My interest in 'Baolis of Delhi'(step-wells of Delhi) instigated my visit to the ruins at Firozshah Kotla. So when my friends suggested on taking a trip on HOHO route, I said yes to the idea and hopped on :)
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| Palace of 'Fifth city of Delhi', Firoz Shah's 'Firozabad' by the river Yamuna. Most of the citadel is in ruins today.Successive rulers plundered and dismantled many of the beautiful structures here. |
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| The palace was built by Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq (AD-1351-88) |
Firozshah Kotla fort, famous for it's value and place in history is a huge fort with large garden and lawns in it's vicinity. What remains today to be seen here is a 14th century roofless mosque called 'Jami Masjid', a cellular pyramidal structure with Ashokan Pillar on top of it and a circular Baoli(step-well).
Once I entered through the gate, all I saw was ruins of fallen walls,half remaining towers and chambers around.This place like all other forts and ruins of Delhi has, on itself, the mark of changing times!
The mosque is still functional, people still come and pray here.The entrance to Baoli and the pyramidal building is closed.
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| 'Circular Baoli'. Unfortunately it was closed for visitors. This Baoli was an essential source of water for the citadel. Unlike the other step-wells, this one doesn't have steps leading down to the water level. |
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| Standing tall and shiny on the northern side of the Mosque is the Ashokan Pillar. It is 13 mtr tall pillar built in third century BC, was brought in from Ambala by Firoz Shah and re-installed on a three storeyed pyramidal structure. |
While we were taking our walk around the ruins we couldn't help but notice diyas(earthen lamps) and aggarbattis(incense sticks) kept at a few places. It was as if someone had come and prayed there. yes, these ruins are supposed to be housing Jinns as well. People from many faiths come here every thursday and pray to them. They ask/pray for their wishes to be granted. Some write letters, they write their wishes on papers and leave it there. Some offer milk,aggarbattis and diyas to please the Jinns and some simply pray in the quiet.
What a lovely area! Nice shots too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting :)
DeleteLooks like a magical place. Love those old structures.
ReplyDeleteMersad
Mersad Donko Photography
Yes, it does give that magical feel
DeleteI liek the building in the first image. And the color of teh stonework. .)
ReplyDeleteDelhi has been under the rule of Mughals for a long time in the past,therefore,the influence of islamic architecture is visible at many of the ruins here.
DeleteDetail always holds my interest. And you offered a plate full, which speaks much to your interest in seeing your country. Thank you the name places, for the sampling of customs. Context can be difficult to comprehend for someone not familiar with India. One my favorite reads, happens to be a travel book which I read at least two times a year -Michael Palin's Himalaya.
ReplyDeleteFor me, considering the image in my last post, then seeing yours, the contrast speaks to the vast differences and experience of the elements we have to live in.
The last image of the man sweeping the walk way in the garden amidst a cloud of hot dry dust is fantastically beautiful . These kinds of images of people doing and being, are always the ones which capture my imagination.
Thank you Calvin for noticing the last image. The cloud of dry dust is what caught my attention too and is the reason for taking this image! that was my magical moment there :)
DeleteI agree with you on the contrast of elements that we live in and I am glad that we get the opportunity to learn/ study about it through sharing...I appreciate your interest in reading my travelogue and enjoying what I see and write. 'Himalaya' is a good travel literature.
They look a great place to visit - there is a slim chance work will bring me to India - but at present other people keep getting the chance - one day maybe!
ReplyDeleteCheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
Indeed, a must visit when you are in Delhi!
DeleteWonderful ruins, that second shot makes me want to be there and explore !
ReplyDelete:)
DeleteFirst, thanks for your nice comment on my blog. :) You sure have an interesting blog and really great photographs.
ReplyDelete:) thank you for visiting my space. Glad that you liked it.
Deletethanks for visiting my blog. appreciate it very much. i always welcome seeing new blogs from india because i really love all the temples and the ruins and the palaces and all the street photography in india.
ReplyDelete:)
DeleteInformative.
ReplyDeleteHad been here about a decade ago. Did not know about the place housing Jinns.
A very impressive site. Glad that it's still used!
ReplyDelete:)
DeleteLots of History and great shots for OWT ~ xoxo
ReplyDeleteartmusedog and carol (A Creative Harbor)
Thanks Carol for visiting :)
DeleteA very historical place! Thanks for sharing your tour of the fort. Great photos. Enjoy your week ahead!
ReplyDeleteGlad that you liked the photos. Thanks for your kind words:)
DeleteEven though it's mostly ruins, it looks like an amazing place. The history there is amazing!
ReplyDeleteYes, these ruins are amazing
DeleteLooks like a fascinating place!
ReplyDeleteyes it is :)
DeleteWhat gorgeous shots.
ReplyDeleteAppreciate your kind comment Ladyfi :)
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