Delhi: Delhi’s monuments, steeped in history and grandeur, have long stood as silent witnesses to the rise and fall of empires. However, in recent years, these heritage sites have been transformed into canvases for modern-day expressions of love—scribbled in ink, chalk, and spray paint across their ancient walls.
A walk through sites such as Lodhi Garden, Khirki Masjid, Satpula, Zafar Mahal, and others reveals more than just a lesson in history. It presents a contemporary tableau of love and longing, etched into the very fabric of these storied structures.
Messages like ‘Love Like Shah Jahan & Mumtaz’ and ‘Salim & Anarkali Forever’ suggest a romanticised link between past and present, but they also raise serious concerns about the preservation of these cultural landmarks.
The legacy of love in Delhi’s history is undeniable. Emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal in memory of Mumtaz, and the legend of Prince Salim’s doomed love for Anarkali continues to capture imaginations. But what was once the subject of poetry and folklore is now being physically etched onto the walls of centuries-old monuments.
Among the names scrawled across these structures are ‘Pawan loves Komal,’ ‘Satyam loves Shivani,’ ‘Mehboob loves Alifya,’ and ‘Deepti loves Akash.’ Some even reference pop culture, such as ‘Anjali loves Prem,’ evoking Bollywood’s romantic narratives.
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Many have also inscribed the names of their school friends— both boys and girls—who have graduated, reminiscing about the old days.
While some may view these inscriptions as harmless expressions of love, conservationists warn that they are a form of vandalism that accelerates the degradation of protected monuments. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), responsible for the upkeep of these sites, has been struggling to curb such defacement despite ongoing restoration efforts.
Safe havens for romance
The increasing number of romantic messages inscribed on Delhi’s monuments also highlights another social reality—the lack of safe public spaces for young couples.
“Monuments are a safe haven for couples,” said Ashish, who was visiting Lodhi Garden with his partner Nikita. “At other locations, you’re constantly under surveillance.”
Ashish acknowledged the dual role these monuments play. “They have been symbols of love, and they will continue to be so. But defacing them is a problem. I think we are erasing history.”
With limited options for privacy in public parks and cafes—often under the watchful eyes of authorities or conservative social norms—many couples find solace in these heritage sites. However, this brings its own challenges. Security personnel frequently find themselves in delicate situations, balancing the need for decorum with the imperative to protect these monuments from further damage.
The challenge of conservation
Experts argue that a multi-pronged approach is necessary to protect Delhi’s monuments from further defacement. “Strict enforcement of anti-vandalism laws, increased surveillance, and greater public awareness about the importance of conservation are key,” said historian and author S Irfan Habib.
“If the government is serious about this, it can be stopped. Unfortunately, vandalism at monuments remains rampant,” he added.
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A history professor at Ramjas College highlighted that non ticketed monuments face the greatest risk. “Introducing entry tickets could help mitigate the problem by increasing accountability among visitors,” he suggested.
Officials from the Department of Archaeology, Government of NCT of Delhi, acknowledge the challenge. “We are working on beautifying monuments that are currently facing defacement,” an official said.
Meanwhile, the ASI maintains that it has measures in place to address such violations. “Strict action will be taken against those who try to deface history and monuments,” an ASI spokesperson stated.
