Latest news with #Mughal-era
News18
2 days ago
- General
- News18
This Forgotten Agra Inn Witnessed A Bloody Battle That Changed The Course Of Mughal History
Built during Aurangzeb's reign, the inn's original cells now form parts of multi-storey homes, with most residents claiming their families have lived here for generations On the banks of the Yamuna near Agra lies Sarai Jajau, a forgotten Mughal-era inn that once bore witness to a bloody power struggle following Emperor Aurangzeb's death. On June 20, 1707, it became the battleground for a decisive clash between his sons, shaping the course of the empire's future. Aurangzeb, who had not named a successor, left a will instructing his sons to divide the empire among themselves. However, the ensuing struggle for power led to a violent battle of succession between Muhammad Azam Shah and Muazzam, who later became known as Bahadur Shah I. The battle of Jajau, which is historically significant, resulted in the death of Azam Shah and his three sons. Despite the conflict, Muazzam was crowned on June 19, 1707, a day before the battle, and subsequently took over the throne as Bahadur Shah I. Today, Sarai Jajau remains one of the rare inns in India where people continue to live, preserving its rich history. Sarai Jajau features two grand gates, a mosque with three domes, and a reservoir, which are still in use by the local community. The battle for succession to the Mughal throne was fought at Jajau, which, though an unfamiliar name to many, served as the stage for one of the most decisive confrontations in the empire's history. According to a report by Firstpost, there is no trace today of the major battle that once took place in Jajau. This historical site, located about 30 kilometres from Agra on the highway to Gwalior, may not bear visible signs of the war, but it retains its medieval heritage. Although the highway to Gwalior may appear to be relatively new, it is actually a successor to the old road network that once connected various parts of the Mughal Empire. A remnant of that medieval highway still defines Jajau in 2025. During the Mughal era, caravanserais were built along these routes, rest stops where weary traders and their pack animals could pause, refresh themselves, and continue their journey. Caravanserai Of Its Time Built like a small fort and guarded by a garrison, it offered both security and a measure of comfort to weary travellers. One such caravanserai still stands in Jajau, and surprisingly, the structure has largely survived the test of time. Located near the Utangan River, the Jajau serai is constructed in the traditional style of its kind: square in layout, with entrances on the north and south sides. It is enclosed by high fortified walls and features rooms for travellers to rest. On the western side of the complex stands a mosque, elevated on a high platform, where devotees could pause to offer prayers. Now Home To Dozens Of Families Despite its historical significance, the inn is in a state of disrepair. Only the entrance and a small mosque remain intact, while the rest of the space is now a residential area for dozens of families, mostly farmers. From the inside, the place resembles any typical village in the region, with agricultural equipment beside most homes and cattle tied nearby. Like other caravanserais of its time, Jajau Sarai had rooms in its inner section to accommodate travellers. Originally, the inn had about 30 rooms for travellers, but these have been incorporated into the structures of the current homes, some of which have multiple floors. The Inn Built During Aurangzeb's Reign The inn was constructed during the rule of Emperor Aurangzeb. Today, the original cells have been absorbed into the structures of the houses within the inn, some even extended to multiple floors. Most residents claim their families have lived here for generations. An Arabic inscription on a marble slab dates the inn to 1674 AD, during Aurangzeb's rule. Over the years, especially following Aurangzeb's death, the rural community moved into the inn seeking protection within its walls. Its proximity to Agra likely contributed to its survival through the late 18th century. By the 19th century, as the Mughal rule faded, more people settled in the inn. A Hidden Stepwell In Red Sandstone Lies Nearby Nearby, a three-storey medieval stepwell, built from red sandstone, now lies in a state of neglect. Once a vital structure, it is currently used by local farmers as a storage space. Nearby stands an old Mughal bridge, another forgotten relic of the past. In its time, the bridge was an integral part of the Mughal highway network, allowing travellers to cross the Utangan River. Today, it must be searched for among the overgrowth and debris. A British traveller once described it as a grand structure with 20 stone arches, while another noted the presence of two minarets at either end. The heritage of Jajau is slowly crumbling under the weight of apathy. Though the caravanserai is officially listed as a protected monument, its survival depends on serious, sustained efforts to preserve it for future generations. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
4 days ago
- News18
