Qissa-e-Hauz Khas: Of Khiljis, Tughlaqs, Boho-Chic & Cafes
Hauz-i-Alai or Hauz Khas...or HKV, as it’s best known in the trendy times we live in, is Delhi’s chameleon neighbourhood.... always changing colours, from the OG hub of ‘Glamour’ in the 1990s - home to chic boutiques and curio shops, giving way to trendy thrift shops, social pubs, ramen bars and cozy art spaces, many of which boast a stunning view over the 14th century man-made lake and the ruins of a structure mistaken today by most to be a Fort - but which it is not! So what is it really?!!Built 700 years ago, the Hauz-e-Alai was a marvel of medieval urban planning and water management, deeply intertwined with the rhythms of the Indian monsoon.Commissioned by Sultan Alauddin Khilji in the early 1300s, the lake was a rain-fed reservoir, built to harvest monsoon water for his fort-city of Siri, and to sustain surrounding agrarian communities all year-round. One can't talk of Hauz Khas and not talk of Alauddin Khilji - a Sultan vilified in pop-culture as the antagonist of Padmaavat, the so-called ‘most notorious' Sultan to have ever ascended the throne of Dilli!!And our walk will delve into and dispel these myths as we share how history sees him as one of the most efficient yet strict administrators who introduced major economic reforms and was surprisingly popular and well-regarded by his 'Awaam' (Citizens). A classic case of Hype v/s Reality!The walk also traces the transformation of this lake...from a vital lifeline, to an ideal, world-class, bustling centre of education, theological studies and artistic inspiration...to seeing devastation by the Timur, the Lame, it's eventual neglect for centuries & revival in the last 60 years...to being an art-lover's haven....this lake & it's ruined complex around it, the Hauz Khas complex has seen epochs rise, collapse and rise again!The green spaces that hug the lake today, now popular as a jogger's park, Insta reel venue or a good old dating spot - are silent storytellers of our city's landscape, that's shaped by geography & water, and they come a little more alive every monsoon!Come explore these romantic ruins in the heart of our City of Djinns, while the hint of rain is still in the air...experience the genial climes of the lake and enjoy the same timeless breeze that some of the most brilliant minds did back in the 14th century!The story-telling sessions will be done in English and some bits of Urdu/Hindi also.DATE & TIME: 8:00 AM | Sunday | 6th SeptMEETING POINT: Will be informed after bookingCHARGES: INR 700/- per person & 400/- for Senior Citizens and StudentsEssentials to Wear and Carry- Carry your rain gear in case it rains, as the walk is a lot in outdoors.- Wear clothes comfortable for the weather- Wear comfortable walking shoes- Carry your own water bottleNote: By attending you agree to being filmed at the venue and content may be used for marketing purposes of Team TBT-DBF.
