Delhi and its Past Glory

I have been staying in Delhi for several years yet I did not have anything to say about this great city.So here I am with few details about its history and architecture.I might not be perfect however i have collected some information about its history and hope everyone will enjoying reading the same.
The Indian capital city of Delhi has a long history, including a history as the capital of several empires. The earliest architectural relics date back to the Maurya Period (c. 300 BC); since then, the site has seen continuous settlement. Two sandstone pillars inscribed with the edicts of Ashoka were brought to the city by Firuz Shah Tughluq in the 14th century. The famous Iron pillar near the Qutub Minar was commissioned by the emperor Kumara Gupta I of the Gupta dynasty (320-540) and transplanted to Delhi during the 10th century. Eight major cities have been situated in the Delhi area. The first four cities were in the southern part of present-day Delhi.
According to Indian folklore, Delhi was the site of the magnificent and opulent Indraprastha, capital of the Pandavas in the Indian epic Mahabharata, founded around 2500 BC. Hindu texts state that the city of Delhi used to be referred to in Sanskrit as Hastinapur, which means "elephant-city". A village called Indraprast existed in Delhi until the beginning of the 19th century.
The modern city contains the remnants of seven successive ancient cities.
As per history qila Rai Pithora built by Prithvi Raj Chauhan, near the oldest Rajput settlement in Lal Kot,was a seven-gated fort in Delhi,considered the first city of Delhi.It is said he conquered Lal Kot and renamed it as qila Rai Pithpra.He was the second last king of delhi.Tuglluqabad,was built by Ghiyasuddin Tughluq ,Jahanpanah was buily by Mumamad binTughluq ,and Kotla Firoz Shah, built by Firuz Shah Tughluq .The Purana Qila,built bySher Shan Suri,and dinpanah by Humayun lies in the area near the speculated site of Indraprasta.

The Sahajahanabad,built by Shan Jahan from 1638 to 1649,containing the Lal qila and chandni chowk also referred as old delhi now,was the capital of Mughal empire during Shan Janan reign.

From 1206, Delhi became the capital of the Delhi Sultanate under the Slave Dynasty.

The first Sultan of Delhi, Qutb-ud-din Aybak who started the construction the Qutub Minar, a recognisable symbol of Delhi, died before its completion.

After the end of the Slave dynasty, a succession of Turkic and Central Asian dynasties, the Khilji dynasty, the Tughluq dynasty, the Sayyid dynasty and the Lodhi dynasty held power in the late medieval period and built a sequence of forts and townships in Delhi.In 1398, Timur Lenk invaded India ransacked, destroyed, and left it in ruins. In 1526, after the First Battle of Panipat, Zahiruddin Babur, defeated the last Lodhi sultan and founded the Mughal dynasty which ruled from Delhi, Agra and Lahore.In the mid-sixteenth century there was an interruption in the Mughal rule of India as Sher Shah Suri defeated Babur's son Humayun and forced him to flee to Afghanistan and Persia. Sher Shah Suri built the sixth city of Delhi, as well as the old fort known as Purana Qila and the Grand Trunk Road. After Sher Shah Suri’s early death, Humayun recovered the throne with Persian help. The third and greatest Mughal emperor, Akbar, moved the capital to Agra resulting in a decline in the fortunes of Delhi. In the mid-seventeenth century, the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (1628-1658) built the city that sometimes bears his name (Shahjahanabad), the seventh city of Delhi that is more commonly known as the old city or old Delhi. This city contains a number of significant architectural features, including the Red Fort (Lal Qila) and the Jama Masjid. The old city served as the capital of the later Mughal Empire from 1638 onwards, when Shah Jahantransferred the capital back from Agra. Aurangzeb (1658-1707) crowned himself as emperor in Delhi in 1658 at the Shalimar garden ('Aizzabad-Bagh) with a second coronation in 1659. Nader Shah defeated the Mughal army at the huge Battle of Karnal in February, 1739. After this victory, Nader captured and sacked Delhi.In 1761, Delhi was raided by Ahmed Shah Abdali after the Third battle of Panipat. At the Battle of Delhi on 11 September 1803, General Lake's British forces defeated the Marathas.
Delhi passed to British control in 1857 after the First War of Indian Independence; the last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar II was exiled to Rangoon and the remaining Mughal territories were annexed as a part of British India.
The remains of the glorious history is visible in the architecture,in and around the city.

