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Perhaps the most modern monument we saw in Delhi was Raj Ghat, the spot where Gandhi was cremated. Although his ashes were scattered in India's rivers, this place retains an almost holy presence of this great man.
The Historic Monuments of New Delhi January 10, 2001
Ttrealtravels2005-12-26 16:31:47
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Jai Guru Deva
Perhaps the most modern monument we saw in Delhi was Raj Ghat, the spot where Gandhi was cremated. Although his ashes were scattered in India's rivers, this place retains an almost holy presence of this great man.
This is no cold memorial -- it's warmed by the devotion of those who comes to honor Gandhi's memory. The severe marble platform is engraved only with Gandhi's final words: "Hai Ram," or "Oh God." Dozens of Indians crowded around to reverence this spot and show their devotion and respect for Gandhi's great contribution to India and the world.
Pillars of Time
Our tours of Delhi were divided into the old city and then "New" Delhi. I put "new" in quotes because to me there doesn't seem to be any difference generally speaking between the parts of the city, and we didn't see any particularly "new" sights!
We began at the Qutb Minar complex, built by many different architects from Persia, Afghanistan, etc. It began as a mosque and a base minaret (the Qutb Minar tower itself) in 1194. But there is evidence of even older history -- a bronze pillar, approximately 30-feet high, dates back to before 500 C.E.
The complex, with its many-faceted arches, pillars, and, of course, the Minar tower itself, was fascinating. So much detail in the stonework, so many nooks and crannies of the ruins to peruse.
The Proto-Taj
Our next stop of the morning was at Humayan's Tomb. This spellbinding structure was built by Humayan's widow (opposite of the Taj Mahal, where the widower built it for his wife) in the mid-16th century and was the first of its kind in all of India.
The huge central dome is on an octagonal base with a two-tier form. It has enormous steps at four entrances -- one on each side of the tomb, symmetrically placed in the center of each side. The whole thing is surrounded by lush gardens and the classic water fountain layout.
The tomb was Shah Jahan's inspiration for the Taj, although it's clear that the latter was designed to be twice as large and beautiful as its predecessor.
See photographs from:
India Gallery
