ancient forts of Delhi and is an enthralling historical site beholding the majestic history of this city. The architectural style of Purana Qila depicts the Mughal era. It has three gates – The Humayun Darwaza, The Bara Darwaza and The Talaqi Darwaza.
Safdarjung Tomb
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This mausoleum built by Safdarjung’s son Nawab Shujaud Daula remains the last monumental garden tomb depicting the Mughal architectural style. The tomb was planned and built like an enclosed garden tomb in line with the style of Humayun's Tomb. The huge garden encompassing the mausoleum, is designed in line with the conventional charbagh garden style of the Mughals.
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