Delhi | 17.08.2019 | 09:00 am ~ 11:00 am

Revisiting the Red Fort - Stories of Partition in Delhi

About the walk

Although Delhi was still the capital of India in 1947, it was a very different city. The city of Shahjahanabad, also known as Dilli, was enclosed within a high wall. To the north was Civil Lines and Mall Road, which were built by British prior to 1857. To the south (detached from Shahjahanabad) was New Delhi; to the west was Paharganj, Karol Bagh and Sadar Bazar; and to the east was the Jamuna River, across from which was the old settlement of Shahdara. The rest was forests, agricultural land and the ruins of older cities such as Tughlaqabad, Purana Qila and Siri.

At the time of Partition, Delhi had seen riots on an unexpected level and, according to some reliable accounts, around 20,000­–25,000 people were killed. More than 300,000 Muslims had left Delhi for Pakistan, and the population of the city had declined by almost 350,000 by the time the riots ended. The total population of the city then began to grow rapidly. In fact, it grew so rapidly that by 1951, within four years of Partition, it had risen to 1,744,072—a little more than a million in four years, or a quarter of a million every year.

In this walk, we will talk about the idea of Delhi as we know it today and connect this with past events. We will also remember the foundation of the Indian freedom movement that started in Delhi in 1857, and the INA trials that took place in the Red Fort.

This guided tour is free.

Walk Time
-
Walk Date
Meeting Time
08:45 am

About the walk

Although Delhi was still the capital of India in 1947, it was a very different city. The city of Shahjahanabad, also known as Dilli, was enclosed within a high wall. To the north was Civil Lines and Mall Road, which were built by British prior to 1857. To the south (detached from Shahjahanabad) was New Delhi; to the west was Paharganj, Karol Bagh and Sadar Bazar; and to the east was the Jamuna River, across from which was the old settlement of Shahdara. The rest was forests, agricultural land and the ruins of older cities such as Tughlaqabad, Purana Qila and Siri.

At the time of Partition, Delhi had seen riots on an unexpected level and, according to some reliable accounts, around 20,000­–25,000 people were killed. More than 300,000 Muslims had left Delhi for Pakistan, and the population of the city had declined by almost 350,000 by the time the riots ended. The total population of the city then began to grow rapidly. In fact, it grew so rapidly that by 1951, within four years of Partition, it had risen to 1,744,072—a little more than a million in four years, or a quarter of a million every year.

In this walk, we will talk about the idea of Delhi as we know it today and connect this with past events. We will also remember the foundation of the Indian freedom movement that started in Delhi in 1857, and the INA trials that took place in the Red Fort.

This guided tour is free.

Led By

Shashank Gupta
Shashank Gupta is graduated in History, from Jamia Millia Islamia and currently pursuing Master’s degree in Medieval History from Jawaharlal Nehru University. Shashank hails from Khurja in Uttar Pradesh, known for its rich art and craft culture. He is an enthusiastic and active individual who is highly motivated about learning and understanding and is always looking forward to unravel the mysteries of the past through heritage walks and research in the field of history.

Meeting Time

08:45 AM

Meeting point

Red Fort ticket counter

Nearest Bus/Metro station

Red Fort (Violet line)

Disclaimer

The information & views presented by walk leaders and individual speakers are based on personal perspectives and points of view and do not necessarily represent views, opinions and official policies of Sahapedia.

Sahapedia reserves the right to cancel an event due to unforeseen circumstances. Participants will be informed accordingly.

Maintaining safety during our events is our main priority. We have implemented several social distancing and safety measures to limit physical interactions between all attendees at the walk. Sahapedia/ India Heritage Walks is not responsible for any illnesses developing due to participation in physical events. 

 

In case you are unable to attend after having registered, please send us an email.

Email: ihw@sahapedia.org

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Please Note

 

  • Entry fees are to be paid by the participants. You can also book tickets online.

  • Authorised parking is available in the complex.

  • Photography is allowed.

  • Please wear comfortable walking shoes and carry water and an umbrella or raincoat.