[jyotirmoy]

The ruins of Haider Quli Khan's Gateway can be found just near the Fatehpuri Masjid in one of the alleys of the main Chandni Chowk Road. While moving on the right hand side of Chandni Chowk, from Fatehpuri Masjid towards Red Fort, after crossing the Katra Bariyan, the gateway can be reached by taking the first right turn before a open space, locally known as metal verandah. This lane directly leads to the 18th century gateway built by Haider Quli Khan, a senior official during Mohammad Shah's period. He was a very powerful official, first posted in Deccan region and then in Gujarat. He later became the Commander of Artillery under Mohammad Shah's reign and was stationed at Delhi. However, many officials and noblemen did not like him because of his nefarious activities.
He built this imposing entrance gateway along with his sprawling palace in Chandni Chowk. The gateway made up of sandstone led to his large beautiful palace and garden, which was destroyed in the coming years. At present, there is no sign of the palace in the area and the gateway too is in a very dilapidated condition. However, still one can imagine the grandeur and glory of Chandni Chowk and standard of life of the people where an official like Haider Quli had such a grand and majestic entrance as well as the palace.

[dzibead]

Reading about the remains of the palaces and havelis in Chandni Chowk makes me wonder whether there are any good illustrated books on the subject. (Reading the City of Djinns piqued my interest in this regard, too.)  Actually, I'd love to find a good book on havelis anywhere, in general, not just in Delhi.  I'm fascinated by these residences designed for extended families, with various living quarters and inner courtyards and terraces, etc.  Chinese courtyard houses interest me, too.  I haven't found anything on amazon.com that fits the bill.  I guess I'm going to have to browse the architecture section of some major bookshops in Delhi the next time I'm there.

Edit:  at amazon, I just found a book called Indian Mansions: A Social History of the Haveli!  Looks like I'll have to spring for it!  I hope it includes good illustrations.

[cyberhippie]

Quote

Reading about the remains of the palaces and havelis in Chandni Chowk makes me wonder whether there are any good illustrated books on the subject

Have a look Here Dzi

Or Here

Looking at the prices I would wait until I got to India though! I've seen these types of books in Delhi at a fraction of these prices, Then again you have to carry them home don't you!

[dzibead]

Thanks, CH.  These websites are great resources for book research before my next trip!