DELHI is filled with tons of landmark monuments beyond the Red Fort, India Gate, and Humayun’s Tomb. This is because our city has been around since the Stone Age (really), and there is no dearth of relics left behind from tons of different times in history.
But some of them got lost amidst the hubbub of the city, these are lying unnoticed. And though a few may have waned, they still lie serene amid ruined grandeur.
Scroll down for a list of places you might not have heard of, and the reasons why you need to visit them – soon.
Jamali Kamali Mosque
Located in the Archaeological complex in Mehrauli, the monument comprises of a mosque adjacent the tombs of the Jamali and Kamali. Jamali is referred to Jalal Khan, a renowned sufi saint who lived during the period of Mughals. Kamali is associated with Jamali, but his antecedents remain unknown.
This place is a must visit for supernatural enthusiasts as it is believed to be heavily haunted by Jinns. Stories of being slapped by an invisible force or of unfamiliar voices from the graves aren’t very uncommon here.
Adham Khan’s Fort
A beautiful octagonal building with each side having a veranda, this beautiful dome made in accordance to Lodhi and Saiyyad architecture doesn’t fail to impress. It carries the grave of Adham Khan, Akbar’s foster brother (through Akbar’s wet nurse) who was thrown off from the Agra Fort because of his grievous felony of murdering Ataga Khan, emperor’s favourite general.
In 18th century, a British officer converted the tomb into a residential apartment and was used for rest by many subsequent officers. However, it was restored to it’s significance by Lord Curzon after decades.
Feroz Shah Kotla
Another beautiful ruin that has survived the course of time is Feroz Shah Kotla monument. The world knows about the stadium, but only a few have heard about the monument. It was built by Sultan Feroz Shah Tughlaq in the 13th century and was known as Ferozabad city. A large enclosure of high walls, it was the grand and opulent citadel of the city. Various appreciation texts on it have been found in the historical records but unfortunately, most of it’s beauty has faded now.
It has small palaces, a pigeon tower and a baoli. It is believed that this place is an abode of Djinns who grant wishes of the local people.
Safdarjung Fort
This monument is known as “The last flicker in the lamp of Mughal architecture.” It was made in the memory of Mirza Mansur Khan or Safdarjung, by his son. Located in the western end of Lodhi road, not many people know about it. The fort’s architecture resembles to Humayun’s tomb and earlier, used to be the office of Archaelogical Survey of India.
The main gate gives a perfect view of the mausoleum made from red and buff stone.
Ghalib Khan Haveli
Located in the ideal setting of old Delhi, Mirza Ghalib’s haveli gives an insight about his lifestyle. The large compound made with bricks and columns are reminiscent of the Mughal architecture. Ghalib stayed here after returning from Agra and wrote his Urdu and Persian dohay here.
It has been made a permanent memorial museum by the Delhi government and houses one life size replica of the poet. Works of various other poets are also put on display here. Exuding old world Mughal magnificence, it is an ultimate stopover for a rhymester.
Tughlaqabad Fort
The fort was built by Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, the founder of the Tughlaq dynasty. The fort is massive and is spread over an extensive area and is a piece of architectural genius. Though it is in a deplorable condition, it’s architecture still lies well-defined.
This monument however is believed to be cursed by Saint Nizamuddin Auliya, who found work of his baoli interrupted after the king ordered all the labourers of the city to complete his fort.
