Three Features of Diwan-e-Khas
There are quite a few interesting things in Delhi’s Red Fort when you try to unravel its features that may not appear quite apparent at first, but three things that stand out in replaying the Diwan-e-Khas or the Hall of Private Audience in one’s mind’s eye are the couplet inscribed on its walls, the symbol […]
Jahangir and Madonna – The Mughals and the West
In my book, I have discussed how the Mughal Emperors were quick enough to adapt Christian concepts and ideas into Mughal paintings and monuments, if not the religion itself. Jahangir (r. 1605-1627) – “the world-conqueror” – the emperor who was famed for his indulgence in arts was known to be influenced by novelties from the […]
Zafar’s Lament Immortalized
You may recall the familiar couplet penned by the last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar: “Lagta naheen hai jee mera ujde dayaar mein, Kiski bani hai aalam e na payedar mein; Kah do in hasraton se kaheen aur jaa basein, Itni jagah kahaan hai dil e daaghdaar mein” The extended poem and its translation (Ref: […]
Finding Babur in the World of Philately
In the world of philately, the theme of Mughals is not very a popular one – a fact that triggered me to hunt down such stamps for my amateur collection, especially on Mughal Emperors, their ancestors and broad Mughal themes. I could localize few of these – Uzbekistan issues on Timur and Babur, Mongolian issues […]
Introduction of The Indian Standard Time – A Historical Survey
I am happy to share my paper titled Introduction of The Indian Standard Time – A Historical Survey that traces the history of Indian Standard Time (IST) based on hitherto largely unpublished original documents from National Archives and elsewhere. In ancient India time was measured in units called ghaṭīs by means of the sinking bowl […]
My Maiden Book is Published: Red Fort, Remembering the Magnificent Mughals
It gives me great pleasure in reporting that my book Red Fort: Remembering the Magnificent Mughals has now been published. The book seeks to present the lived culture of Mughals in all its multiple facets. About the Book When we think of a Fort, it evokes an imagery of a massive military edifice with impregnable […]
Fraser and Skinner: Men of Field and Fine Arts
William Fraser, was the Resident and Commissioner of Delhi, and Agent of Delhi territory to the Governor General of India during the reign of the last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah II Zafar. He was the successor to David Ochterlony, and the predecessor to Sir Thomas Metcalfe as East India Company’s Delhi Resident. That was the […]
A Peep into the Past through the Drishyakala Exhibition
It is always a new learning in heritage walks. Few months back, I visited Delhi Art Gallery (DAG)’s Drishyakala Exhibition mounted at the Barrack Number 4 in Delhi’s Red Fort which was led by INTACH’s Ms. Jaya Basera. The exhibition put up in association with ASI was inaugurated by the Prime Minister in February 2019 […]
SUNDER NURSERY’S JEWELED TREASURES
“Just as a flower blossoms after enduring the bitter cold of winter, a dream can only be realized if one is willing to endure the accompanying trials and put forth the necessary effort.” “Flowers bring hope and comfort to people. People gather where flowers bloom. Flowers bloom because they have deep roots and continue to […]
UNLAYERING THE QILA-E-KUHNA – A PHOTO ESSAY
Introduction Entrances The Mihrabs The Central Mihrab The Second Mihrab (on the left of the central mihrab) The Fourth Mihrab (on the right of the central mihrab) The First Mihrab (on extreme left) The Fifth Mihrab (on extreme right) Conclusion 1.0 Introduction The name Purana Qila refers to an ancient fort that locals in Indrapat […]