Qutub Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world, and an important example of Indo-Islamic Architecture.

The Qutub Minar is 72 meters high (237.8 ft) with 379 steps leading to the top. The diameter of the base is 14.3 meters wide while the top floor measures 2.75 meters in diameter.

A second tower was in construction and planned to be taller than the Qutub Minar itself. Its construction ended abruptly when it was about 12 meters tall.

The name of this tower is given as Alau Minar and construction of the same ended due to the death of the Sultan ,Alauddin Khilji.

Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi, commenced construction of the Qutub Minar in 1193, but could only complete its base.

His successor, Iltutmish, added three more storeys and, in 1368, Firuz Shah Tughluq constructed the fifth and the last storey.

The minaret is made of fluted red sandstone covered with intricate carvings and verses from the Qur'an.

The Qutub Minar is itself built on the ruins of Lal Kot, the Red Citadel in the city of Dhillika, the capital of the Tomars and the Chauhans, the last Hindu rulers of Delhi.

The Red Fort

The Red Fort and its surrounding city constitute

the only large-scale Mughal city planned and built

from scratch to survive as a living city.

Built in just over nine years,the construction started in 1638, it burst into life in 1648.The layout

of the Red Fort was organised to retain and integrate this site with

the Salimgarh Fort.

The Red Fort stands at the eastern edge of Shahjahanabad, and gets its name from the massive

wallof red sandstone that defines its four sides.

The wall is 1.5 miles (2.5 km) long, and varies in height from 60ft

(16m) on the river side to 110 ft (33 m) towards the city.

Measurements have shown that the plan was

generated using a square grid of 82 m.

Red fort houses the Naqqar Khana or the drum house,Diwan-i-Aam,or the hall of public

audience,The Zenana or the woman's quarters.The Khas mahal,the Diwan-i-Khas or the hall of private audience and the moti Masjid.

Day trip to Dam Dama

On 22 June 2008,we started from Delhi at 7 am towards Dam Dama,in Haryana for a day cum bike trip.

Vikash and Cini,Akbar and me and Manu photo by Liza

Our first stop was at Liza's place at Gurgoan where we had to pick her up as well breakfast was prepared for us. After a hearty breakfast of puri and aloo and lemon tea ,we started towards Dam dama at 9.30 am. The day was quite ok due to the rainfall the other night.Oh I forgot to introduce my friends, we were six people, three from my previous organisation GE Capital liza,Akbar and Manmohan ,liza's siblings Cini and Viksh and of course me.We had no clue what we would be doing for the rest of the day as we had not planned all we knew was we would be visiting Dam Dama lake and then head towards Sohna.The ride was pleasant and the roads were in good condition ,especially towards the lake after we diverted from the highway. The villages we passed looked beautiful with people Once we reached Dam Dama and saw the lake,dont know if it looked like a lake also, I felt it looked like a place where water had collected after the rains. And on that little water people were boating,along with some buffaloes on the side. We had heard about some place where they provide some adventure activity, so instead of wasting time at the lake we decided to look for that place as the Haryana tourism guys at the lake would not help us with the information.AS we turned back from the lake we checked with few people about the place, we were directed towards what looked like a wasteland and all we could see was track of vehicle with long grass covering both sides, felt like we were going on a safari ha ha we randomly followed the path which fork out each time you ride a certain distance.

Finally we reached the gate of Waterbank and there we could see the paintball court, and we knew we were there.Few keepers around, we were the only visitors, we bargained the activities and lunch for 500 per head.The area were under the cover of greenery, very beautiful, never imagined this place was 50 km from Delhi. Nestled amongst the Aravali hills and with unseasonal rains this year the valley was so lively and refreshing. One could say the feeling was almost to being in a hill station plus the humidity due to the rains ha ha.Anyways the humidity did not dampen our spirits.The moment we were there and settled the tariffs we were ready to start with the activities for the day.

