Photo Feature

Time travel through Delhi’s rustic doors

Published by
Mohd Shehwaaz Khan

Old Delhi was once dotted with palaces, havelis, gardens, water bodies and avenues. But everything changed when apartments and urban architecture appeared on the scene. Today, what remains of the old city’s ambience are the ruins or the reconstructions that give away the reflections of history. 

The doors, along with windows and taaks, are one such elements that takes you to the time when they were more than just a portal of entry. They are intricately decorated and thoughtfully carved. Some of them are exquisitely colored: bright yellow, bridal red, and shining blue. Primarily made of solid wood, they are accompanied by the frame of a taak above or beside them.

Tucked inside the congested alleys and mohallas, these doors provide a sense of drama to an otherwise mundane urban life. They seek an immediate attention to their architectural beauty and ‘photogenic’ facade. 

Interestingly, some of these doors are a combination of both modern panels and traditional frames. The frames of such doors remain as earlier, but the panels have been replaced. Many of them are accompanied by three elevated doors on the sideways. A walk though the old city brings you across several such entrances to the history and evolution of the place.

Some of them have colorful floral designs of yellow and green.

Others do not have many colors yet steal the show.

 

One looks like a door of a Church, but then you see the image of Ganesh carved out on top.

Then there are the elevated ones opening to a platform.

 

And of course, the intricately decorated frames.

Many have windows on each side.

Some have their panels replaced.

What about havelis that have been turned into schools?

We must not forget these small ones that did not demand much attention.

 

For more stories that cover the ongoings of Delhi NCR, follow us on:
Instagram: instagram.com/thepatriot_in/
Twitter: twitter.com/Patriot_Delhi
Facebook: facebook.com/Thepatriotnewsindia

Mohd Shehwaaz Khan

Mohd Shehwaaz Khan is a journalist based in New Delhi. He won Laadli Media Award 2023 for best feature in print

Published by
Mohd Shehwaaz Khan

Recent Posts

Strings of eternity: Abhay Rustum Sopori’s journey of music, mysticism, and legacy

From the Kashmir valley to the global stage, the santoor maestro weaves a 300 year…

December 22, 2024

Doorstep registration for women, elderly welfare schemes to begin on Monday: Kejriwal

Under the Sanjeevani Yojana, the Delhi government will provide free treatment to people aged above…

December 22, 2024

Delhi weather: Foggy morning in city; air quality very poor

The Air Quality Index (AQI) deteriorated from 370 on Saturday to 393, placing it in…

December 22, 2024

Why Christmas festivities in these Delhi Churches are unique

From St. Stephen’s to St. James, a look at the vibrant history, architecture, and communities…

December 22, 2024

Oldest bakeries in Delhi: Where Christmas traditions meet festive delights

From the charm of colonial-era recipes to beloved neighbourhood classics, these bakeries capture the essence of Christmas, serving…

December 21, 2024

Delhi Police new recruits get training in ‘urban intervention’ to combat hostage situation

Police said the second batch of 50 constables for training in 'Urban Intervention' will begin…

December 21, 2024