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JAMA MASJID
Work on the Jama Masjid mosque was
begun in 1650 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to complement his
palace at the Red Fort. More than 5,000 workers toiled for six
years to complete the largest mosque in India. Every Friday, the
emperor and his retinue would travel in state from the fort to
the mosque to attend the congressional prayers.
A fine example of Mughal architecture, the Jama Masjid has three
gateways. The largest and highest on the east was reserve
exclusively for the emperor. The main courtyard of the emperor.
The main courtyard of the mosque is 408 square feet and paved
with red stone. In the centre is a large marble tank in which
the devout wash before attending prayers.
The main mosque is crowned by three onion shaped domes made of
white marble and inlaid with stripes of black slate. On the
north and south of the complex are two 130 feet high minarets
which offer a spectacular bird's eye-view of the city. Jama
Masjid is not only architecturally beautiful, but also a place
of great religious significance as it houses a hair from the
beard of the Prophet and also a chapter of the Holy Quran
written by him.
RASHTRAPATI BHAWAN
 Formely
the Viceregal Lodge, the building is the highlight of Lutyen's
New Delhi and was completed in 1929 at a cost of 12,53,000 pound
sterling. Located in an area of 130 hectares, the palace has 340
rooms.
At one time, 2,000 people were required to look after the
building and serve the Viceroy's household. The lodge also has
impressive garden called the Mughal Garden, which is open to
public twice in a year, usually in February and March.
QUTUB MINAR
13 km to the south
of Connaught Circus at Lalkote of 8th century Tomor Rajputs, the
72.5 m high Victory Pillar stands as a victory stand of a Muslim
King Kutub-ud-din-Aibak in India. At Kila Roy Pithora, on the
dilapidated fort of the last Hindu king Prithwiraj, this victory
stand was made like throne in Gajni. In 1199 Kutub-ud-Din
started its construction and it was completed in 1236 by
Iltutmish, the son-in-law of Kutub. However, there is a 2nd
opinion. Some say, the construction came to an end around
1357-68 during the reign of Feroz Sah Tughlak.
However, the Kutub which was built in Afghan style underwent
repairing and remaking for more than occasions. Revolving steps
of flights are 367 in number in slightly leaned Kutub. It has
some spl features- at its root the radius is being 14.40 m which
gradually reduced at its top to 2.44 m. In Kupee language it has
been inscribed on Kutub that- The Tower was erected to cast the
shadow of God over both East and West. Aayaat from Quran is also
inscribed. At the foot of the Minar a Mosque was built in 1197.
The 5 storeyed Qutub Minar is a remarkable instance of sculpture
in India. The 1st floor made of sand stone by Kutub, the 2nd &
3rd floors made of sand stone by Iltutmis and the 4th and 5th in
both sand stone and marble by Feroz Shah Tughlok in 1368.
However, the earthquake of 1803 destroyed it , in 1829 British
Major Robert Smith re-built the tomb. Later the tomb was brought
down from the Minar and reset it in the garden beside. In 1981,
some students died of stampade while on their way up the steps
of flights. Since then, ascending 5th floor is forbidden and not
more than a group of 4 at a time is permitted to ascent only
upto 1st floor of Kutub. Recently, Kutub is enshrined with huge
lighting.
INDIA GATE
 Straight
down the road from Rashtrapati Bhavan along a magnificent view
and totally unhampered drive is India Gate, which is primarily a
memorial to the Unknown Soldier. Designed by Lutyens, the 42
metre high structure is a war memorial in honor of the soldiers
who died during the Second World War. The imposing structure
from where stretch massive lush green lawns has an eternal flame
(amar jawan jyoti) to honor the memory of the unknown soldiers.
A popular picnic spot, one can see hoarders of people moving
about the area and on the lawns on summer evenings.
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