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Jantar Mantar |
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The Maharaja of Jaipur Sawai Jay Singh II founded it. A
little distance of Connaught Circus at Sansad Marg it was
built in 1725. It is space observatory a house that is
instrumental in observing astronomical and aeronotical
movements of sun, moon and other stars and planets. The
huge Prince Dial is unique. It is next to that similar one
in Jaipur in size and grade. There are other
Jantar-Mantars in Ujjain, Varanasi and Mathura. Open from
9-00 to 19-00. There is one Bhairab Temple as old as
Jantar-Mantar.
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Old Fort
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It is 4 km away from Connaught Circus to the S-East of
India Gate, the foundation of this Fort was started by
Humayun in 1530 but remained incomplete as he was defeated
by Afghan hero Sher-Shah-Suri in 1541. It is located in
the pre-historical Indraprastha (as is surveyed and proved
in 1955 findings) of the Mahabharata and completed by Sher
Shah as the 6th city or Killa or the Fort. Later it was
na med Shergarh.
On the 3 sides by Jamuna. From 3rd BC to pre-Mughal
period, there was fort in Indraprastha. Humayun built a
new one.
Old Indraprastha became Dinpanaha. The Fort was encircled
with high walls having 3 main entrances. Entering through
the Zoo Garden or the Talaki Entrance of north, you will
see the octogonal peaks made of sand stones on Sher Manzil.
After the death of Sher-Shah-Suri in 1548, Humayun
recaptured Delhi in 1555 defeating Sher Shah' son Islam
Shah. Humayun also destroyed Shergarh. However, Sher
Manjil founded by Sher Shah became Humayun's library.
In 1556, hearing Muezzin Azaan he intended to attend the
prayer and coming out from his library he suddenly fell
down from the stair cases and died 3 days later. Red grey
colour bow-shape arch of Sher Shah gate is beautiful.
Behind Sher Manzil on the right at Humayun (Red) Darwaja
or Entrance is Field Museum with the collection of (open
8-00 to 18-30) anthropological exhibits. The museum has a
collections of Mughal dynasty, Sultanate dynasty, Rajput
dynasty, Gupta dynasty, Sunga dynasty, Mourya dynasty and
of the era before Christ.
The coin collections of Sunga dynasty (200-100 BC) is
remarkable. Killa-e-Kuhana Mosque founded by Sher Shah in
Indo-Afghan sculpture is unique. However, the killa is on
the rage of ruin now. Highway are made through this killa.
On the right of this killa is Zoo Garden at a little
distance, Hazrat Nizamuddin Rly Stn.
The new attraction of Old Fort is Sound & Light show. By
the light of renowned Tapas Sen, the rise and fall of
Delhi from Indraprastha to Mughal era becomes live in
Sound & Light show, duration of which is 1 hr. Voice given
by Jaya Bachhan, Om Puri and others. English version:
Sept-Oct & Feb- April 20-30 to 21-30, Nov-Jan 19-30-21-30,
May-Aug 21-00-22-00; Hindi:
19-00-20-00/18-00-19-00/19-30-20-30hr. Ticket 25, Free
upto 5 yrs old,
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Lotus Temple |
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Is a very recent architectural marvel of the Bahai faith
and is visible from several spots in south Delhi. Located
in Kalkaji in the south of Delhi, it is lotus shaped and
has rightly been given the name. It is made of marble,
cement, dolomite and sand. It is open to all faiths and is
an ideal place for meditation and obtaining peace and
tranquility.
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National Museum
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The National Museum is another interesting spot located
very close to India Gate. The museum has a rich variety of
all facets of ancient Indian history and also of central
Asia. In fact the museum takes one through a fascinating
journey of what ancient India was all about, pottery, rare
coins, and numerous such things including art and
architecture, costumes are for all to see. It's something
every tourist should find time to visit even if the
schedule is tight.
On the right of Rajpath at Janpath is National Museum or
Yadughar. Jawaharlal Nehru laid the foundation stone in
1955 and the museum was opened to visitors in 1965.
Collections from Mahenjadaro, Harappa, Lothal, Kalibangan
and antiques of prehistorical periods are on display. The
history dated back to 5000 years are vividly displayed in
the museum.
The collections of Indus civilization, Brahminical, Jain
and Buddhist sculptural antiques are all there. The colour
paintings of Mughal, Rajput, Deccan are praiseworthy.
Besides, there are the holy Git Gobinda, the holy
Mahabharata, the holy Bhagabat Gita in golden alphabet,
Octogonal mini Quran, Babamama in Babar's handwriting,
Jahangir's diary, musical instruments of more than 300
types, varieties of tribal dresses enriched the museum.
The antique collections of Sir Aurel Stein has added the
attraction of the museum. The evolution of ornaments
through ages from prehistoric era to recent modern time,
its shape, size, design and pattern and of metalic
combinations with or without jewel set are all on display
in the ornament gallery of the museum. It draws tourists
most.
You may attend film show here at 14-30, which is a regular
feature. Except Monday open daily from 10-00 to 17-00
3019538.
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