Immunization and Vaccination for Kids
From birth to 2 weeks B.C.G. Polio ( Polio) – zero polio Hepatitis B – first 1.5 months D.P.T. – 1st dose Polio ( 1st dose ) Hepatitis B- 2nd HIB Meningitis – Brain Fever – 1st dose 2.5 months DPT – 2nd dose Polio – 2nd dose HIB Meningitis – 2nd dose 3.5 months DPT – 3rd dose Polio – 3rd dose HIB Meningitis – 3rd dose 6 months Hepatitis-B – 3rd dose 9 months Measles Polio – 5th dose 15 months M M R 1 year Chickenpox 1.5 years DPT Booster Polio – Booster HIB Meningitis – Booster dose 2 years Typhoid Hepatitis A 5 years D T 10 years TT (Tetanus Toxoid)
Height and Weight Chart for Kids
Growth Monitoring is a screening tool to diagnose nutritional, chronic systemic and endocrine disease at an early stage. It has been suggested that growth monitoring has the potential for significant impact on mortality even in the absence of nutrition supplementation or education(1). Experience in Tamilnadu, Maharashtra and other states in India indicates that individual growth monitoring of children is both feasible and extremely useful(2-4). Monitoring the growth of a child requires taking the same measurements at regular intervals, approximately at the same time of the day, and seeing how they change. A single measurement only indicates the child’s size at that moment. Currently, the Government policies for growth monitoring focus on children less than 5 years of age. Growth monitoring is one of the basic activities of the under 5 clinics where the child is weighed periodically at monthly intervals during the 1st year, every 2 months during the 2nd year and every 3 months thereafter up to the age of 5 to 6 years(5). Growth monitoring is viewed in most programs as an activity for weighing children regularly and plotting weight on growth charts to identify undernutrition (mostly severe Protein Energy Malnutrition) for feeding programs or to provide data on nutritional status(6). There are no national policies for growth monitoring beyond the age of 6 years. Growth monitoring differs greatly among pediatricians and often is not based on evidence. Hence, the Indian Academy of Pediatrics has made these consensus guidelines for growth monitoring as per IAP Action Plan 2006(members listed in Annexure I).
Important Websites for Kids
www.indianchild.com A fun site that enriches and entertains the kids with great contents and exciting contests. A cool site to visit ! http://www.starfall.com/ A must visit interactive preschool kids website link. http://www.rabbitsabc.com/ A website link with activities and games for playschool kids. http://www.kidsites.com/ A playschools child site with fun time activities.
Cultural and Entertainment Centres
Sahitya Kala Akademi The Akademi was inaugurated on 12th March 1954. It was described as a national organisation which would be dedicated to working actively for the progress of Indian culture and raise the literary standards among all the Indian languages and for the promotion of cultural unity across the country. Now, the Akademi functions as an autonomous organisation. The organisation has made numerous contributions to the linguistic sphere through seminars, readings, performances, symposia and discussions. It has made a serious effort to promote the literary culture through publication of periodicals, monographs and creative works of various genre and compilations of encyclopaedias and bibliographies. The cultural establishment has brought out more than four thousand and two hundred books. The Akademi is famous for holding numerous seminars at regional, national and international levels. Lalit Kala Akademi The Lalit Kala Akademi is one of the very few national agencies which functions towards the promotion of visual arts including paintings, sculptures, graphics, photography, ceramics and the field of fine arts. It is a government-run institution and is funded by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. The Akademi promotes research in the field of creative arts. Many national and international level seminars are conducted every year. The purpose of the Lalit Kala Akademi is to promote and preserve the traditional Indian art forms. It awards many scholarships to the artists for outstanding contributions in the field of art. The place is an excellent visit for those who are artistically inclined. Sangeet Natak Akademi This establishment was inaugurated on January 28, 1953 by Dr. Rajendra Prasad. Sangeet Natak Akademi became the first national level academy of art to have direct patronage from the Indian government. It has made a consistent progress in the endeavour of preserving India’s cultural heritage through the promotion of music, dance and drama. The Akademi works in association with numerous state governments and other art organizations in the country. It has created many institutions