JOIN USIf you thought that parks and gardens are an accessory to the monuments that hold centre stage in them, then Delhi can teach you a lesson or two in history. A number of parks in the city are important, not just for their ornamental and environmental value, but for being the sites of some major historical events.
Many of them are examples of exceptional layout by the best architects, while others were adorned with life-bestowing herbs. Some of these gardens are more beautiful than even the monuments they hold and have become crucial utilitarian spaces for occupants of historic Delhi today.
Very few would be aware of even the name, Coronation Memorial, but this park located on the edge of north Delhi on Burari Road was the venue for three Delhi Durbars in 1877, 1903 and 1911. Queen Victoria was proclaimed the Empress of India here. Later, it was used to celebrate the accession of King Edward VII, and, finally, the coronation of King George V as Emperor of India, took place here as well.
This last celebration had all the princely states in attendance. It has the largest and tallest statue of King George V which was moved here in the mid 1960s from a site opposite India Gate.
Every history-lover worth his name in Delhi knows Mehrauli Archaeological Park but very few can claim to have studied (or even seen) all its 100 and more monuments. It is the only area in Delhi known for 1,000 years of continuous habitation.
It includes the ruins of Lal Kot built by Tomar Rajputs in 1060 AD making it the oldest extant fort of Delhi and architectural relics of subsequent period - Khalji dynasty, Tughlaq dynasty, Lodhi dynasty of Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire and the British Raj. Sadly, it had become the dumping ground for locals in the past few years but authorities are now restoring it with signages and walk trails.
Shalimar Bagh, which lies in Pitampura, northwest Delhi, is well-known for its large gardens, painted floral decorations and a palace called Sheesh Mahal. Shalimar Bagh is said to have been developed by Shahjahan over 350 years back. It served as a halting place on his various expeditions. The palace served as the site of the coronation ceremony of Aurangzeb. British General Sir David Ochterlony and Lord Metcalfe used it as their summer lodge. Unfortunately, this prestigious site is a picture of neglect today.
Residents of south Delhi would be familiar with Jahanpanah Forest nestled between Alaknanda, Greater Kailash and Chirag Dilli. Historians believe it to be a part of Jahanpanah, the fourth city of Delhi founded by emperor Mohammad bin Tughlaq. It is said to have been built by fortifying parts of Lal Kot and Qila Rai Pithora – the earlier cities of Delhi. It does not have any significant historical remains but the lush greenery is bound to win your heart. It is ideal for walks, bird spotting and also, some peace in the middle of chaotic Delhi.