|
|
 |
|
 |
Roshnara Bagh and Tomb |
|
| Located north of Old Delhi, Roshnara Bagh and
tomb can be reached by taking the Grand Trunk Road (National
Highway 1) and then the Roshnara Road near Kamla Nagar Clock
Tower and Old Subzi Mandi (vegetable market). One of the most
beautiful Mughal gardens of its time, Roshnara, the younger
daughter of Shah Jahan laid this pleasure garden and tomb with
a number of pavilions in 1650. She enjoyed immense respect and
privilege during the reign of her brother, the Mughal Emperor
Aurangzeb, as she helped him in securing the Mughal throne.
However, she was later poisoned to death on the orders of his
brother for committing actions against his will and was buried
here in 1671. |
| The tomb of Roshnara lies in the middle of the
garden and is known as Baradari meaning open pavilion. Though
in dilapidated condition at present, the tomb once had a simple
roofless grave surrounded by marble lattice screens (intricately
carved jalis) and a hall, which has apartments with arched openings.
The interior of the hall was beautifully decorated with paintings,
some of which can be seen even today on the ceilings of the
hall. Surrounded by dry fountains on all sides, the roof of
the Baradari has small chambers on the corners, which are artistically
domed. |
| The British were also very fascinated with this
garden-tomb as it was an appropriate and beautiful retreat for
them during the Delhi summers. In 1875, Cracroft, the Commissioner
of Delhi significantly altered the garden by tearing down all
the buildings except the Baradari, the northern gateway, which
still exists and the eastern tank. In 1923, a European club
known as Roshnara Club was established here. Today it is one
of the prestigious clubs of the capital with a good cricket
ground and well-maintained garden. Membership of the Roshanara
Club is a distinction that is highly sought after. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|