The greenery around were mesmerising.

First we wanted to go for a warm up session so tried jumping on the Trampoline,it was fun to get breathless after few jumps, which shows the physical condition we are in.

Wow ! what a jump

Manu trying hard

After the jump it was time to scale the artificial wall, which is of 10 m in height and 3 m wide, everything looks easy till your turn comes ha ha.Each one tried their luck with Cain leading the pack. And I should not miss one incident, though I'll not name who coz we had loads of fun and we could not stop laughing at the expense of the poor guy. While scaling the wall might be the position was not correct or he tried too much for the next point we could hear the sound of tearing, and poor creature just shouted" my pants", rest of us on the ground doubled with laughter, after reaching the top finally the trauma was over.

After this we tried the spider web and some obstacle race two people at a time it was fun ,we were supposed to race up the web and roll on our back and again come down the other side the

instructions were not given correctly and when the instructor said roll I understood with head first,I don't think I have to write what happened next.Anyways I'll write for the benefit of other people who might think like wise. As the web was quite big my head slipped through the holes and got stuck, as my body weight tightened the rope. For a

moment I panicked and tried to force my head to come out of the tangle, then I realised its not worth I have to try bit by bit to release myself.After struggling for sometime I was able to release myself from that deadly grip. Later Akbar too got stuck, luckily it was his foot not the head. We went and tried crossing the Burma bridge it was ok ok experience. After this we did valley crossing, which ended successfully without any incidents,then we had lunch which was quite tasty. Lunch make us slack down and everyone wanted to rest and we did.After lunch we went for paintball game where we had to put on the army dress, the dress were huge for my size but we did put in on and sweated for the rest of the game. On top of the dress we had to put on a protective vest and helmet so that if we happen to shoot someone on the face we would not injure that person. The game was explained to us ,two teams on either side had to run hitting the opponent to retrieve the flag at the border. When we started the game no one buzzed from their spot in fear of being shot, and we were there to play war game ha ha.Finally Vikash came out of nowhere ran towards the flag and took it, half of our guns did not work or we did not know how to operate it properly. We were given 10 bullets of small balls filled with paint. Our strategy was not working so we decided to march forward shooting the enemy( for today the other three were our enemy).We did get hurt where the bullet hit us I still have the mark and I guess others do too.After the game we were supposed to go for trekking in the Aravali hills but we had decided to visit Sohna hot springs so we had to forgo one. We had tea settled our bills and headed towards Sohna.

After manipulating the Haryana traffic we were able to reach Shiv kund,there is a big temple of Shiva which houses the hot springs. WE did not have bath but washed out hands ,faces and legs with hot water flowing from the springs. After relaxing on the pool side and dipping out feet in the hot water for sometime we were relaxed to start for our return bike ride.The weather was still ok ok and the roads were open to enjoy a bike ride amongst the village setting and fresh air hitting on our face with vengeance. We reached Delhi at 8 pm this ended out
eventful day to Dam Dama.

Ps: info on Dam Dama Water banks can be availed from this link below..
http://www.ashextourism.com/hotelsresorts/Haryana/Waterbanksislandresort.htm

Bus ride from Kinnaur to Spiti...

