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Indian Express
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Bulldozer action at Taimoor Nagar: What's the story behind this Delhi locality by the Yamuna?
No one knows who Taimoor Nagar in Delhi is named after. One could surmise it was a derivation of Turkish-Mongol conqueror Timur or Tamerlane, founder of the Timurid Empire, who invaded India in the 14th Century. But history records do not confirm this. Today, Taimoor Nagar is better known as a densely populated locality in Southeast Delhi, near the upscale neighbourhoods of New Friends Colony and Maharani Bagh. And it found itself in the spotlight this week for all the wrong reasons. On Monday, illegal structures near the Taimoor Nagar drain — which feeds into the Yamuna and is choked with garbage — were razed. The action was carried out by the Delhi Development Authority on the orders of the Delhi High Court. The HC Saturday refused to stay the demolition of encroachments around the drain and attributed the flooding in various parts of the Capital — including in South Delhi — last Friday following showers and thunderstorms to the inability of the drain to discharge rainwater downstream due to the encroachments. The neighbourhood's proximity to the Yamuna has meant the area has often been in the news for encroachments on floodplain land and poor drainage infrastructure. It has also faced several eviction and demolition drives over the years, particularly those linked to environmental concerns or court orders regarding illegal construction. The settlement in Taimoor Nagar came up when people were displaced from Rajghat in 1986, said Biswajit Mohanty, Professor of Political Science at Deshbandhu College, Delhi University. 'The people were mostly from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh — three-fourth of the population is Muslim, while the rest are Hindus.' According to Mohammad Tazeem, who teaches history at the Senior Secondary School in Jamia Millia Islamia, Taimoor Nagar is constructed on the lands of two villages, Kilokari and Khizarabad. 'Kilokari and Khizarabad were established during the Sultanate period, he said. 'Before that, these were small settlements of Gujjars and Ahirs.' He added, 'Khizarabad is named after the son of Alauddin Khilji — Khizr Khan. As for Kilokari, it is named after Kaikubad, the grandson of Sultan Balban. These villages became populated in the 13th and 14th century.' Kilokari also has a Sufi connection. It is also believed that the earliest documented Sufi presence in Delhi can be traced to Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki, the successor of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti of Ajmer, who is believed to have first settled in Kilokari — then a quiet riverside hamlet near the present-day Ashram area. With the Yamuna flowing beside it, Kilokari offered the solitude and natural setting ideal for a Sufi mystic's meditation and spiritual practice. British civil servant and historian H C Fanshawe, in his 1902 book, Delhi: Past and Present, described Kilokari as a scenic riverside village that once served as a royal retreat. He noted that it was frequented by Mughal prince Humayun and known for its gardens and proximity to the Yamuna. Currently, Taimoor Nagar falls under the Okhla Assembly constituency.
What's On
28-01-2025
- What's On
Fly under Dhs500: The cheapest flights you can take in February
It's never too early for travel inspiration with the cheapest flights… Holiday season is a state of mind and has nothing to do with whether we actually have holidays or not. Which is why every time is the right time for travel inspiration. If you're looking to grab a flight and jet away to picturesque locations very soon, this guide to some of the cheapest flights you can book this season may be helpful. Whether for the a weekend trip or a cheeky mid-month getaway – it's your choice – these are the cheapest flights you can take. To Bucharest on Wizz Air: from Dhs478 Stunning and historical, Bucharest, in southern Romania, is the country's capital and commercial center. Its iconic landmark is the massive, communist-era Palatul Parlamentului government building, which has 1,100 rooms. You'll get a round trip for as little as Dhs478. Book here. To Kutaisi on Wizz Air: from Dhs438 Georgia has fast become a hotspot for UAE residents to vacation at. What with the short travel time, generally cheap flights and local costs that won't break your bank, it's essentially the perfect quick getaway. And it is stunning after all. If you book to fly in late February, you can fly a roundtrip for as little as Dhs438. Book here . To Yerevan on Wizz Air: from Dh478 The Armenian capital beckons. If you book your trip to Yerevan for early December, you'll get the best deal at Dhs478 for a roundtrip. Throughout February is the best time to travel to Yerevan in this period. Yerevan is beautiful, marked by grand Soviet-era architecture. Book here . To Samarkand on Wizz Air: from Dhs478 If this isn't a deal, we don't know what is. You can fly to Samarkand and back for as little as Dhs478 if you plan your trip in February. The beautiful city in Uzbekistan has much to see, with mosques, mausoleums and a lot of history. Prominent landmarks include Registan Square, a plaza bordered by 3 ornate, majolica-covered madrassas dating back to the 15th and 17th centuries, and Gur-e-Amir, the towering tomb of Timur (Tamerlane), founder of the Timurid Empire. Book here . To Baku on Wizz Air: from Dhs518 Bank Baku for February for Wizz Air fares for the heart of Azerbaijan are still deal-worthy in the upcoming month. If you book now to fly in February, you can get a round trip for as little as Dhs518 – a bit cheeky, but you're getting a bang for your buck. Baku is not just the capital, but also the commercial hub of the country, and a great place to start exploring the region. Book here. To Dammam on Wizz Air: from Dhs338 The Saudi Arabian city is a is a sweet coastal dream and more laid-back as compared to cities like Riyadh and Jeddah. If you fly Wizz Air throughout February, you'll make a roundtrip for as little as Dhs278. It's the perfect speedy, neighbourhood getaway. Book here. To Amman on Wizz Air: from Dhs438 Amman calls; we must answer. The capital of Jordan is laced with incredible history to discover, and is a modern city with ancient origins. Atop Jabal al-Qala'a hill, the historic Citadel includes the pillars of the Roman Temple of Hercules and the 8th-century Umayyad Palace complex, known for its grand dome. Fly to Amman for as little as Dhs438 for a roundtrip with Wizz Air, if you travel in late February. Book here. @wizzair Images: Supplied/Getty > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