across the country. Some of the prestigious institutions include: · National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi · Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance, Academy in Imphal. · Kathak Kendra or the National Institute of Kathak Dance in New Delhi. Sangeet Natak Akademi organizes seminars and conferences on art-related topics. The archives section has numerous audio/video tapes and photographs which are rare. The library has over 22,000 books. It houses a museum-cum-gallery displaying many musical instruments. Pragati Maidan This place is famous for hosting numerous tourism-based culinary, artistic, scholarly and culinary fairs and exhibitions throughout the year. It is imperative for anyone in Delhi to visit any of the national or international fairs that are held here. Even in the absence of any particular theme-based event, some permanent stalls can always be found there. These are usually occupied by the artisans and small-scale industries from the SAARC nations and a large number of Indian state pavilions. The state pavilions exhibit products manufactured by cottage industries as well as big companies which showcase products from various categories including: · Apparel and Clothing · Architecture and Designing · Business Services · Computer and IT · Cosmetics · Education and Training · Electronics and Electricals · Fabrics and Textiles · Furniture · Gems and Jewellery · Gifts and Handicrafts
Parks and Gardens
The Delhi Ridge This is the oldest mountain chain in the country and is an integral part of the national capital territory. The ridge is an extension of the Aravalli mountain range and has a strategic importance. It functions as the ‘green zone’ of the capital city. It shields the city from the hot winds of Rajasthan and helps to retains moisture in the region. It has been divided into four zones, namely the southern ridge, south-central ridge, central or the new ridge and northern or the Old Delhi ridge. The ridge is a haven for migratory birds. Mughal Gardens The western extension of the Rashtrapati Bhawan overlooks the famous Mughal Gardens that were designed by Lutyens. Here the principles of floral symmetry and natural harmony are extended into a beautiful landscape complete with a huge range of exotic flowers. Many ornamental fountains, gazebos and screens combine with multiple trees, flowers and shrubs to create a natural paradise. This is why the Mughal Garden is also called as ‘God’s own Heaven’. The garden was planted in such a manner that the flora has developed in a tropical profusion forming wonderful patterns of numerous lawns and waterways. The Mughal Garden is open to public every spring season of the year. Buddha Jayanti Park The Buddha Jayanti Smarak Park was founded to honour the 2500th anniversary of Lord Gautam Buddha’s attaining nirvana. The park covers a major portion of the Southern Ridge of Delhi. The sprawling lush, green Buddha Jayanti Park has been a favoured haunt among Delhites for years. Its attraction lies in the manicured lawns, sloping terrains and the mammoth trees. The park is known for its sapling of the Bodhi tree which was brought from Sri Lanka. It is extremely picturesque with its colourful flowers, bright green grass and paved pathways. Lodi Gardens These gardens were earlier called the Lady Willington Park. The garden has been brilliantly landscaped and is very well laid out with small water bodies and a jogging track. The gardens house the National Bonsai Park that has a fine selection of bonsais. The Lodi Gardens has many species of trees including a Rose Garden and a Green House. The garden is at its best during the months of February through March. Many species of birds like the babblers, parakeets, kites, owls and kingfishers also throng this area. The Lodi Gardens are a popular picnic spot among the people. The Lodi Gardens houses Muhammad Shah’s Tomb. It is an octagonal tomb with a central chamber surrounded by a veranda having three arched openings. There are eight graves inside the tomb of which the central one is most probably the grave of Muhammad Shah. The gardens are also home to the Bara Gumbad and Masjid. The Bara Gumbad is a square tomb situated 300 meters northeast of Muhammad Shah’s tomb. The Bara Mosque has facades and turrets and was built during the reign of Sultan Lodi. This masjid is a situated on the western side of the tomb. The gardens also enclose the Sheesh Gumbad which is a few meters north of the Bara-Gumbad mosque which lies near another Lodi tomb, the Sheesh Gumbad. The most famous of tombs in the Lodi Gardens is Sikandar Lodi’s Tomb. Nehru Park The Nehru Park is located in one of the plushest localities of the capital. It is next to the Chanakyapuri Diplomatic Enclave. The park was named after India’s first Prime Minister, Jawahar Lal