St.Stephens college in Delhi University - one of the most famous colleges in Delhi

St. Stephens college in North Delhi, in the Delhi University campus, is one of the most famous colleges in India, reputed for many of its courses, including Economics. The college has a variety of courses for both under-graduates and post-graduates, famous for arts and science courses as well.
The college is pretty old, having been started in 1881 as a religious institution by the Cambridge Brotherhood, an Anglican mission, and even now retains the status of a minority institution, affiliated to the Christian diocese in Delhi. Since the college was started before Delhi University was set up (in 1922), it was initially affiliated to the University of Calcutta. The college was founded by the Rev. Samuel Scott Allnutt, and his remains are buried within the campus of the college.
The first location of the college was in Chandni Chowk, which was moved over to the next campus in the Kashmere Gate area. The current famous building of the college is a landmark, designed by a Welsh architect, Walter Sykes George. The building was completed during the World War 2, and completed in 1941. But before the completion of this building, the campus was located in the crowded Kashmiri gate year, the place where DCE used to be earlier. The current campus has a hostel, allowing 300 men and 100 women (who were allowed into the college only in 1928) to stay on the college campus.
The College motto is Ad Dei Gloriam, Latin for To the Glory of God. The College colours are martyr's red and Cambridge blue. Some of the famous alumni of St. Stephens can be found on this link (Wikipedia).

Location of St. Stephens as per Google Maps:


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Courses offered by the college are:

Undergraduate
B.A. Economics (Hons.)
B.A. English (Hons.)
B.A. History (Hons.)
B.A. Philosophy (Hons.)
B.A. Sanskrit (Hons.)
B.A. Programme
B.Sc. Mathematics (Hons.)
B.Sc. Chemistry (Hons.)
B.Sc. Physics (Hons.)
B.Sc. Programme

Graduate

M.A. Economics
M.A. English
M.A. History
M.A. Philosophy
M.A. Sanskrit
M.A./M.Sc. Mathematics
M.A./M.Sc. Operations Research
M.Sc. Chemistry
M.Sc. Physics

Admission details and schedule available at this page (link)

Website of St. Stephens (link)
Contact details:
St. Stephen's College,
University Enclave,
Delhi - 110007
India
Phone:
+91-11 2766 7271
Fax :
+91-11 2766 7965 Residence Blocks
+91-11
Allnutt North: 27666460
Allnutt South: 27666414
Mukarji East: 27666421
Mukarji West: 27666416
Rudra North: 27666513
Rudra South: 27666425

St. Stephens on Facebook.
Group 1, Group 2.


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Gurdwara Bangla Sahib in New Delhi - next to Connaught Place

Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is probably the most visited Gurdwara in Delhi. Located centrally in Delhi, it is located on the Baba Kharag Sahib Marg that has Connaught Place at one end, and Gol Dakhana (round post office) at the other end. The back side of the Gurdwara (and the associated school) opens up to Ashoka Road. The Gurdwara was originally the Bungalow of one of the important Rajput ruler Mirza Raja Jai Singh. Jai Singh was a devotee of Guru Harkrishan, and played a role in ensuring that politics being played out in the emperor's court did not cause Aurangzeb to treat the Sikh Guru badly. Guru Harkrishan had been nominated as a successor by the seventh Guru Sri Har Rai, and was summoned to Delhi by Emperor Aurangzeb in a furtive attempt by his older brother Baba Ram Rai to grab the Gurugadi. Earlier Baba Ram Rai had disgraced himself by giving a false translation of Bani to appease the Emperor. For this he had been disowned by his father and rewarded by Aurangzeb.
The place where the current Gurudwara is located was earlier a palatial home, and it was here that Guru Sri Harkishan had stayed here for a few months as a guest of Raja Jai Singh. It was during this time that there was a terrible epidemic of cholera and smallpox and the Guru spent a lot of time caring for people and distributing help. He was eventually struck by the disease as well, and died in Delhi in 1664. He used to distribute water from a well built in the house, and this water is said to have holy and medical properties. The water is now revered as having healing properties and is taken by Sikhs throughout the world back to their homes.
The grounds include the temple, a kitchen, a large pond, a school and an art gallery. As with all Sikh Gurdwaras, the concept of langar is practiced, and all people, regardless of race or religion may eat in the Gurdwara kitchen (langer hall).


