Beyond the forts, palaces and tombs which dot the city, Delhi is also home to many hunting lodges. Even though located prominently in the heart of the city, most lie unbeknownst to Delhi folks.
Here are 4 Shikargaahs of Delhi built by Firoz Shah Tughlaq some 600 yrs ago worth a dekko..
1. Malcha Mahal
The archetypal haunted mansion, this remarkably well preserved hunting lodge is located deep inside the Delhi ridge. This is also the famous abode of the ‘Jungle Prince’ Ali Raza or Cyrus from Awadh who reportedly lived here till his death in 2017.
The riveting story in @nytimes by @EllenBarryNYT on the Malcha Mahal and the mysterious if eccentric Awadh family who made it their home for decades is an absolute page turner.
2. Pir Ghaib
The palace of the ‘Vanishing Seer’, this hunting lodge is located inside the Bara Hindu Rao Hospital on the north ridge. A double storey structure, this is also where the Ashoka pillar from Meerut was initially housed by Firuz Tughlaq.
3. Bhooli Bhatiyari
Located a stone’s throw away from bustling Karol Bagh just behind the iconic Hanuman statue, this was the palace apparently of Bu Ali Bakhtiyari (thus the name) and is also associated with the Jhandewalan temple nearby. Only the walls and gates survive.
4. Kushk Mahal
This well preserved former hunting lodge lies inside the Teen Murti complex next to the Nehru planetarium, yet unknown to the multitude of travelers who pass by it daily. Built on a high platform for a commanding view of the jungle nearby.
These hunting lodges may be unremarkable in themselves, but what’s remarkable is how close they lie to busy Delhi thoroughfares and yet how remarkably unknown they are.
As hunting lodges, they are also a tribute to the wild side of Delhi, long since subdued (no pun intended).
Comments