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India.com
27-05-2025
- General
- India.com
How Delhi City's Street Names Reveal Its Forgotten History
India's capital, Delhi, is a city that showcases its history on its street signs. Each street sign offers a glimpse into what the Mughals, ancient empires, and freedom fighters have left behind. Hence, the street signs here tell a partial history of this megacity. A more detailed description would explain how the city was built layer by layer. Chandni Chowk, located in the modern part of Old Delhi, is a Chowk (market) that was the heart of the Mughal capital, Shahjahanabad, built by Shah Jahan in the year 1639. The name 'Chandni Chowk' in english would mean ' Moonlit Square' a marketplace that sold lanterns during the peak of Mughal civilization. Points of interest like Lodi Colony and Nizamuddin share a common trait of drawing their names from people of significance or particular dynasties. The Lodi Colony bears the name of the Lodhi dynasty, which governed regions in the northern parts of India before the rise of the Mughals. Meanwhile, Nizamuddin is in reference to a greatly esteemed Sufi saint known as Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, whose dargah continues to be a source of great reverence from people of all religions and socio-economic factors. These names, bearing the memories of great saints and rulers, also showcase the great mix of religions and cultures that have existed in harmony in Delhi for many centuries. British Colonial Heritage: Street Names But, when the British East India Company started capturing major parts of India in the 18th and 19th centuries, their primary goal was to impose their culture and identity onto the subcontinent. These included the changing of numerous streets and landmarks in favor of British decorum by naming them after prominent English monarchs, officials, and military officers. The iconic commercial center of Delhi, Connaught Place, was in honor of Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn who made a visit to India in the early 20th century. In the same manner, streets with names like Curzon Road (now Kasturba Gandhi Marg) showed loyalty to his Lordship Curzon, who had once been the Viceroy of India and is infamous for his administrative policies along with the partition of Bengal. Postcolonial India began the process of shedding its colonial past by altering the names of roads and areas associated with colonial rule. Those roads that were named by the British were renamed after Indian leaders and other prominent figures who contributed to the independence. For example, during British rule, one of the major avenues was called Kingsway. After independence, it was changed to Rajpath showcasing sovereignty of the Republic of India. Such examples explain the change in identity of a nation and power and why politics is instilled into everything. Celebrating Legends: Roads Named After Visionaries and Freedom Fighters A discussion on the nomenclature of the roads of Delhi cannot be had without giving credit to those who lost their lives for the sake of the freedom of the country. Roads like Netaji Subhash Marg, Bhagat Singh Marg and Ashoka Road are named after the revolutionary leaders whose contributions towards achieving independence is unforgettable. Each name is a reminder of the sacrifices made and the victories garnered through the efforts in achieving self-rule. Even the relatively unknown heroes are acknowledged in the urban sprawl of Delhi. One example is the name Chittaranjan Park which gets its name from Mr. Chittaranjan Das who was a famous lawyer and politician and an important part of the Non Cooperation Movement. Another example is Kamla Nehru Ridge which gets it's name after the wife of Mr Nehru who was a social worker, though, she is most known for being the wife of one of the most famous leaders of India. By these people being given the honored of street names, their narratives are kept alive and fresh in the minds of people. Cultural Tapestry: Celebrating Diversity Through Names Delhi has remained a fusion of multiple cultures, religions, and traditions, and this is evident in the varied street names. Jama Masjid, Gurudwara Rakab Ganj and ,St. James Church Road are some names that emphasize the multi faith character of the city as people from different religions have coexisted peacefully. In Old Delhi, vibrant markets like Matia Mahal Bazaar and Paranthe Wali Gali manifest the unique culinary traditions of the region, encapsulating the lifestyle of the common people. In addition, 'Rabindra Marg' honors Rabindranath Tagore, India's first Nobel Laureate, while 'Sansad Marg' (Parliament Street) refers to the core values that nourish a nation's governance. Rabindra and Sansad Marg, as well as other streets, show reader how Delhi takes pride in great intellectual works and prides itself on political accomplishments too. These names show how Delhi's intellectual pursuits are blended with its political achievements. Forgotten Corners: Unearthing Hidden Histories While certain monikers of streets and roads boast of their historical anecdotes, some remain anonymously mysterious. Some alleys and bylanes can be referred to as forgotten due to their linkages to people and events which no longer exist. These streets are like a treasure hunt for Delhi's history that is slowly being buried and lost in time. Khari Baoli, the largest spice market in Asia is said to be derived from a stepwell ('baoli') nearby which had salt water in it ('Khari'). Even though the original baoli does not exist anymore this is a great example of how the memory lives on in the name and connects contemporary traders to when settlements were customary for water sources. These times are so intertwined, just like the name Daryaganj, a colorful book bazaar today was once regarded as part of the darya, or river bed of Yamuna. This is another example of how people shaped geography and cities over years. Conclusion: Streets as Living Archives To sum up, the street names in Delhi are like living archives as they retain bits and pieces of history in today's rather chaotic world. From the empires and freedom fighters to the common man, every name renders a different perspective towards history and complements the narrative of this complex city. With every modification and development that happens in Delhi, new facets are bound to be added to its streets. But those old names will remain, echoing stories of the past for those who wish to hear them. Therefore, the next time you find yourself walking around the streets of Delhi, make sure you give a glance to the signboard. One may be fortunate enough to find a piece of history that is waiting to unveil its unspoken truths.
