Photos: Delhi govt to put 1857 uprising; lesser known monuments on tourist map

The Delhi government is planning to frame a policy to highlight and popularise the city's lesser known monuments which are also landmarks of its history, beginning with those that played a part in the 1857 uprising. ...read more

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Delhi government plans to highlight several lesser known monuments which are also landmarks in Delhi’s history --already rich with globally popular locations. The Coronation Memorial obelisk seen here commemorates the ascension of King George V as Emperor of India in 1911 and the shifting of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi. (Sanchit Khanna / HT Photo)

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A view of Coronation Park with visitors near the statue of Charles, Baron Hardinge of Penshurst, Viceroy of India. The tourism department plans to finalise several themes, creating a tourist circuit, the first of which would tentatively be named Delhi in 1857 –first independence struggle and Heritage Havelis in Delhi. (Sanchit Khanna / HT Photo)

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A large park and playground now, Coronation Park grounds have hosted three royal ascensions during the British Raj –those of Queen Victoria as the Empress of India in 1877, of King Edward VII in 1903 and King George V in 1911. Officials say that once their themes are finalised, monuments will be highlighted through promotional events or short film screenings. (Sanchit Khanna / HT Photo)

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The Khooni Khan Jheel in Delhi’s Northern Ridge is said to have turned red from the blood of Indian and British casualties in 1857. Today it plays host to migratory birds in winter. Swapna Liddle, conservationist, convener of INTACH’s Delhi chapter, said that the Delhi’s government’s plan was good, “if crafted and implemented well”. “Open spaces are shrinking now and such places can easily be developed for recreational activities,” she said. (Sanchit Khanna / HT Photo)

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Swapna Liddle also counts monuments such as the Mutiny Memorial, a couple of kilometers from the Khooni Khan Jheel, among places which are yet to be tapped for tourism. This Gothic style sandstone pillar built in 1863 commemorating casualties of the 1857 war of independence was later renamed Ajitgarh in memory of martyrs of Indian freedom listed in the original plaque under ‘enemy’. (Sanchit Khanna / HT Photo)

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The Lodi-era Bara Lao ka Gumbad at Vasant Vihar is a nearly 600-year-old monument and contains tombs and a mosque in its complex. Built in rubble masonry, it was once decorated with blue glazed tiles, inscriptions and plaster work and was recently rid of squatters. (Sanchit Khanna / HT Photo)

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Incised plaster work on the dome of Bara Lao ka Gumbad peeks through an archway leading inside. If all goes to plan, Managing Director of Delhi Tourism and Transport Development Corporation, Shurbir Singh said a detailed plan once ready, will be sent to the government for approval. These and other monuments will be included to give tourists a wholesome experience of Delhi’s history. (Sanchit Khanna / HT Photo)