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Gurdwara Rakab Ganj in New Delhi's Pant Road

In the heart of New Delhi, on Pant Road, facing Parliament and North Block, there is a beautiful white marble Gurudwara, with entrances on all 4 sides (symbolizing the fact that the Gurudwara and the religion does not support any kind of separation of humanity based on caste or creed). It has a beautiful garden surrounding it. This is the Rakab Ganj Gurdwara, built in 1732 by a devotee (Lakhi Banjara) of the 9th Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur.
It was the year 1675, and the Guru Tegh Bahadur was in rebellion against the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Aurangzeb was a zealot who wanted to convert people to Islam, and Guru Tegh Bahadur was approached by Kashmiri Pandits for their defence. The Guru proceeded to reach Delhi so as to try to negotiate with Aurangzeb (although he knew that his death could happen). He was arrested and then eventually beheaded.
It is rumored that after he was beheaded, there was a massive dust storm and in that storm, his body was rescued by his disciple and taken to the disciple's home where to hide any special attempts to cremate the body, the disciple Lakhi Shah Vanjara kept the body in his own home and burnt down the home in order to do the last rites (the head was taken away separately to Anandpur Sahib where it was cremated).
It was this very spot where the body was cremated that is the site of the present Rakab Ganj Gurudwara.


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The pleasures of India Gate

Imagine a place where there is a kilometer long lane of cars parked on both sides of the road, where there is a large number of Delhi's families coming there with just family members, or with extended family to spend a fun filled evening. There is ice-cream, cold drinks, and many kinds of small snacks available over there. And the place is slightly colder than the heat of the city. And of course, there are the wide green lawns, and a beautifully lighted India Gate at one end, and the lighting of the North Block / South Block at the other end.
When we reached there, parking was an issue; there were so many people who had already reached there. Eventually we found parking closer to the Boat Club side, and then walked to the India Gate side. The sight that we saw brought a lot of smiles - there were kids playing football (with other kids or with an indulgent elder\parent), there were extended families playing either cards or antakshari (a songalathon) with sheets spread on the greenery.
And then there were the families with extended eating plans - bed sheets, tiffin carriers, casseroles, big jars full of either water or some sort of liquid, topped with ice cream from the large number of ice cream vendors selling their wares. In the partial darkness of the night, one could also see something lighted suddenly going up in the air and coming down again. Getting closer, one could clearly see that these were actually kids toys. We did not do most of these things, but just indulged in walking casually from one end to the other end (tip: I think that the lighting of the India Gate gets turned off at 10 PM, since that is what actually happened dot at 10 PM). Other than that, some chanas and some stale bhelpuris were consumed.
While watching all these families enjoying themselves, I also thought about the people who were all doing the selling, whether that be the ice cream sellers, the people selling the snacks, or the people selling the toys; and the policemen over there who were there to help others. These people, watching entire families enjoying themselves, must be feeling something - or maybe they have spent so much time that they no longer feel different (but I doubt that).


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Ghantewala sweets shop in Chandni Chowk

