The Civil Lines area of Delhi has a rich, layered eminence in the existence of the city. From the pre-Mughal and the Mughal era to the colonial and postcolonial growth of the city into a metropolis, the area on the northern limits of the capital bears many imprints of history.
The low-rise residences hidden behind tall gates convey a sense of old money. The broad, leafy avenues manage to remain relatively quiet despite the buzzing bylanes of Old Delhi situated not far away. It is the seat of Delhi’s power, with top functionaries of the state administration living here. The Vidhan Sabha, the chief minister’s residence and the lieutenant governor’s official abode are all here. It is also the repository of Delhi’s engrossing historical heritage.
The area had first become important in the British scheme of things when the army of the East India Company defeated the Marathas at the Battle of Patparganj in 1803 and won territory around Delhi. When the British arrived in the northern extremity of Delhi, the monuments that stood out in the vicinity included Firoz Shah’s hunting lodge in the Ridge Forest, the Chauburja Mosque built during the Tughlaq ruler’s reign and the Qudsia Bagh, a garden built by the Mughals on the banks of the Yamuna.
It was in this historical backdrop that the British built a settlement that was distinctly European but adapted to Indian conditions. The area almost became the symbol of imperial supremacy, since New Delhi, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and built further south in and around the Raisina Hill, became the seat of power.
Esta historia es de la edición December 31, 2023 de THE WEEK India.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición December 31, 2023 de THE WEEK India.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
A golden girl
One of India's most formidable beauties passed away earlier this month. The odd thing is she would absolutely hate this obituary; she hated being written about and avoided publicity for all of her nine decades. Indira Aswani was 93 when she died. But anyone who encountered her, even briefly, was in such awe of her grace and poise, and one could not but remember her forever.
The interest in wine is growing delightfully in India
The renowned British wine writer and television presenter Jancis Robinson, 74, recently came to Delhi and Mumbai to reacquaint herself with India's wine industry. This was the Robinson's fourth visit to India; the last one was seven years ago. On this trip, Robinson and her husband, restaurateur Nicholas Lander, were hosted by the Taj Hotels and Sonal Holland, India's only Master of Wine.
United in the states
Indian-Americans coming together under the Democratic umbrella could get Harris over the line in key battlegrounds
COVER DRIVE
Usage-driven motor insurance policies offer several benefits
GDP as the only measure of progress is illogical
Dasho Karma Ura, one of the world's leading happiness experts, has guided Bhutan's unique gross national happiness (GNH) project. He uses empirical data to show that money cannot buy happiness in all circumstances, rather it is family and health that have the strongest positive effect on happiness. Excerpts from an interview:
India is not a controlling big brother
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay considers India a benevolent elder sibling as the \"big brotherly attitude\" is happily missing from bilateral ties. He thinks the relationship shared by the two countries has become a model of friendship not just for the region, but for the entire world. \"India's attitude is definitely not of a big brother who is controlling and does not allow the little brother to blossom and grow,\" says Tobgay in an exclusive interview with THE WEEK.
Comrade with no foes
Lal Salaam, Comrade Yechury-you were quite a guy!
Pinning down saffron
In her first political bout, Vinesh Phogat rides on the anti-BJP sentiment across Haryana
MAKE IN MANIPUR
Home-made rockets and weapons from across the border are escalating the conflict
SAHEB LOSES STEAM
Coalition dynamics and poor electoral prospects continue to diminish Ajit Pawar's political stock