Nehru. The park is spread over an area of more than 80 acres. It is striking beautiful with floral collections and picturesque little mounds and rocks which are inscribed with the sayings of Nehru. Due to the pleasant and peaceful ambience of the park, it has recently become quite popular with picnickers and young couples of the capital. Fitness enthusiasts can be regularly seen during the mornings and evenings. The major attraction of the Park is Morning Ragas – the musical concerts and the art events that are conducted every Sunday morning. World-famous musicians and vocalists of India perform in these concerts that are usually held for two hours amidst the landscaped lush gardens of the Nehru Park. The park is thronged by people looking forward to the free yoga classes which are conducted by the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corp as a part of Delhi government’s initiative to keep the residents of Delhi fit. The Garden of Five Senses This famous park is located in Said-Ul-Azaib village in the vicinity of the Mehrauli heritage area. The park was developed by the Delhi Tourism Transportation Development Corporation. It was inaugurated in February 2003. The garden has been designed with a view to stimulate all the five senses. Visitors can be often seeing relaxing or enjoying themselves as they seek to take a break from their daily lives. The garden is a prominent cultural venue of the capital. The garden has held tourism festivals, food festivals and Dandiya festivals. The 20-acre landscape has numerous attractions including Khas Bagh, Neel Bagh, Colour Gardens, the Courts of Specimen Plants and the Solar Energy Park. Khas Bagh has been developed on the pattern of Mughal Gardens with a series of water channels and fountains. Neel Bagh is basically a pool of water lilies which is surrounded by a bower-like. Roshnara Gardens This garden is among the most famous of Mughal gardens in India. Princess Roshanara — the daughter of Emperor Shah Jahan had laid this garden in the year 1650. The central and most impressive component of the Roshanara Park is the Baradari or the Tomb of Roshanara. It is situated in the middle of the garden. Four pathways can be used to approach the main pavilion. The tomb is noted for its Mughal Naqqashi or designing. The interior is decorated with paintings and there are Mughal-style fountains from each side of the main building. In 1923, an addition was made to the original layout of the garden and a club was established with a distinct Victorian
War Memorials and Ghats
India Gate It is essential for children to visit this war memorial dedicated to the Indian soldiers who had lost their lives in the First World War. A visit here, invariably, helps to develop a sense of patriotism among young children. This war memorial commemorates the 90,000 soldiers who had died during the 1st World War. The 42m high gateway was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. Since 1971, the Amar Jawan Jyoti or the flame of the immortal warrior has been burning ceaselessly. This flame reminds the nation of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Indian-Pakistan War of December 1971. The lawns surrounding the enormous structure are a popular recreation area during the evenings where children can play games after visiting the memorial. It also offers boating facilities and there are numerous ice-cream vendors speckled all over the place. To the northwest of India Gate are two ancient buildings, the Baroda House and the Hyderabad House. The Hyderabad House still stands proudly as being the former residence of the Nizam of Hyderabad, who was the richest person in the world during the peak of his kingdom, which was as big as the nation of France. Raj Ghat Raj Ghat is the cremation site of the ‘father’ of our nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It is still one of the most visited memorial sites in Delhi. It consists of a simple square black-marble podium which stands on the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Nearby, the cremation sites of Jawaharlal Nehru – the first Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, Sanjay Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri are found. The black marble tomb is inscribed with the words ‘Hey Ram!’ — the last words which were spoken by Mahatma Gandhi, as he fell down after being shot by Nathuram Godse. It is customary to circumambulate the tomb three times. This place has a very powerful spiritual aura. This national shrine has an eternal flame and the sandstone walls enclosing it are inscribed with various passages written by Gandhi. In the proximity of Raj Ghat are Vijay Ghat — the memorial of Prime Minister Lal Bhadur Shastri, Shakti Sthal — cremation site of Indira Gandhi and Veer Bhoomi — Rajeev Gandhi’s site of cremation.
