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Sightseeings in Delhi
Havelis
LOCATION: Chandani Chowk, Old Delhi.
Begum Samru�s Kothi: Today popularly known as the Bhaghirath palace, this elegant building with huge columns can be approached through the Chandani Chowk. It was originally mansion of Begum Samru and is built in the classical style. It was beautifully decorated building with marble baths inside.
Namak Haram Ki Haveli: This haveli was owned by Bhavani Shankar, one of the most trusted companions of the great Maratha warrior Jaswant Rao. But legend goes, that in time of need he went on to help the British thus betraying his master. Therefore though being able and intelligent the label of a traitor stuck on to him as Namak Haram, which means the one who is disloyal to his king. And thus his residence came to be known as Namak Haram ki Haveli.
Haider Quli Ki Haveli: This huge mansion is spread over large land near the Fatehpuri Mosque. Haider Quli was the commander of artillery in the court of Mughal emperor Mohammed Shah Rangila. Though the original gate and the name still remain, this haveli now has been replaced by hundreds of houses.
Haveli of Hakim Ashanullah Khan: It was the residence of the personal physician of the last Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar. It was this Hakim who asked the emperor to award a scholarship to Mirza Ghalib, the great Urdu poet, to write the history of the Mughal dynasty. The mansion acted as a fortress for those who could hide themselves in it during the Sepoy mutiny. The haveli covers almost 2000 square yards of land. Immediately after the mutiny, the British confiscated the haveli. It was returned later but only after stripping it of its chandeliers and lamps.
Haveli of Zeenat Mahal: The Haveli of wife of Bahadur Shah Zafar, Zeenat Mahal, is a mansion in disarray. Apart from the Zeenat Mahal Girls� school it is presently occupied by a grinding mill, nursery for children, a milk shop and few houses. According to the residents it was a huge mansion spreading over almost four acres of land. There were two tunnels which went to the Lal Qila and the Ajmeri Gate respectively.
Ghalib�s Hakimon Ki Haveli: This haveli at gali Qasimjan in Ballimaran, of the great Urdu and Persian poet lies in shambles today. Ghalib lived here almost all his life after coming from Agra. The rooms are dilapidated. Though the poet was paid by the king, he lived like a pauper.
Jahaz Mahal
LOCATION: Meharauli, New Delhi.
Consisting of a rectangular courtyard in the centre and arched chambers on the sides, with an entrance from the east, this building located in the north east corner of Hauz � I � Shamsi was built perhaps during the Lodi period and may have served as a pleasure resort or pilgrims� apartments. A minaret in its western walls suggests that a part of it was intended as a mosque for private use. There several designs of quinces in its chambers. The corners are surmounted b square chatris and the gateway by domed pavilion ornamented with blue tiles. At present the main function of Phulwalon ki sair is held here. It may have acquired its name from the ship like appearance it has.
Tughlakabad Fort
LOCATION: Near Meharauli, New Delhi.
The massive strong fort of Tughlakabad, the third city of Delhi is located east of Qutab Minar. The massive fort looks like a gothic structure completely isolated from the main Delhi.
It was situated on the high rocky ground, an ideal location to withstand enemy attacks. The fort walls are constructed with massive blocks and outside the south of the wall is an artificial lake with king�s tomb in the centre. A long causeway connects the tomb to the fort, both having sloping inward walls. The fort is half hexagonal in shape and the outer walls are built around the outline of the surrounding land, thus adding a formidable strength to the natural barrier.
Tughlakabad fort, though was built in just four years was soon abandoned in 1327. Mohammad � bin Tughlak chose to make his own city called the Jahanpanah. With Ghiyat � ud �din Tughlak�s death, the city�s short lived glory came to an end.
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