Ghantewala (link) is one of the oldest and most famous eateries and sweets shop in Delhi. It went into business in 1790. There's an interesting story behind how it got its name, Ghanta actually means a big clanging bell in Hindi Legend goes that whenever the royal procession moved down this road, the emperor was in the habit of stopping here for a snack - a habit that his elephant acquired too. Well, we all know how passionately fond of sweets elephants are, so of course came the day when he found the way to the shop himself. Apparently he refused to budge and kept on shaking its head until people rallied around with assorted sweets. The bells hanging from the elephant's neck would tinkle whenever the animal went into stubborn mode and shook his head and from there came the shop's name - beat that! (Another story is: A school used to exist near this shop and whenever the caretaker of the school would hit the hammer on the clanger, the sound would echo to the ramparts of the Red Fort. Whenever he felt like tasting some sweets, Shah Alam used to tell his flunkies to go to the `Ghanta Niche Halwai' -- the shop under the clanger. Hence, the name `Ghantewala.') The Ghantewala Halwai is celebrated for its sohanhalwa, a sweet made from dry fruits, sprouts and sugar.
Some of the products of Ghantewala are: Kaju Sweets, Desi Ghee Sweets, Badam Sweets, Petha Sweets, Bengali Sweets, Aloo Lacha, Dalmoth Kaju, Dalmoth Plain, Dalmoth Spl., Moong Dal, Kashmiri Mixture, Badam Mixture, Mongra, Chana Kabuli, Chana Dal, Aloo Wafers, Kaju Fried, kaju Masala, Kaju Roasted, Badam Roasted, Badam Fried / Masala, Sem Seeds, Sitaphal Beej, Kharbooja Beej, Mera Mixture, Mathri Gol Kali Mirch, Mathri Methi, Mathri Tikoni, Namakpare, Mathri Karela, Bakarwadi, Biscuits, Snacks, Papad.
Contact details:
Ghantewala Confectioners
1862-A, Chandni Chowk,
Delhi-110006
Phone : +91-11-23280490
Telefax : +91-11-23241851
Email : sweets@ghantewala.com


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Delhi Monuments: Salimgarh Fort

Recently, the Salimgarh Fort (located just next door to the Red Fort) is in the news. The Government is planning steps to make this into a tourist destination and ensure that it is well looked after. But what exactly is the Salimgarh Fort ?
The fort is somewhat polygonal in shape and is bounded by solid masonry walls. You can enter the fort from the northern gate that is also called the Bahadur Shahi Gate (so named because Bahadur Shah Zafar constructed it in 1854-55 AD. The gate is built of brick masonry with red sandstone sparingly used. The fort used to enclose numerous lofty bastions but unfortunately only the ruins of those can be seen now.
The Salimgarh Fort was built in 1546 on an island of River Yamuna by Islam Shah Suri, son and successor of Sher Shah Suri. In 1622 AD, Jahangir constructed a bridge and connected the fort to the mainland, later removed by the British when they built a railway line through it. This grand structure was then connected to the Red Fort by Shah Jahan, and the fort finally became a state prison during Aurangzeb’s rule. The British continued using it as a prison, and the leaders of Indian National Army were imprisoned here in 1945, whose memorial has been developed inside the fort. The fort has now been renamed as Swatantrata Senani Smarak (Freedom Fighters' Memorial).
Salimgarh Fort is located at a distance of 1 kilometer north-east from the Red Fort on the Ring Road after crossing the National Memorial.
The preferable timing for visiting the fort is between 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the fort is open on all days.


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Roshan Di Kulfi in Karol Bagh

For people living in Karol Bagh, Roshan Di Kulfi is one of the most famous places in Karol Bagh for eating, and has been there for a very long time. As the name would suggest, it is very famous for the Kulfi (and charges a decent amount for it as well), and one would say deservedly so. People are so fond of the Kulfi that they will go again and again for it.
The shop is now much more approachable, since it is located around 500 meters from the Karol Bagh Metro station, on Ajmal Khan Road, and you reach the shop. If you don't have the inclination to walk, rickshaws are very easily available. Of course, you might get distracted since you will cross Ghaffar market, and it is one of the best market for bargains on electronics and mobiles.
The shop now serves all kinds of food, including Pizzas, but the traditional stuff of chaat and chole bhature are very good. Lassi is also pretty good. And on the subject of Kulfi, try it with the vermicilli like falooda, and you will realize how good kulfi-falooda can be.
What kind of food does it serve? Streetfood (Chhole Bhature, Chaat, Kulfi)
Address: 2816, Ajmal Khan Road, Karol Bagh
City: New Delhi
Phone(s): 25710045
It does not take credit cards, and is not air-conditioned, but most people who go there do not expect anything like that anyhow.