Museums and Libraries in Delhi
Field Museum This museum is located within the main gate of the Purana Qila complex. It is a small archaeological museum that is rich in historical artefacts. The museum contains articles that were excavated in 1955 in the southern periphery of Purana Qila and then during the 1969-1973 excavations. The chief attractions include the grey ware pottery and relics that date back to 1000 B.C. The museum also houses objects dating back to the Mauryan dynasty. Terracotta figures from the Mauryan period of 300 B.C. and coins belonging to the reign of Muhammad Tughlaq, stone figurines, seals and glazed ware and 16th century Chinese porcelain is also put on display. Air Force Museum The Indian Air Force Museum is located in the lush green environments of Palam, New Delhi. The IAF Museum attempts to offer an insight into the history of the Indian Air Force. It provides a complete portrait of the military aviation in India. It traces back the Indian aviators of the Royal Flying Corps who had fought during the First World War. The visitors can see real-life pictures, souvenirs, models and even actual aircrafts. The Museum has an Indoor Gallery which showcases and traces a pictorial history of the Indian Air Force. It also exhibits uniforms and personal weapons used during different decades. Other equipment like anti-aircraft guns and aircraft vehicles can be seen. There is a gallery that exhibits trophies, radar equipment and a few enemy vehicles that were captured. International Dolls Museum Shankar’s International Dolls Museum was set up by the eminent cartoonist K. Shankar Pillai in 1965. The Doll’s Museum is famous for having one of the largest collections of costume dolls in the world. The Museum’s collection of dolls was inspired by a gifted doll to Shankar which he had received from the Hungarian ambassador. The museum houses a collection of 6,500 exhibits from eighty-nine countries. There are also some colourful motifs that embellish the outer walls of the museum. Nehru Memorial and Museum Library (NMML) The Nehru Memorial and Museum Library is a unique repository of memorabilia of the first Prime Minister of India, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. It was founded by the initiative of the government of India under the Ministry of Culture as a gesture to pay tribute to the country’s first Prime Minister in the year 1964. The museum showcases personal documents of the whole Nehru family. The library has a treasure of books, photographs and periodicals dating back to the period of struggle for Indian independence. The library has ventured into publishing suggested progressive policies of Nehru which were largely unknown. NMML is located at Teen Murti Bhavan as this was the residence of Prime Minister Pt. Nehru. The library boasts of some of the rarest collections of newspapers and photographs of the Indian independence movement. Books of various languages, including Urdu, Hindi and other regional Indian languages can be found here. National Museum This colossal archive is at a short distance from the Rashtrapati Bhawan. The National Museum has over 200,000 works of exquisite art, both Indian and foreign. The circular-shaped building has three floors and is painted in red and yellow. The National Museum building was opened to the public in 1960. It has huge sculptures and exotic specimens of art and crafts. The museum also has lectures and training programmes, reserve collections, a library and a conservation laboratory. The sculptural section houses more than 9000 objects of archaeological importance. The museum is famous for its collection on exquisite terracotta and stucco figures. One can also see some rare items from various states and cities. The armoury section houses a collection of impassive arms and armours. Museum of Natural History The National Museum of Natural History was inaugurated on 5th June 1978, i.e. on the World Environment Day. This is the best resource in the country regarding the natural and, to a certain extent, historical heritage of India. It also promotes knowledge about the country’s fauna and flora. It has a motto of ‘Educating while entertaining’. The museum has been divided into theme-based galleries and activity areas. The Museum of Natural History is divided into four main galleries. The first section is fundamental and addresses the evolution of life and an introduction to the fauna and flora of India. This gallery provides information about the natural habitat of animals and the threat to the various animals and plants. The second gallery provides a peek into various ecosystems and hazards they face. The third gallery enlightens about the endangered species of plant and animal kingdom. The museum’s theme is very much conservation-based. The last section of the gallery is labelled as ‘Cells and Tissues’. It describes the structure and functions of various plant and animal cells. National Rail Museum The bygone era of the colonial India and the development of the Indian Railways can be traced through a visit to the Rail Transport Museum. It offers a collection of exotic Indian railway coaches. The museum houses a blend of vintage rail coaches and the latest, modern engines. It has many of the modern trains driven around as toy trains which gives the kids a memorable ride through the museum. The outer terrain is dotted with lavish carriages that were used by the British. The Maharaja of Mysore’s carriage is also showcased. This carriage has a rosewood bed and is embellished with teak, gold and ivory. It also houses the Fairy Queen that was built in 1855 and is one of the best-preserved locomotive steam engines. Craft Museum This museum was established in 1956 with an aim to promote the works of native handicrafts and artisans. The Crafts Museum is located in the Pragati Maidan complex of New Delhi. The museum is famous for its collection of Indian handicrafts. It exhibits some of rarest pieces of art and craft which have been collected selectively from all over India. Maximum articles on display belong to artisans from small Indian villages and folk art and tribal creations are also promoted
Places of Religious Significance