DTTDC invites bids for horticulture work at three heritage sites in Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 18 (PTI) The Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC) has invited online bids for the development of horticulture and landscaping work at Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal, Bijri Khan Tomb and Maqbara-e-Paik sites in the national capital, along with a one-year maintenance period with an estimated cost of Rs 47.15 lakh. According to the tender notice issued by DTTDC on Thursday, the scope of work includes development of horticulture work, including landscaping with one-year maintenance at Bhuli Bhatiyari ka Mahal in the Central Ridge Reserve Forest in Karol Bagh, Bijri Khan Tomb in RK Puram and Maqbara-e-Paik in Mukarba Park along NH-1 Bypass. The estimated cost for the entire project is Rs 47.15 lakh, with an earnest deposit of Rs 94,316. The completion period is specified as 30 days for initial development, followed by one year of maintenance, the tender stated. The deadline for submitting the bid is 3 pm on July 25 and the earnest money in original form must be submitted by the same deadline, while the lowest bidder will be required to submit additional documents within seven working days after the bid opening, it mentioned. Tenderers have been advised to inspect the site and make themselves familiar with the nature of the work, site conditions, and access points. They will be responsible for arranging their own materials, tools, and facilities unless otherwise stated in the tender documents, it read. Bhuli Bhatiyari ka Mahal, located in the Central Ridge near Karol Bagh, is a 14th century hunting lodge believed to be built during the Tughlaq dynasty. The monument, now part of Delhi's protected ridge forest, is often associated with local folklore and is largely abandoned now. Bijri Khan's Tomb in RK Puram is an example of Mughal-era architecture, though lesser known, and stands amidst a busy urban landscape, often requiring upkeep to preserve its historic integrity. Maqbara-e-Paik, near Mukarba Chowk, is another under-recognised heritage structure believed to have been constructed during the late Mughal period, surrounded by modern infrastructure development and in need of aesthetic revival. PTI SHB SHB MNK MNK (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: July 18, 2025, 20:15 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
5 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Echoes of past: How Delhi's forgotten monuments are coming back to life
NEW DELHI: On the Delhi state archaeology department's agenda is the restoration of four historic sites in the city - the Dwarka baoli, the kos minars near Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals and at Badarpur border and a minar in Hastsal village. While work on the Dwarka stepwell and the milestone at Badarpur border have been completed, the process is nearing completion at the other two sites. The estimated cost of these projects was over Rs 30 lakh. The baoli at Dwarka, also known as Loharheri ki Baoli, is a 16th-century stepwell built in the Lodhi era to serve the ironsmith community of Loharheri village. Hidden for years under vegetation, it was rediscovered and is now recognised as an important architectural site. Located between a school and residential complex in Sector 12, the restored structure now features repaired stone flooring, lime replastering and repainted grilles and gates. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi The kos minar on Mathura Road close to Badarpur metro station is a Mughal-era milestone that once marked distances along imperial travel routes. These minars played a crucial role in communication and navigation during the Mughal period. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Nvidia's AI Strategy Is Clear - But Is Wall Street Paying Attention? Seeking Alpha Read More Undo Restoration work at the site included repairs to the rubble masonry boundary wall, stone paving, repointing and repainting of grilles. Work at the kos minar near Apollo Hospital is in its final stages and is likely to be completed at the end of this month. According to INTACH, the minar is a cylindrical, tapering structure with three horizontal moulded sections, an octagonal base and a domed top. Once used to mark distances - one kos equals approximately 3km - these structures were part of India's medieval road system. Restoration includes building a brick boundary wall, stone flooring, masonry reinforcement, chemical cleaning and installation of new grilles and a gate. In Hastsal village, restoration is under way on a 17-metre-high, three-storeyed brick minar built during emperor Shah Jahan's reign. Likely intended as a shooting tower near the Mughal emperor's hunting lodge, the minar features red sandstone facades, a narrow internal staircase and architectural elements reminiscent of Qutub Minar. Ongoing work includes boundary wall construction, lime plastering, red sandstone flooring and painting of grilles and walls. Completion is expected by Aug-end. In addition to these projects, the Delhi Tourism and Transport Development Corporation is overseeing the restoration of several other monuments and improve public access to them. These include six monuments within Mehrauli Archaeological Park, three in Lodhi Garden, as well as Ghost Gumbad, Baradari Qudsia, the Tomb of Bijri Khan, Mutiny Memorial, Turkmen Gate and Bawana Jail. Plans include adding amenities like restrooms and lighting wherever space allows. Department officials said that while some sites like Quli Khan's Tomb in Mehrauli Archaeological Park and Shah Jahan's Turkman Gate will undergo structural stabilisation and restoration, others were being given visitor-friendly features. The Mughal-era tomb of Paik, located near Mukarba Chowk, is getting a complete makeover. An amphitheatre and cafeteria are under construction, along with an interpretation room to help visitors understand the monument's historical significance and boost tourist engagement.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
India Gate picnic ban? here are 7 chill picnic spots in Delhi you can still visit
