Safdarjung’s Tomb

Located in South Delhi is the tomb of Safdarjung the Nawab of Oudh or Awadh, as it is known today. According to  Wikipedia :

In 1739 he succeeded his father-in-law and maternal uncle, the Burhan ul Mulk Saadat Ali Khan I to the throne of Oudh, apparently by paying Nadir Shah twenty million rupees. The Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah gave him the title of “Safdarjung”.^[1]

Safdarjung was an able administrator. He was not only effective in keeping control of Oudh, but also managed to render valuable assistance to the weakened Muhammad Shah. He was soon given governorship of Kashmir as well, and became a central figure at the Delhi court. During the later years of Muhammad Shah, he gained complete control of administration in the Mughal Empire. When Ahmad Shah Bahadur ascended the throne at Delhi in 1748, Safdarjung became hisWazir ul-Mamalik-i-Hindustan or Chief Minister of Hindustan. He was also made the governor of Ajmer and became the “Faujdar” of Narnaul. However, court politics eventually overtook him and he was dismissed in 1753.^[1] He returned to Oudh in December 1753, and made Faizabad military headquarter. He died in October 1755 at the age of 46 years in Sultanpur near Faizabad.^[1]

I present some pictures I took of the grand buildings that make up the complex.

Ruins of the past

Photo credit: Pradeep Ranade, all pictures.

Lodhi Gardens

Lodhis were an Afghan Dynasty, who ruled parts of northern India and Punjab from 1451 to 1526. The buildings present features of interest to architectural historians. The garden is spread over 90 acres (360,000 m²).

The gardens are approachable from the Lodhi Road, which opens up to a junction, at the crossing one can view the Safdarjung’s Tomb (which will be the subject of the next gallery). The garden is a short, pleasant walk from Khan Market.

This place is used by walkers, joggers and other fitness conscious people particularly in the morning. There is a well known restaurant, one has not visited it but it is well spoken off.

Historical data from Wikipedia.

 

 

 

 

Ruins of the past: A look at some monuments in South Delhi

 

 

 

These ruins belong to the era of the slave dynasty that ruled Delhi and they were “directed into India” by a Turkic General, Qutab-ud-Din Aibak, he was from Central Asia. These monuments date from the rule of Ala-ud-din Khilji.

These pictures have not previously appeared in “Graffiti”.

Credit: Pradeep Ranade, all pictures

 

 

City of the Mughals

Delhi was the bastion of the Mughals who ruled almost the entire country. They left magnificent mausoleums, forts and cities for generations to admire and marvel at their beauty and magnificence.

Chandni Chowk is in ruins now, as much of its earlier beauty has been eroded by time and march of history. A memorial to the great Urdu poet can also be seen in last row below.

CREDIT: PRADEEP RANADE FOR ALL PICTURES

 

Kodai Kanal: Pearl of the hills

Kodai Kanal is a hill station situated at nearly 7000 ft above mean sea level. Tourism and hospitality are two very important economic activities in this area.

CREDIT:  PRADEEP RANADE FOR ALL PICTURES

The hill station was developed to escape the heat of the plains and the tropical diseases that were rampant in the plains during summers. It has now become a thriving must see destination for domestic and overseas travelers.

The mountains flirting with the clouds, shrouded in mist. The center piece lake with its water lilies and colorful boats, The shops around the lake, cow grazing on the grassy sidewalk, all very compelling indeed.

 

 

 

Kanya Kumari: Many moods of a sea

Morning sun drapes the sea in a golden hue / Picture credit Pradeep Ranade

Please click on the thumbnail to see larger image.

The sea side resort of  Kanya Kumari on the southern tip of India, is enchanting with its myriad life and colors. The radiant sun drapes the sea in a golden hue, reminding one of the silken border of a maiden’s sari.

These pictures first appeared in “Graffiti”. This website consolidates the pictures in a dedicated gallery.