The Akshardham Temple The Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi embodies thousands of years of Indian culture. It is a showcase of India’s historical architecture and spiritual tradition. This temple has gained an iconic status in the city. It is spread over an area of about 100 acres. The temple has been constructed with pink sandstone. The temple offers the children an opportunity to learn about the nation’s ancient grandeur. Besides the breathtaking architecture, the temple complex offers boat rides, musical fountains and exquisite gardens for the children to have some fun. The pillars of the temple are famous for their consummate artistry which encompasses flora, dancers, musicians and the Hindu Gods. The Inner Sanctum or the Garbhagriha is a reminder of the Gothic architecture. The temple’s premises lead to the tranquil Narayan Sarovar. This holy lake contains water flowing in from 151 rivers and lakes sanctified by Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Lotus Temple Even from a distance, the famous Lotus Temple can be seen as enormous, white and spotless lotus soaring high from the hills of Kalkaji in New Delhi. This lotus-shaped Hindu shrine was opened to the public in December 1986. It was designed by architect Fariburz Sabha. The temple is nestled in the midst of a picturesque backdrop with lush manicured gardens. The lotus petals of the temple signify the secularity of all faiths. The 35m high lotus petals are made of a special Korean concrete that was later overlaid with white marble. However, the most astonishing feature of the temple that puzzles every tourist is the absence of any particular deity. When visited during the evenings, the whole temple glitters like a jewel. Birla Temple This Orissa-styled temple was erected by the world-famous industrialist B.D. Birla in 1938 and was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi himself. This is perhaps the most revered Hindu temple in Delhi. The temple enshrines most deities of the Hindu belief but the presiding deity is Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi, the Goddess of prosperity and fortune. The temple portrays an alluring blend of cream and red and combines Hindu mythology and ancient Indian architecture. The temple exhibits the Nagara style of architecture. The main spire or the shikhara is nestled above the chamber, soaring at 160 ft. The temple also has a Buddhist shrine. There is an arena that is known as the gym of Bhima, the second of Pandavas. Children can enjoy the miniature rock temples in the backyard of the temple. Jama Masjid This is the world’s largest mosque. It was built in 1656 AD. It was designed by Ostad Khalil, a famous Mughal architect. The mosque has an obvious influence of Persian Architecture. It took 13 years to build the mosque and nearly 5,000 craftsmen were employed. The mosque was built in red sand stone and is nearly 261 feet long and 90 feet wide. Its roof is covered with three domes that have alternate stripes of black and white marble. The entrance is possible through three main gates. It is surrounded by many small eateries and restaurants and a visit to the Jama Masjid without digging into the non-vegetarian delicacies is considered a culinary sin. Chattarpur Mandir Chattarpur Mandir is situated near Qutub Minar, in the Mehrauli area of Delhi. The stunning temple complex is an Indian architectural wonder. All the shrines in the complex are built with white marble. Comparatively recent in its construction, it rivals the splendour of the Mughal architecture of the city. Devotees from all over Delhi and surrounding areas come to pay in the temple. The main shrine of the temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and exhibits traits of the exotic temple architecture that is found in southern shores of India. The temple is famous for its Durga Puja celebrations. There is a common belief that tying a thread on a tree inside the complex of the temple fulfils one’s desires. The splendour of the temple is complimented by the surrounding lush green gardens. There are other idols of Hindu gods like Vishnu, Ganesha, Lakshmi and Shiva. ISKCON Temple The ISKCON Temple in the East of Kailash area of New Delhi was built in 1998. This temple is famous for its ‘Shikharas’ that rise as high as 90 ft. The temple has an air-conditioned hall to host nearly 1,500 people. The art paintings have been done by Russian artists and detail many famous mythological Hindu characters like Radha-Krishna, Sita-Ram, Hanuman and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. The temple is mainly dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple also houses a museum which organizes shows to explain the philosophy behind the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Delhi’s Political and Colonial Heritage
Rashtrapati Bhawan This magnificent structure was built under the British Empire and is a reminder of the colonial history of the city. It is also called the President’s House as it is the residence of the President of the nation. This building merges Mughal and Western architectural styles and the most outstanding influence of Indian architecture can be seen in the form of the copper dome. In the centre of its forecourt, behind the high railing fence, lies the 44m high Jaipur Column. This sandstone column was a gift from the Maharaja of Jaipur. Lying to the west of the President’s house are the exotic Mughal Gardens. At the gates of the Rashtrapati Bhawan, mounted and on-foot troops parade in full uniform on Saturday mornings. The Parliament House This is the seat of Indian politics, situated on Parliament Street, north of Rajpath. It was designed by Sir Herbert Baker and was originally called the Circular House, because of its shape. The corridor has a large number of sentinels, nearly 247 which dot the 173m disc which serves as a substratum in this structure. It also portrays the architecture of the Mughal era in the boundary walls which are made of carved sandstone and have delicate motifs on them. One can get a permit from the reception office and then visit the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha which are the centres of political activity and the melting pot of India’s top political leaders. Here, bills are passed and laws are put into motion. The Parliament House is often referred to as the Sansad Bhawan.
