Capital’s world heritage bid: Schools to adopt monuments

In February, the Centre had given its nod to Delhi’s bid. Delhi has cited the historical city of Shahjahanabad and the more recent Lutyens’ Delhi in its bid for heritage status. While Delhi’s bid has been sent as the final entry, Mumbai is also being considered.  Called ‘Imperial Cities of Delhi’, Delhi’s dossier focuses on Old Delhi’s Shahjahanabad area — which served as the capital under Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan from 1638 to 1648 — and the British capital planned by architect Edwin Lutyens.

In addition to a series of lectures on heritage, Quraishi said there was a need to build an umbrella organisation to bring together various groups working to raise awareness about Delhi’s heritage.

Quraishi was speaking at the Indian National Trust For Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) on Wednesday evening. The event saw former Hindu College principal and director of India International Centre (IIC) Kavita Sharma speak about the history of Hindu College.

Established in 1899 in the Walled City of Delhi, Hindu College has been associated with events related to India’s freedom struggle following the Revolt of 1857.

“Facing economic hardship, the college moved to Kashmere Gate in 1902 and was there till 1953 when it moved to its present location. The story of the college is a vital strand in the nationalist resurgence in the walled city,” Sharma said.