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Roshnara Bagh (Garden), Club and Tomb

Seems strange to mention a garden, a club, and a tomb in the same place, but this is exactly what Roshanara Bagh, located in North Delhi is. Easily reachable, near the North University, it is reachable by going to Kamla market, from there to the Clock Tower and then the Roshnara Road.
So what is the Roshanara Garden all about? Well, it is a very old garden, constructed by the younger daughter of Shah Jahan, Roshanara in 1650. She helped her brother, Aurangzeb in the fight for the Mughal throne with Dara Shikoh, and was his favourite sister for a long time. However, things change and she was poisoned in 1671 on Aurangzeb's orders, and buried in the garden.
Her grave is right in the middle of the garden, called the Baradari. Right now, it is not in a well maintained condition, but it used to be a simple roofless grave surrounded by carved marble screens, and a big hall with lots of beautiful paintings. The British really liked the garden due its location amongst the greenery of the Ridge, and made some alterations in 1875 to substantially make the place more open. In 1923, the Roshanara Club was opened, which is a fairly exclusive club, and not open by default to everybody; only to members and their guests.


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Purana Qila: The Old Fort

Delhi has a major fort that is very popular, the Red Fort in Old Delhi, where the Prime Minister unfurls the national flag on Indian Independence Day (August 15th). But the Red Fort was constructed by the 5th Mughal, Shah Jehan. What was there before that ?
Well, the answer is the Purana Qila (Old Fort). Located on Mathura Road, very centrally, right next to the Delhi Zoo, next to Pragati Maidan, and connected by a short road to India Gate. This looks much more of a ruin, as compared to the Red Fort. The Old Fort has a chequered history, having been completed by the Afghan ruler, Sher Shah Suri who had managed to over-throw the second Mughal, Humayun. The idea of the fort was to defend the city against invaders, and this worked till Sher Shah died 5 years later.
Humayun was able to win his way back over the throne, and occupied the fort. However, the reign was short, and he died in a fall from the steep steps of the library. After his death, the Mughals considered the fort as cursed, and eventually started the construction of a new fort, the Red Fort. The Purnana Qila is a wonderful garrison, with its walls being very high, as high as 20 meters in some places, and with a circumference of around 2.5 kilometers. The fort introduced the concept of spy holes in the walls, something which was copied by other forts.
The Old fort also has a way to show tourists about the history of the city through an incredible sound and light show, run by Delhi Tourism.

Tickets available at - DTTDC Office, N-36, Connaught Place, New Delhi, India 110001.
Phone : +91-11-3315322

Connaught Place Coffee Home, New Delhi, India 110001.
Phone : +91-11-3363607

The Old Fort is supposed to have been built on the site of the historic Indraprastha, the capital of the Pandavas. In some excavation at the site of the Old Fort, pottery dating back to 1000 BC has been found; and in addition, coins and such relating to the Gupta and post-Gupta dynasties (4th century AD onwards) have also been found.


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Khooni Darwaza on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg

This is an old quartzite structure, just a short distance from the ITO crossing, and right next to Maulana Azad Medical College (in fact, the gate became even more infamous a few years ago (December 2002) when a medical college student was raped on the gate, something that was a horror !). It is a protected monument because of its historical background.
The Khooni Darwaza has a history that makes the name easy to understand. It was originally called the Kabuli Darwaza (Gate) in Sher Shah Suri's time since it is believed that caravans to Kabul would pass through it. The gate is an imposing structure if you look at it closely (it is 15.5 metres high), and one can imagine it to be a bustling structure at that point of time.
However, it started getting a bloody reputation during the Mughal rule after that. The bodies of criminals, and thieves, and also those whom the emperor ordered dead were displayed at the gate, to be eaten by birds of prey. This tradition continued for a long time, with the Mughal emperor Jahangir ordering the death of 2 sons of Akbar's friend (who had committed the crime of supporting another brother in the succession battle). His grandson, Aurangzeb got the throne by killing his elder brother, Dara Shikoh, and ordered his head to be displayed over here.
During the First Battle for Independence in 1857, after the British won, they killed 2 sons and the grandson of the last Mughal (Bahadur Shah Zafar) here at the Gate. And this was not the end. During the Partition of the country in 1947, there were massive riots, and a number of refugees were killed here while trying to go to safety.
No wonder people avoid the Gate during dusk hours, as it is rumoured to be the haunt of spirits and ghosts of the people who died violent deaths over here.


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