Historical Monuments in Delhi
Red Fort This magnificent fort is also known as the Lal Qila. The Red Fort has witnessed many historic battles for the nation’s independence. Inside the fort, the main structure includes the Diwan – E- Aam or the hall for public audience, Diwan – E – Khas or the hall of private audience, Mumtaz Mahal — the residence of Shah Jahan’s daughter, Khas Mahal — the private room of the Emperor and the Moti Mahal which was built by Aurangzeb. The fort was built by Shah Jahan when he shifted his capital from Agra to Shahjahanabad — now Old Delhi and it took nine years to build the enormous fort complex. The fort is almost octagonal in shape, like most of the Islamic buildings in India. Every year on the 15th of August, the national flag of India is hoisted at the Red Fort by the Prime Minister. The fort also has the Naubat or Naqqar Khana which is famous for its collection of musical instruments. People throng to catch The Light and Sound Show which is held every evening inside the complex the fort. A visit to the Fort gives the children a sense of the nation’s rich historical past. Qutab Minar An overwhelming tower made of bricks called the Qutab Minar has become synonymous with the history of Delhi. This majestic sandstone tower is nestled in the southern quarters of Delhi. It is 237.8 ft in height and is an exquisite example of the Indo-Islamic and Afghan architecture. This architectural site is surrounded by lush green manicured gardens, which are a favoured picnic and recreational spot for people. This tower has become a distinguished member of the World Heritage Site community and it mysteriously leans to almost 60 cm off the vertical. The Minar has a colossal entrance called the Alai Darwaza, the main entrance to the whole complex. There are richly-decorated facades of white marble that are engraved with geometric patterns and Arabic inscriptions. Just at the foot of the Qutab Minar stands India’s first mosque — the Quwwat-ul-Islam Masjid. Humayun’s Tomb Humayun’s Tomb is regarded as the first garden tomb of the Indian subcontinent. It dates back to 1570. Humayun’s Tomb was built by Hamida Banu Begum, wife of the Mughal Emperor Humayun. This monument exemplifies the grandeur of the Mughal style of architecture. One of the main attractions of the tomb is the garden or the Char Bagh. The garden surrounding the tomb is divided into 36 squares by small water channels and stoned paths. The square garden is surrounded by a high wall made of rubble of stones that is further divided into four large squares separated by channels and each square is divided into smaller squares by pathways which create the Char Bagh. The tomb is octagonal in shape. A great central chamber has four offsets and is double-storied in height. The central room contains the cenotaph of Emperor Humayun and his Queen. Old Fort The Old Fort is also called the Purana Qila. It was built in the 16th century. The architecture pattern is basically a blended format of Mughal/Hindu/Afghan architecture. The fort was built in red sandstone and the fort walls are octagonal in shape. At some points, the fort extends to 33.5m in height. Many archaeologists believe that the fort is actually standing on the ancient site of Indraprasta — the capital of Pandavas. Inside the fort is Humayun’s Library. This octagonal building is called Sher Mandal as it was built by Sher Shah. The Talaqi Darwaza is known as the ‘Forbidden Gate’. Inside the fort is a mosque called Quila Kuhna Masjid. A bit beyond the fort is the Qila-i-Kuhna Masjid or the mosque of Sher Shah. This mosque is the epitome of Delhi’s heritage of the Lodi style of architecture. The prayer hall leads to staircases which further lead to the second storey from where a splendid panorama of the fort can be seen with the greenery of Delhi as its backdrop. Jantar Mantar This monument was basically built as a scientific observatory by Sawai Jai Singh II in 1710 A.D. The structure encloses a sun dial or the Samrat Yantra that signifies the scientific heritage of the past centuries. The structure corroborates observable astronomical facts and can be used, even today, to determine the position of different astral bodies. A perfect amalgamation of religion and science, the observatory is looked upon as a historical site by the people. The Jantar Mantar has instruments that are used to calculate the longest and shortest days. These yantras or instruments are built of brick rubble and are plastered with lime. The site is thronged by tourists who stand awestruck by the scientific advancement India had made hundreds of years ago.