Ghaziuddin Khan’s Tomb – Delhi Madrasa Ghaziuddin Khan, situated adjacent to the Ajmeri Gate in Old Delhi, India, holds a significant place in the city’s historical and educational landscape. Established around the 18th century by Ghaziuddin Khan I, a prominent noble of the Mughal Empire, this complex served as a hub of Islamic learning during its early years. Over time, the madrasa underwent several transformations, eventually accommodating colonial-era educational institutions such as Delhi College and the Anglo-Arabic School. Today, the premises house Zakir Husain Delhi College, thereby mai ..read more

Moth ki Masjid – Delhi Moth ki Masjid is a Lodi-era mosque located south of the residential colony of South Extension II, in the village of Masjid Moth. Translating to “Lentil Mosque”, it was built between 1505 and 1510 CE by Miyan Bhoiya, a prime minister (Wazir) under Sultan Sikander Lodi. The rear of Moth ki Masjid, facing the main road Legend has it that the mosque was built from the proceeds of the plentiful harvests reaped from a single lentil that Sinkander Lodi had found at the Friday mosque and presented to Miyan Bhoiya in jest. Miyan Bhoiya sowed the lentil and vowed to devote its pr ..read more

Tomb of Darya Khan Lohani – Delhi Situated in Kotla Mubarakpur in the heart of South Delhi near South Extension-I, the tomb of Darya Khan Lohani is one of the most unusual of the numerous Lodi tombs in Delhi. Tomb of Darya Khan Lohani – Delhi Darya Khan Lohani, was the chief justice in the reign of Sultan Bahlol Lodi (1451-1489 CE) and a vakil (lawyer) in the reign of Sultan Sikandar Lodi (1489-1517 CE). It is not known if the suffix “Lohani” to his name was a familial title or if it was bestowed by the ruler of the time. Tomb of Darya Khan Lohani – Delhi The tomb is raised on a 27.5m square p ..read more

Najaf Khan’s Tomb – Delhi Najafgarh, a suburb within Delhi’s National Capital Territory, holds significance as a notable stop on the Gray Line of Delhi’s Metro system. However, beyond its modern urbanity lies a tale deeply entrenched in Mughal history. Mirza Najaf Khan, a Persian military strategist serving both the Nawabs of Bengal and the Mughal Emperor, emerged as a central figure in late 18th-century North Indian politics. It was in present-day Najafgarh, nestled in South-West Delhi, that Najaf Khan erected a substantial fortress. This stronghold aimed to safeguard Delhi against potential ..read more

The Navlakh Umbre Idgah One of the most delightful aspects of traveling across India to document historical sites is stumbling upon the unexpected—a place seemingly overlooked by the efforts of documentation. After a day spent exploring Pale, Uksan, and Padmavati Caves, our journey back to Pune led us through Navlakh Umbre in Maval, about 35 kilometers northwest of Pune. Once a quaint village, Navlakh Umbre is now overshadowed by the automotive industry, morphing into what could easily be considered a town. The Talegaon MIDC Road slices through its heart, surrounded by sprawling factories and ..read more

Purandare Wada (also known as Sarkar Wada) – Saswad The origins of Saswad (30km south-east of Pune) date back to at least the 13th century, but its transformation into a prominent Maratha town occurred primarily in the late 17th century. It rose to prominence as the capital of the Purandare family in the early 18th century, following its restoration to the royal family by Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj of Satara during the coronation of Balaji Vishwanath Bhatta as the Peshwa. The 18th century marked a significant period of evolution and development for the town, witnessing a flourishing architectu ..read more

The ruins of Bishnupur Fort / Palace Bishnupur is renowned across India as the foremost terracotta temple town of West Bengal, boasting some of the most exquisitely ornamented temples in the state. Drawing in thousands of visitors annually, the town offers a wealth of exploration, necessitating a week or more to fully appreciate its offerings. While the intact monuments managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) captivate visitors, another layer of Bishnupur often remains overlooked – its array of ruined and abandoned structures. Presented here are the highlights of this “hidden Bishn ..read more

Garh Darwaja – the larger of two surviving Bishnupur city gates Situated 300 meters north of the grand Jor-Bangla (Kesto-Rai) Temple in Bishnupur, lie two ancient fort gates: the larger known as Pathar/Garh Darwaja, and the smaller named Choto Darwaja. These gates stand as the sole survivors of a once intricate series of defenses encircling the palaces and fort of Bishnupur. Over the centuries, everything else has succumbed to time, leaving visitors unaware of the elaborate fortifications that once existed here. Garh Darwaja – the larger of two surviving city gates The primary defense consiste ..read more

Dalmandal Cannon – Bishnupur Situated 340 meters north of the Jor Mandir Temple Complex, the Dalmadal Cannon was commissioned in 1742 by Gopal Singha Dev, the 55th ruler of the Malla dynasty. Regarded as their largest cannon, it was specifically crafted to defend Bishnupur against Maratha assaults, its name “Dalmadal” translates to “distraction of enemy.” Measuring 3.8 meters in length with a muzzle diameter of 29.2 centimeters, the cannon was forged by welding 62 individual hoops onto a lengthy cylinder. A Persian inscription found on the body probably indicates the cost of the cannon. A ca ..read more

Dalmandal Cannon – Bishnupur Situated 340 meters north of the Jor Mandir Temple Complex, the Dalmandal Cannon was commissioned in 1742 by Gopal Singha Dev, the 55th ruler of the Malla dynasty. Regarded as their largest cannon, it was specifically crafted to defend Bishnupur against Maratha assaults, its name “Dalmandal” translates to “distraction of enemy.” Measuring 3.8 meters in length with a muzzle diameter of 29.2 centimeters, the cannon was forged by welding 62 individual hoops onto a lengthy cylinder. A Persian inscription found on the body probably indicates the cost of the cannon. A ..read more