Raat Ke Afsane : Night Walk In Qutub Minar

Night walks in Delhi are a fantastic way for visitors to connect to the history of Delhi, appreciate its cultural richness and create lasting memories of their journey through time and history. The historic walking tours conducted in these monuments allow visitors to explore these iconic sites in a different light, quite literally.

One such experience is the Raat ke Afsane: Historic walking tour segment, conducted by Enroute Indian History in the Qutub Minar. Enroute Indian History, is a women led organization, established in 2019, trying to make Indian heritage accessible and fun through research and heritage walks.

Qutub Minar is a magnificent historical monument located in Mehrauli, New Delhi. It is one of the most famous and iconic landmarks in the city that holds significant architectural importance. Admire the intricate carvings and inscriptions on the minar and learn about its architectural style, which combines Indo-Islamic influences. Visit the tomb of Iltutmish, walk through the Alai Darwaza and experience one of the earliest and the most significant mosques of India.As the sun sets, the monuments within the Qutub complex are beautifully lit, creating a magical and ethereal ambience.

The heritage walks conducted by Enroute Indian History are led by knowledgeable and passionate professionals who are well-versed in history and the cultural significance of various monuments and landmarks in Delhi. The Raat ke Afsane: Night walk in Qutub complex is a 1.5 hours guided walk that would undoubtedly be a memorable experience, offering a unique perspective on the history of the city.

These walking tours in Delhi are also a great way to meet new like-minded people. If you are someone who enjoys sightseeing in Delhi and exploring heritage but are hesitant to go alone, these monument walks are an easy, affordable and a fun option for you to indulge yourself in the history of Delhi. Check out our website www.enrouteindianhistory.com to register for our signature Raat ke Afsane. Do follow us on instagram @enroute_indian_history_ .

True courtesans

A walk up Chawri Bazar, beyond Ajmeri Gate, deposits us at GB Road, New Delhi’s current red-light district. For the residents of Old Delhi, the events of 1857 put an end to the Mughal Shahjahanabad they knew. The poet Mirza Ghalib bore witness to the sudden shifts in power, with the residents of the old city finding themselves homeless and penniless. The courtesans were relocated – the subtle differences between the nature of what they offered becoming increasingly irrelevant – to GB Road, beyond the city limits of Old Delhi.

The police interrupt our group twice as we walk down GB Road. A constable tells us it is unsafe for women to walk around the area, while a more persuasive sub-inspector stops to have a long conversation about the merits of conducting guided tours in red-light areas.

In the layout of many GB Road kothas, Soofi notices spaces earmarked for dancing and singing. Until some decades ago, GB Road was still home to tawaifs like the famous Maya Devi, who studied Kathak with Acchan Maharaj and Hindustani music with masters of the Kirana gharana. In 1983, the British docudrama The Courtesans of Bombay focused on Pavan Pul, a Mumbai compound inhabited by women who worked as courtesans and in the entertainment industry. The women danced and sang accompanied by their musicians, in unremarkable tube-lit, terrazzo-floored living rooms, where they also raised their children by day. Pavan Pul is no longer traceable on a map.

Summary

In conclusion, Explore the lives of the tawaifs or 'dancing girls' on a heritage walk through the streets of Shahjahanabad with Enroute Indian History. Visit the majestic Jama Masjid and discover the colorful canvas of artists, merchants, soldiers, traders, and the learned women of the past. In addition, Attendees will receive a complimentary copy of "Courting Hindustan: The Consuming Passions of Iconic Women Performers of India" by Madhur Gupta, which offers a portrait of some of the most intriguing women figures who practised traditional Indian entertainment art forms. Join us for an immersive experience celebrating India's rich cultural heritage and the women who shaped it.

Instructions

•  There is no guided fee for children below 5.
• The guided fee does not include the ticket to monument (Rs 35/- or less).
•  The medium of instruction is Hindi and English
• In case of unavoidable external reasons such as (weather conditions, political rallies, VIP movement, powercut), we may cancel the walk. The participant has the liberty to take another walk by the company against the payment they have made within 30 days since the date of the registered walk. The company does not have refund policy.
• You will receive the details of the walk a day prior to the walk. Please notify us in case you do not receive it.
•  Please feel free to contact us on number 9667218424 or on email [email protected].

Venue

CHAWRI BAZAR: Sham Lal Jain and sons, 3702, Chawri Bazar Rd, Raghu Ganj, Manohar Market, Hauz Qazi, Chandni Chowk, Delhi, 110006, India

Terms & Conditions

• Please carry a valid ID proof along with you.
• No refunds on purchased ticket are possible, even in case of any rescheduling.
• Security procedures, including frisking remain the right of the management.
• We will eject with or without the owner any dangerous or potentially hazardous objects, including but not limited to weapons, knives, guns, fireworks, helmets, lazer devices, bottles, musical instruments from the venue.
• The sponsors/performers/organizers are not responsible for any injury or damage occurring due to the event. Courts in Mumbai will settle any claims regarding the same.
• No one may allow entry to people in an inebriated state.
• Organizers hold the right to deny late entry to the event.
• Venue rules apply.