The Explorers | Of Rebels, Ruins, and Rumours

Kanika Singh, Director Centre for Writing & Communication in conversation with Vandita Bajaj, Class of 2020

Ditch the regular trip to GTB Nagar when you get out from Vishwavidyalaya Metro Station this mid-semester break. Instead, take a walk and explore the historical sites in the area.

Dr. Kanika Singh is the Director of the Centre for Writing and Communication. She is also the co-founder of Delhi Heritage Walks, an organisation that curates and conducts walks in the city. With a background in History and a love for old buildings, she truly celebrates and embraces all that Delhi has to offer.

She recommends a visit to the following:-

1. FLAGSTAFF TOWER

When the rebels entered the city, the British were taken by surprise. They fled North and stayed a night in the Flagstaff Tower. In many British accounts, we find mentions of how terrifying it was to stay in the tower since they could be attacked anytime. The tower itself isn’t meant for staying and is nothing but a swirling staircase.

2. DELHI UNIVERSITY, VICE CHANCELLOR’S OFFICE

It briefly served as the Vice Regal Lodge. Rumour has it that Lord Mountbatten proposed to Edwina Mountbatten in the Registrar’s office here!

It is not open to the public and can only be viewed from the outside.

3. KHOONI JHEEL (Bloody Lake)

The bodies of the British, and later the rebels were dumped here, thereby giving it the name Bloody Lake. It is located on the ridge and is a nice track to explore.

4. PIR GHAIB

Located right behind Hindu Rao Hospital. It is a 14th-century observatory and part of it is a hunting lodge built by Feroze Shah Tughlaq. The name is a recent one though, apparently, a pir miraculously disappeared from here, so the locals coined the name.

5. ASHOKA PILLAR

It is one of the two Ashokan Pillars in Delhi!

6. MUTINY MEMORIAL

The most spectacular of the sites! It is a tower built by the British to honour the heroes who died in the rebellion of 1857.

Google Map Link for Walk Route

Pro-tips:-

• Don’t engage with the monkeys on the ridge!
• Wear comfortable walking shoes and carry water.
• Don’t miss grabbing a bite at the momo stalls in Kamla Nagar Market!

If you are on campus during mid-term break, go ahead and explore what Delhi has to offer!

Find more about Delhi Heritage Walks on Instagram and Facebook.

Vandita Bajaj is a staff writer for the Arts & Culture column at the Edict.