Indian Columbus

Delhi, the vibrant capital of India, is renowned for its rich array of historical monuments, boasting approximately 1300 scattered across its landscape. Among these, the iconic Qutb Minar stands tall as a favorite among visitors. Within the expansive Qutb Minar complex, housing not only the famed minaret but also numerous other historical gems, lies the significant site of Iltutmish's tomb. Historical Background Rai Pithora, also known as Prithviraj Chauhan III, expanded the Lal Kot by constructing a fort named Qila Rai Pithora while ruling Delhi. Muhammad bin Sam of Ghur invaded Qila Rai Pithora, defeating Prithviraj in his second attempt and capturing the fort. Qutbud-Din Aibak, his slave, was appointed the Viceroy of Delhi and later ascended to the throne as the Sultan of Delhi in 1206 CE, marking the beginning of the slave dynasty's rule. Upon Qutbud-Din's death, his son-in-law Shamsud-Din-Iltutmish succeeded him in 1211 CE. Iltutmish made significant contri...

Delhi, the capital city of India, boasts a rich heritage of monuments, with approximately 1300 scattered across its landscape. Among these, the iconic Qutb Minar stands as one of the most renowned structures. Within the Qutb Minar complex, amidst various monuments, lies the intriguing and incomplete Alai Minar, which we shall explore in this article. History The Slave Dynasty held sway over Delhi until 1290 CE when Firuz Shah of the Khalji tribe ascended the throne, marking the beginning of Khalji Dynasty's rule. Alaud-Din, a notable figure in the Khalji Dynasty, initiated the construction of Siri, the second city of Delhi. Known for his ruthless rule, Alaud-Din spared no one whom he perceived as a threat to his authority, often resorting to mass executions that included women and children. His cruelty extended even to his own family members, whom he eliminated to secure his position.  It is said that he had once slaughtered around 30,000 people in a single day in Delhi. To ret...

Delhi, the vibrant capital of India, boasts a rich tapestry of historical monuments, with approximately 1300 scattered across its landscape. Among these, the renowned Qutb Minar stands tall as a prominent attraction. However, within the expansive Qutb Minar complex, several lesser-known monuments quietly reside, waiting to be explored. In this article, I delve into the intriguing details of some of these hidden gems nestled within the Qutb Minar complex. Mughal Serai As you enter through the eastern gateway of Qutb Minar, near the Mughal Mosque, you encounter the Mughal Serai. Dating back to the later Mughal period (18th or 19th century CE), the term "Serai" refers to a place providing accommodation, akin to today's guest houses. Today, only the enclosure walls of the Mughal Serai remain, adorned with multiple arched designs. Interestingly, the second arched gateway to the Qutb complex is believed to have originally been part of the Mughal Serai. Notably, a high ...

Delhi, India's capital, boasts a rich heritage of around 1300 monuments, and among them, Qutb Minar stands out as a prominent landmark. Beyond its iconic presence, the Qutb Minar complex harbors numerous lesser-known treasures waiting to be explored. In this article, we delve into some of these hidden gems within the Qutb Minar complex. Mughal Mosque Nestled near the eastern entrance gateway of Qutb Minar, the Mughal Mosque is a charming, albeit modest, structure. Featuring a prayer hall with three compartments, each crowned by an onion-shaped dome, the mosque showcases architectural elements typical of the later Mughal period (18th or 19th century CE). Despite its historical significance, detailed information about its origin and builders remains elusive. Referred to as the Tarikh-ul-Islam mosque, it awaits further exploration and documentation by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Mughal Garden Adjoining the Mughal Mosque, the aptly named Mughal Garden unfolds in ...

I find myself pondering if there exists another city or town in India that boasts such an enduring legacy as Delhi. Disregarding the Mahabharata period and other prehistoric eras, Delhi stands out as 'The City of Seven Cities' when we consider historical records alone. Jahanpanah, the fourth city, is the focus of this article. History Anangpal Tomar, believed to be Delhi's founder, remains shrouded in mystery, with scant details available about his era. Hailing from the Tomar Rajputs dynasty, they likely served as vassals to the Gurjara-Pratihara rulers before establishing themselves in the Aravalli hills south of Delhi around the 10th century CE. Anangpal Tomar is credited with constructing Lal Kot, the nucleus of Delhi's first city. King Vigraharaja IV, also known as Visaladeva or Bisaldeo, of the Chauhan dynasty seized Delhi from the Tomars in the latter half of the 12th century CE. His grandson, Prithviraj Chauhan III, the popular historical figure and the hero ...

