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At Rajpath’s eastern end is India Gate. This 42m-high stone memorial arch, designed by Lutyens, pays tribute to around 90,000 Indian army soldiers who died in WWI, the Northwest Frontier operations of the same time and the 1919 Anglo-Afghan War. Sansad Bhavan (Parliament House), a circular, colonnaded structure 171m in diameter, stands at the end of Sansad Marg. Purana Qila FORT (Old Fort; %24353178; Mathura Rd; Indian/foreigner ₹5/100, video ₹25; hdawn-dusk; mPragati Maidan) With its massive walls and impres-
sive gateways, Purana Qila was built by Af-
Smriti MUSEUM FGandhi (%23012843; 5 Tees January Marg, camera
free, video prohibited; h10am-1.30pm & 2-5pm TueSun, closed every 2nd Sat of month; mRacecourse)
This poignant memorial is where Mahatma Gandhi was shot dead by a Hindu zealot on 30 January 1948. Concrete footsteps represent Gandhi’s final steps and lead to the spot where he died, marked by a small pavilion known as the Martyr’s Column. The impressive indoor museum has photographs, paintings and dioramas depicting scenes from Gandhi’s life, including some whizz-bang interactive exhibits. Gandhi had been staying in the house as a guest, and spent the last 144 days of his life here. In the room he occupied, his meagre possessions are on display, such as his walking stick, spectacles, spinning wheel and chappals (sandals).
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib SIKH TEMPLE (Ashoka Rd; h4am-9pm; mShivaji Stadium) The
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is an important Sikh shrine and a constant hive of activity. Topped with gold onion domes, it was constructed at the site where the eighth Sikh guru, Harkrishan Dev, spent several months in 1664. This guru dedicated most of his time to helping the destitute and sick and was revered for his healing powers. At the back of the gurdwara (Sikh temple) is a huge tank, surrounded by a graceful colonnade. The water is said to have curative properties. Devotional songs are sung throughout the day.
Safdarjang’s Tomb HISTORIC BUILDING (Aurobindo Marg; Indian/foreigner ₹5/100, video ₹25; hdawn-dusk; mJor Bagh) Built by the
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SIGHTSIGHTS DELHI
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ghan ruler Sher Shah during his reign (153845), before the emperor Humayun (whom he had previously defeated) regained control of India. The site is thought to be that of ancient Indraprastha Entering from the south gate you’ll see the graceful octagonal, red-sandstone tower, the Sher Mandal, later used by Humayun as a library. It was while hurriedly descending the stairs of this tower in 1556 that he slipped and sustained injuries from which he later died. Just beyond it is the 1541 Qilai-Kuhran Mosque (Mosque of Sher Shah), which delicately combines black-and-white marble with the more easily available deep red sandstone. A popular, picturesque boating lake has been created from the former moat, with pedaloes for hire.