United News of India
26-05-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
KCR family in feud over Rs 2000 crore party empire, alleges Nizamuddin
Hyderabad, May 26 (UNI) Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) spokesperson Syed Nizamuddin launched a scathing attack on the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) on Monday, claiming the party has devolved into a family-run business torn apart by greed and internal power struggles. Addressing the media at Gandhi Bhavan, he alleged that a feud among K T Rama Rao, K Kavitha, T Harish Rao, and Santosh Rao is centred not on ideology but on control of assets worth over Rs 2,000 crore. Nizamuddin presented financial data and donor records, showing BRS's declared assets skyrocketed from Rs 5 crore in 2011–12 to Rs 1,191 crore in 2022–23. He argued the actual value, including benami assets, shell companies, and undisclosed income, could far exceed this figure. 'Such exponential growth in a political party's assets is only possible through systemic corruption,' he said. He further revealed that BRS earned Rs 738 crore in 2022–23, with Rs 154 crore coming from just 47 donors, most allegedly linked to government contracts and policy favours during the BRS regime. He claimed the party's matching expenditure hinted at possible money laundering. Nizamuddin also pointed to signs of internal collapse, including a leaked letter from Kavitha to her father KCR, expressing concerns over the party's direction and alleged BJP-friendly tilt. He termed recent private meetings and shifting political stances within the KCR family as signs of a corporate-style succession battle. Accusing the BRS of hijacking the Telangana movement for personal gain, he called for a court-monitored investigation into the party's financial dealings and assets. 'The people deserve to know how a public movement was turned into a private fortune,' he said, urging citizens to reject dynastic politics and support transparent governance. UNI VV BD
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
KCR family feud about money, not people or ideology: Congress
Hyderabad: spokesperson Syed Nizamuddin on Monday said the ongoing feud in K Chandrasekhar Rao's family was not rooted in ideology or public service but a desperate bid to seize control of party assets and its leadership. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He demanded a court-monitored probe into BRS' financial empire, covering electoral bonds, donations, land allotments, alleged shell firms and personal assets of family members. "The alleged power struggle among the top BRS leaders is not about Telangana's people. This is about who gets to control the assets, the funding network, the contractors' cartel, and the political leadership. It has now all come down to who will be the successor to KCR," he said at a press conference at Gandhi Bhavan. The people of Telangana deserve to know how one family used a public movement for private profiteering, he alleged. Nizamuddin said that the BRS got Rs 1,191 crore through electoral bonds before the Supreme Court scrapped them. The BRS assets run into hundreds of crores, both declared and undeclared, with donations taken into consideration, he said. Referring to BRS MLC K Kavitha's letter to her father KCR, Nizamuddin said that the letter wasn't personal but political and explosive. The leak of that letter was followed by a private meeting between KTR and KCR at the latter's Erravelli farmhouse, he said. "They are in damage-control mode. This is a corporate succession war playing out in public," he alleged.
Hans India
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
TG Cong slams BRS, BJP for giving ‘political colour' to Gulzar Houz fire
Hyderabad: The Telangana Congress came out strongly against what it called the 'insensitive and opportunistic politics' of the BRS and BJP over the Gulzar Houz fire tragedy. The party accused opposition parties of 'doing politics over corpses' instead of standing with grieving families. Addressing a press conference at Gandhi Bhavan on Wednesday, PCC official spokesperson Syed Nizamuddin said the time had come to stop blame games and start a people-centric fire safety movement across Telangana. Seventeen lives were lost in the horrific May 19 fire incident at a commercial complex in Gulzar Houz. 'This is not just a tragedy – it is a wake-up call,' Nizamuddin said. 'While the Congress Government under Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy responded with urgency and compassion, announcing Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia for each of the deceased families and extending all support, the BRS and BJP chose to exploit the dead for political mileage.' He condemned what he described as shameless attempts by opposition leaders to divert attention from the core issue – public safety – by engaging in political mudslinging. 'They are trying to gain headlines instead of helping Hyderabad heal. This is dangerous, disgraceful, and unacceptable,' he said. Reiterating the Congress government's commitment to accountability and reform, Nizamuddin said the Chief Minister had already ordered a comprehensive probe to identify the cause of the fire and prevent future tragedies. A six-member high-level committee has been formed for a comprehensive probe and long-term recommendations to prevent recurrence of such incidents. 'This is not about shifting blame. This is about fixing the system. Fire safety is not a slogan; it is a civic necessity,' he said. Nizamuddin called for immediate statewide fire safety awareness drives in homes, schools, apartments, and commercial spaces. He recommended regular electrical audits, controlled use of high-power devices during peak hours, installation of alarms, and proper ventilation systems.