We started on 22 nd march at 7.40 am from New Delhi Station,took Satabdi till Kalka Arrived at 12 noon.There was no shared jeeps available as it was Holi and the drivers association were charging 1100/- for a drop till Shimla.Luckily we met a doctor couple and shared the taxi till Shimla.We reached around 3 pm.Our intention was to start to Sangla as soon as possible however there were no direct buses the same day so we settled in for the 6.30 pm bus to Reckong Peo(buses leave for Peo at 8 pm as well as 10.30 pm).We booked our seat on the 6.30 pm bus as we had time so we went to stroll in the mall.The bus was an ordinary local bus type.At that point of time we had no idea how we would manage throughout the night with not even a head rest.But we managed and my brother almost fell off the seat not once but twice as he was dozing all the way.We reached Peo on the wee hours at 3.30 am,as soon as we disembarked the bus we were hit by the cold wave doing the rounds.Seconds later we felt the chill sucking the warmth from our body,leaving us with clattering teeth.However when I looked around beyond the trees i saw the white Kinner Kailash shimmering in the dim moonlight,it was a heavenly feeling(after seeing the mountain so close i felt even colder).It was still dark so nowhere to go all the passengers from Peo quickly disappeared under the cover of darkness leaving two more passengers going to Nako my brother and me.Finally one of the passengers suggested to go for tea in the nearby hotel.We had tea,and I did manage to doze for sometime,by 6am we went to look for Shivling GH,we walked down the bus station.

The Guest House was locked from inside we tried our best to wake up someone ,but no one stirred,who would at that time in the morning.We met a local who suggested us to stay near the bus station as there are hotels there too.While talking to him, he was kind enough to show us the Shivling on the Kinner kailash peak,it was good to get the darshan in the morning.We found the Apple Orchard Guest House,just beyond the bus stop,was a newly made hotel clean rooms with gyeser.

Kalpa village with kinner kailash at the back drop

We planned to visit kalpa the same day took a bus at 10.30 am they charged us 10/-per person.We went around 

the village,finally asked the locals way to chakha pastures.One gentleman suggested we follow the water canal and we would reach the pastures.We started our hike as soon as we left the road we realised it would not be easy as this was no regular path but a steep upward climb.But we managed,we got a tea break at one of the houses and again started upwards.

View of kailash from chakha pastures

Once we left the houses behind,the clinb was a steep one.The higher reaches still had snow,though we have seen snow so many times ,yet the feeling it awakens is amazing,fresh and crisp.We were down in 4 hours time,as no food stalls were opened we caught the bus which was ready to leave for Peo at 5 pm,went directly to Peo bazaar had Thukpa and found the internet to inform people,we were fine,as my Vodophone network did not follow me where I went.

Chakha pastures

The Kinner Kailash range

Next day (third) we went to Sangla by 9.30 am bus reached there at 11.30 am.The bus ride to Sangla was one of the most thrilling rides,I must say the drivers do a great job,till you get off at sangla you'll not relax if you get the window seat

towards the slope.

Way to Sangla

We started towards Sangla Kanda immediately as we knew we had to be back to catch the last bus to Karchham.

Roads carved out of rock and a temple of the Godess to protect the roads.Our bus did stiop for sometime and we had prasad as well,looking at the roads its only the almighty who can ferry people safely on these roads.

The river baspa flowing past.

Sangla valley as seen from Sangla kanda.

We met alocal,who showed us the way he was a retired army guy,who had scaled Everest as well.The way to Sangla Kanda was ok, steep 

at times(just follow the broad path).We had a fairly good hike ,stopped at the second last house before we reached the lake for lunch break,had carried Wai Wai noodles so we asked the old lady for some hot water.


She invited us to her humble but very warm house she stays alone to take care of her apple orchard.The hike to the lake was around one hour from her house,by 2.30 pm we were thru with lunch,she offered apples and a small bottle of Angoorie(local grape drink) .

With the lady at her house preparing waiwai the next picture before reaching the lady's house

The Sangla Kanda lake

We started off with the hike,lunch and sun slowing us down ,we had decided if we do not reach the lake by 4 pm,we would return to catch the last bus out of Sangla It was 3.50 pm still no sign of a lake ,finally I told my brother we would walk upto the shepherds housewhich we could see from below and no more,when 

View from Sangla Kanda.

we reached the top there was our small lake hidden on the other side.I hope you

all can feel the sense of achievement we felt at that time,ha ha.

