The Delhi Heritage Photography Club (DHPC) is back with its annual photography exhibition chronicling the city’s varied shrines and tombs.
On display, this time, is another set of mystical images of ancient temples, abandoned forts, haunting dargahs, mausoleums and blissful baolis.
In keeping with the condition of such relics, usually lost in the urban jungle of Delhi, the exhibit at India Habitat Centre is titled 'The Forgotten Heritage of Delhi.’
DHPC, a citizens’ initiative, has been doing some laudable work in the area of exploration, documentation and conservation of monuments in the city.
A group of 11,000 odd history enthusiasts, from all ages and walks of life, conduct heritage walks every few weekends and the photography lovers amongst them make it a point to take memorable snaps.
The same have been put on show now with the best ranked by eminent judges as well.
Founder-member Vikramjit Singh Rooprai says, “This time we have focused on the lesser known monuments of the city.
The Archaeological Survey of India identifies 174 monuments in Delhi which it protects and promotes.
An average Delhiite, however, is aware of only the three World Heritage Sites – Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb and Red Fort, besides Lodhi Gardens and Hauz Khas village at best.”
“We feel it’s our duty to open the eyes of the general public to the innumerable other historical ruins which dot the city and have equally interesting stories behind them.”
For example, there is the numinous picture of Jahaz Mahal in Mehrauli taken by Monidipa Dey.
A dark photograph taken at dusk, it has a mysterious orange glow emanating from one of the niches, possibly pointing towards evil-warding rituals.
Then there is the desolate, cobwebbed Mallukhana in Begumpur, a snap taken by Amitabh Kumar.
Mallukhana is said to be a rare large mosque exclusively for women which has exquisitely decorated mehrabs.
A hallowed shot of Darya Khan Lohani’s Tomb by Marisha Sharma immediately catches the eye.
The tomb of the Chief Justice during Bahlol Lodi’s time (early 16th century), it has an unusual structure inclusive of a commemorative circular platform built amidst a larger platform and several beautiful chhatris (kiosks).
Don’t miss out on the picture of a Shivalaya from Old Delhi which curiously has a Shivling placed in a seemingly Mughal monument.
The exhibition is on at IHC till April 12 and will move to Red Fort on April 18, the World Heritage Day.