Source: Incredible India So, India Gate said no more picnics — sad, we know. The iconic lawns that once saw chholey bhature feasts, badminton rackets, and families chilling under fairy lights are now picnic-free zones. Thanks to crowd control and security concerns, the Delhi Police has officially banned picnic gatherings there. But don't worry, your weekend vibes don't have to die just yet. From lush gardens to lakeside views, the capital still has plenty of chill spots where you can stretch out a mat, snack on momos, and vibe in peace. Let's dive into the best picnic spots in Delhi that are still open and waiting. Whether you're a nature lover, a history nerd, or just here for the aesthetic reels — there's a spot in this city for everyone. Best picnic spots in Delhi after the India Gate ban Lodhi Garden Source: Location: Lodhi Estate This iconic garden blends lush greenery with Mughal-era tombs, making it perfect for a picnic and a casual photo shoot. With well-maintained lawns and a peaceful vibe even on weekends, Lodhi Garden is perfect for a laid-back day out. Plus, it's pet-friendly, so bring your floof along. Sunder Nursery Source:Wikipedia Location: Next to Humayun's Tomb Think of this as Delhi's version of Central Park — minus the rats. Sunder Nursery is a gorgeous blend of Mughal gardens, water bodies, rare plant species, and heritage monuments. There's even a café nearby in case your picnic turns into a brunch date. Entry fee applies, but it's worth every rupee. Garden of Five Senses Source: Delhi Tourism Location: Saidulajab, near Saket It's not just a park — it's an experience. Sculptures, flower lanes, food stalls, and cute corners for that perfect picnic aesthetic. Whether you're there for a solo mental health reset or a chaotic friend picnic, this spot's got the vibe. Nehru Park Source: Incredible India Location: Chanakyapuri Popular with joggers and yoga groups in the morning, and families in the afternoon — Nehru Park is vast, peaceful, and great for large groups. There are enough trees for shade and enough space to not hear the uncleji blasting Honey Singh on his Bluetooth speaker. Deer Park Source: Wikipedia Location: Hauz Khas If you want your picnic with a side of wildlife, Deer Park has you covered. You can spot actual deer (yes, real ones), swans, peacocks, and rabbits. Plus, it connects to the Hauz Khas ruins and lake — perfect for post-picnic strolls and sunsets. Sanjay Van Source: WWF India Location: Near Vasant Kunj For the adventurous picnic crowd. Sanjay Van is more forest than park — it's massive, wild, and honestly underrated. Great if you want to escape the crowd and breathe real oxygen for a change. Carry mosquito spray and good shoes. Japanese Park (Swarn Jayanti Park) Location: Rohini Sector 10 North Delhi fam, this one's for you. Japanese Park is huge, clean, and ideal for family outings, kite flying, and endless snacks. It's got lakes, walking trails, and even ducks. Bonus: You're close to malls and metro stations if you want to bounce post-picnic. India Gate might be out, but these Delhi picnic spots still have your back Sure, India Gate banning picnics is a bit of a bummer. But let's be honest — you deserve more than fighting for mat space between screaming toddlers and unclejis with harmoniums. Delhi has way better picnic spots where you can actually enjoy your food and your sanity. Pack those sandwiches, grab your speaker, and explore a new patch of grass this weekend. Also read| UNESCO names 26 new World Heritage Sites including Maratha Military Landscapes from India
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Delhiwale: Chandni Chowk's new ways
Although it was mashoor for sohan halwa, the sweetshop's boondi laddu would reach closest to perfection. Each round piece topped with a single melon seed, the little laddu would dissolve the instant it was tossed into the mouth. The sustained presence of a culinary landmark, its eventual closure, followed by its re-emergence, is a tribute to old Chandni Chowk. (HT) Old Delhi's Ghantewala Confectioners had been a Chandni Chowk landmark since 1790. It closed its shutters in 2015. The space wasn't orphaned. It changed into a cloth shop. A few years later, the cloth shop closed too. The space shuffled back into a sweetshop—reverting into… the same Ghantewala! The sustained presence of a culinary landmark, its eventual closure, followed by its re-emergence, is a tribute to old Chandni Chowk. But like it or not, this old area is more new than old. The Mughal-era promenade continues to be crammed with vintage mansions and monuments, but it is no museum to bhoole-bhisre mumbo jumbo. With all its chaos and crowds, Chandni Chowk is furiously raw, throbbing wildly to the moment. A sense of that pulsating present is felt, albeit slightly, at the aforementioned sweetshop, whose eighth generation descendent is chatting with a customer in fluent angrezi. The energy is more intense in other Chandni Chowk businesses. All you have to do is to browse the market hoardings. It is revealing to trace the connections the English language legends on the shop banners strike with whatever awareness we might have of Chandni Chowk's fabled past. Let's start with England's Jane Austen. All her drawing room romances end with a dulha-dulhan. If Austen novels were set in Delhi, her heroines and heroes would certainly have relied on Chandni Chowk for their wedding trousseau. The place is full of shops with names like 'Grooms Collection.' One shop specialises in 'Bridal Lehenga' and—hear, hear!—'Girlish Lehenga.' But Chandni Chowk refuses to be boxed into the cliché of a shadi walla market. Sample this unusual bazar banner—an 'arms and ammunition shop.' Or, consider a market corridor next-door to the historic Sikh shrine of Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib. This seemingly ordinary corridor displays a stone slab. The inscription on it describes the site as 'Shahi Sunheri Masjid.' The centuries-old mosque is perched directly atop the corridor, and is the fateful place from where invader Nadir Shah supervised the massacre of thousands of Delhiwale in 1739. But this evening, the stone slab has strayed too far from that ghastly history—at least visually. It is partially hidden by a clothing brand's invasive neon hoarding. And so it goes. Other banners, other combos, such as 'Polite Garments' hanging too close to 'Lovebird Lingerie.' Similarly colourful is the rest of Chandni Chowk's signage jungle. While these entrepreneurial banners speak in varied voices, they sing together a chorus, illustrating how forcefully the new ways have taken over the old courtliness of the place. Indeed, one shop banner goes literal about the point—see photo.