Sangla Kanda lake

It was windy and the heat which had built up from the walk uphill was suddenly snatched by the cold wind blowing from the snowy hill above.We spent 10 mins

around the lake taking photographs and storing the scenery in out heart for the rest of our lives.We started our descend at 4.10 pm,we literally ran down the hill,infear of reaching the bus stoplate.By 5.30 pm we were at the bus stop,the bus was just ready to leave,we boarded the bus till Karchham,and caught a later bus to Peo at 6.30 pm reached Peo at 7.30 pm,an eventful day came toan end.

Nako Lake

We will be starting to Nako tomorrow(4 th day) at 7.30 am as the Kaza bus leaves at 7.30am.Its called the Kaza bus by locals.(Day 4th)We boarded the bus to Nako at 7.30 am its a 5-6 hours journey,this bus goes directly to Kaza.

Nako village

There is one more bus which comes from Rampur which departs at 12.00 noon from Peo which goes to Shalkher.The road is awesome specially at the Sutluj and Spiti river sangam.We got off the bus at 1.15 pm at Nako.Once we reached the village we got to know all the hotel and restaurants were closed as the season had not yet kicked off......a huge disappointment,moreover now we didnot have any option the bus had already left.

Waiting for a vehicle at Nako

We talked to some locals and they suggested we carryon to Chango or Shalkher where there are hotels and as the bus would stop at Shalkher,we could see one small option on the horizon .At 5.30 pm we stopped a Sumo which was on its way to Shalkherit took us 2.5 hours to reach.The driver of the cab took us to the hotel and then we realised therewas no hotel,the ground floor of the house was turned into dormetry kinds which were used by labourers and bus staff and simple food were provided,we had no options but to stay.After dinner of rice,curry and dal the land lady came to me and said she will provide accomodation for us at her home(such a relief).

Tabo monastry complex

Next morning we were on our way to Tabo.We reached Tabo at 10.30 am andhad decided to move on to kaza (on the 3.30 pm Kaza bus from Peo)after visiting the monastry,however a local suggested we go to Dhankar first as it falls on the way to Kaza.

Tabo cave shrines

We satyed at Tabo at the Millenium GH as that was the only one open.Tabo happened to be a beautiful place surrounded by with high hills,and the blue Spiti silently flowing past the village.

Sichiling

For Dhankar we travelled to the village of Schiling,then trekked uphill to Dhankar .It took us an hour and a half to reach the monastry .

Unique Land formations

The old monastry was closed,and we were thirsty so we asked for water instead the lady of the house offered to make tea,later that invitation turned to lunch as well.

Tashi and Choden two girls on my sides who invited me for lunch.

We spent some time with the family ,so we did not get time to go to the lake as our target was to reach kaza the same day and we had to be at Schiling by 4 pm for the Kaza bus.So after lunch we bid goodbyes and started our downhill walk.

Old Dhankar Gompa

It just took us half an hour to reach the village,a Sumo was ready to go towards Kaza so after resting for some time we proceeded towards Kaza.

Ki Gompa

Kaza too was not open for visitors ,however Zambala was open and allowed us to stay.We stayed there for two nights,as your main purpose was to visit the KI gompa and Kibber village.

Ki Village and Monastery

Next morning we booked a taxi for Ki and Kibber,they charged us 400 rupees,but it was worth a visit.The first view of Ki Gompa was worthwile.The magnificient Gompa stands tall amongst the barren hills,its a beauty.

Kibber the highest village

After visiting the gompa,we drove to Kibber,which is a quite village mostly we will find young children with yaks.

Old lady with Yak

I dont know how to make the comparision the huge beast and the little masters.

After spending arounf two houes in thevillage we drove back to Kaza and next morning took the Kaza bus back to Reckong Peo.

We reached Peo at 5.30pm a bus was ready to go to shimla at 7 pm we boarded that bus too reached Shimla at 3.30 am.Took next bus to Chandigarh at 4.30 pm and another bus at 8 am to delhi from Chandigarh.This ended our return journey of 30 plus hours and also an amazing trip to Kinnaur and Spiti.




Kibber Village from above