Old Delhi. Walking distance to the Red Fort. This was just at the perimeter of the backstreet
bazaar area, which is filled with vendors selling produce, books, medicines and more.
The Red Fort. Designed by Shah Jahan in the 17th century, it served as residence
for the Mughal emperors in the walled city of Old Delhi. The condition of the structure
has worsened a bit through the years, but it’s a big Muslim holy site where
visitors as well as locals come to pray.
Red Fort. Inside. Rugs are laid out for those who wish to pray.
The continuous water channel that used to run through the complex is no longer operational,
which is a shame because by all accounts it was one of the most impressive features
of the fort. There’s still water at the center of the complex for worshipers to use to bathe.
Red Fort. In modern times, this is the location of the annual address from the Prime Minister
Of India to the nation on August 15th, which marks the day India achieved
independence from the British.
Outside the Red Fort in Old Delhi. I know there are a few tourist busses
clogging up space in this picture, but that aside, this is one of the best
examples of how horrible traffic in India (and Delhi especially) is.
The side streets and marketplaces of Old Delhi, outside the walls of the Red Fort.
The imposing presence of the Red Fort, as seen from the back streets of Old Delhi.
Fish monger. Old Delhi.
Rajghat. A memorial to Mahatma Ghandi.It’s a black marble platform that marks
the spot of Ghandi’s cremation. It is left open to the sky while an eternal
flame burns perpetually at one end. All guests must remove their shoes
before entering the Raj Ghat walls. Located on the banks of the river Yamuna.
Laxminarayan Temple, Delhi. A Hindu temple dedicated to Lakshmi (Hindu goddess of wealth)
with side temples dedicated to Shiva, Krishna and Buddha. When it was inaugurated by
Ghandi he declared that the temple would not be restricted to Hindus, and
people from every caste would be allowed inside. Beautiful inside and out.
Laxminarayan Temple. Delhi.
Tomb of Humayun. Commissioned by Humayun’s wife, it’s described as a precursor to the
Taj Mahal, only instead of the tomb being dedicated to a deceased wife from her husband
it’s the exact opposite scenario. The surrounding gardens are quite amazing, too.
Qutub Minar. The tallest standing free-standing stone tower
in the world. It’s 72.5 meters from the base to the top.
The base of the minaret has a diameter of 14.3 meters,
and the top story has a diameter of 2.7.
A different part of the Qutub Complex. The Iron Pillar nearby (not pictured) is one of the world’s
foremost metallurgical curiosities. It weighs 6 tons, dates back to the 4th century BC, and somehow
it has never rusted with age. It’s also not such a big deal to look at, so I picked this pretty
picture from the Qutub Complex to share instead.
Wooden Shjips – Lazy Bones