I'm curious if any other city or town in India can boast such a long-standing legacy as Delhi. Excluding the Mahabharata period and other prehistoric eras, purely from a historical standpoint, Delhi could be dubbed "The City of Seven Cities." Lal Kot marks the inception of this lineage. Considering Lal Kot as the inaugural city of Delhi, we can designate Qila Rai Pithora as the progenitor of Greater Delhi. Let's delve into this site's history in this article. History Anangpal Tomar is traditionally credited as the founder of Delhi, though little is known about his era or personal details. He hailed from the Tomar Rajputs dynasty, possibly vassals of Gurjara-Pratihara rulers, and settled in the Aravalli hills south of Delhi around the 10th century CE. Anangpal Tomar is attributed with constructing Lal Kot, the earliest known fortification in Delhi, forming the nucleus of the city. King Vigraharaja IV, also known as Visaladeva or Bisaldeo, of the Chauhan dyn...

Delhi, India's bustling capital, boasts a plethora of captivating monuments. With around 1300 monuments scattered across the city, it would take an enthusiast approximately four years to explore each one, assuming a visit to one site per day. Among Delhi's historical gems lies Jogmaya Temple, nestled in a quiet lane just a stone's throw away from the iconic Qutb Minar in the Mehrauli area. History While not a prominent fixture in mainstream travel guides, Jogmaya Temple holds a fascinating historical narrative that beckons exploration. Although commonly believed to be dedicated to Maya, Lord Krishna's sister, historical evidence suggests otherwise. Originally, the site housed a Yogini temple, with time transforming "Yogini" into "Yogmaya" or "Jogmaya." Contrary to popular belief, this temple's roots are not intertwined with Krishna's sister. Instead, Yoginis are regarded as demi-female deities associated with Kali or Bhairavi, or...

Delhi, the capital city of India, boasts a wealth of fascinating monuments. For those enamored with history and architectural marvels, exploring Delhi's 1300 monuments would require a significant amount of time—around four years, to be exact, if you were to visit just one per day. Among these historical gems is the intriguing Adham Khan Tomb, a site we'll delve into in this article. Location Adham Khan Tomb stands near the illustrious Qutb Minar, commanding attention in the backdrop of the bustling Mehrauli bus stand. History Who was Adham Khan? In the 16th century CE, during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, Maham Anga held significant political influence. Often regarded as Akbar's foster mother, Maham Anga was the mother of Adham Khan, the focus of our exploration. Following the removal of Bairam Khan, Adham Khan was appointed as the Mughal general and dispatched to Malwa. Here, in 1561 CE, he secured victory in the Battle of Sarangpur, defeating the Malwa...

Delhi, often referred to as 'The City of Seven Cities,' boasts an unparalleled continuity of historical significance. Lal Kot stands as the first among these cities, forming the nucleus of Delhi's ancient legacy. History Anangpal Tomar, believed to be the founder of Delhi, hails from the Tomar Rajputs dynasty, though much about his period remains shrouded in mystery. The Tomars, possibly vassals of the Gurjara-Pratihara rulers, settled in the Aravalli hills south of Delhi in the 10th century CE. Lal Kot, the inaugural fortress of Delhi, is credited to Anangpal Tomar, marking the city's genesis. An intriguing legend surrounds the iron pillar, believed to have been relocated from an unidentified Vishnu temple to Delhi, now standing tall within the Qutb Minar complex. A prevailing theory suggests that the Tomars initially settled in the Suraj Kund area before eventually establishing themselves in the present-day Mehrauli region, where Lal Kot took shape. Monumen...

Vaishno Devi Yatra stands as one of India's most revered pilgrimages, drawing thousands of devotees year-round. Nestled near Jammu city, the Kol Kandoli Temple serves as the sacred threshold to this spiritual journey. Let us embark on a journey of discovery into this divine abode. Introduction: Located approximately 13 kilometers from Jammu city, Nagrota is a quaint locality that cradles the revered Vaishno Devi shrine within its folds. Known as the Kol Kandoli temple, it is hailed as the gateway to the Vaishno Devi Yatra. For many pilgrims, their spiritual odyssey commences with reverence at this hallowed site. Legend: According to ancient lore, the Pandavas of the Mahabharata epic were bestowed with the blessings of Vaishno Devi during their exile. It is believed that they were the architects of this sacred temple. Another captivating legend revolves around the temple's namesake, Kol Kandoli. In this tale, a destitute Brahmin named Sridhar was tasked by Vaishno ...