What: A Heritage Walk through Khirki Village and its monuments
When: Sunday, 28th February, 2021
Most of us think of posh malls and trendy cafes when we think of South Delhi. But today’s posh colonies were once a part of Delhi Sultanate and if you look closely enough, you may still come across remains of the city of Jahanpanah!
But what about the people of Jahanpanah? Did you know of the several “villages” that still dot this area? Join us on our next heritage walk to find out about the lives, experiences and struggles of these urban villagers.
The walk is around two important but forgotten monuments of the historic city of Jahanpanah – Satpula and Khirki Masjid. The walk would focus on the architecture of these two beautiful medieval structures as well as take you through a detailed tour of Khirki Village. We would also explore some micro architecture like the village well and shrines. We would be meeting some village elders and listening to fascinating tales of their mythological heroes and their routines in the part of the village where the Citywalk mall now stands. We’re time traveling from the 14th to the 21st century through everything that happened in between, and we’d be thrilled to have you join us!
P.S. If we’re lucky, we might be able to join the villagers in a game of cards!
Itinerary:
- Meet in front of Satpula Lake Complex entrance at 10 A.M.
- Proceed to the Satpula park. Introduction to Delhi Sultanate and the 7 cities of Delhi with a focus on the city of Jahanpanah.
- Explore Satpula Bridge: its architecture, management systems and the social and cultural significance of site.
- Gather at the rooftop of the monument to get a bird’s eye view of the surroundings and talk about development of Delhi as a city and role of Urban villages in an interactive session with the participants.
- Proceed to Khirki village and explore architectural remnants of its rural past. We would also try and talk to village elders and listen to their stories.
- Proceed to Khirki Masjid and talk about its unique architecture, its role during the partition riots, village community’s views of the structure and some recent controversies.
Duration: 2.5-3 hours
About Walk Leader:
Ekta Chauhan is a resident of Khirki Village and has grown up flying kites on her terrace that overlooks the Khirki Masjid. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Heritage Management and Community Participation at Brandenburg Technical University, Germany. She is interested in urban heritage of the city and how communities shape and reshape history. She identifies herself as the true Dilliwala and is often found relaxing at one of the city’s many monuments.
Instructions:
- Satpula park entrance is opposite Saket District Court. Nearest Metro station is Malviya Nagar (Gate 3). You will have to take an auto from the station. Limited parking on the road is available if you are coming by car.
- The walk will start at 10 A.M. Kindly arrive 10 minutes prior to the reporting time.
- Restoration work is going on in Khirki Masjid. Participants are requested to follow the guidelines and not disturb the work (we have special permission to enter the premises).
- Please carry your mask and hand sanitizer, as well as your own water bottles.
- Per head registration cost of the heritage walk is Rs. 500.
- Since it is a walking tour, guests are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
- Please note that locations are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Confirmation will be received within 24 hours of making the payment.
- Please note that tours are subject to weather conditions. If the tour is cancelled due to weather, it will be rescheduled.
- The tour route is in public areas over which we have no control. We are not responsible and shall not be held liable for the behaviour of the public, other tour patrons, or any accidents during the tour.
Cancellation Policy:
- If you cancel at least 2 days prior to the day of the walk, there is no cancellation fee.
- If you cancel between 24 hours prior to the walk, there is a 50% cancellation fee.
