We set off to storm the Red Fort (figuratively, of course) next, and I-Day preparations were under way here too. Not too surprising, considering that the Prime Minister delivers his yearly address from the fort’s ramparts and hoists the national flag every Independence Day. So the tight security was understandable. For those with a passion for architecture (or history), the Red Fort is an absolute must-see. The fusion of Indo-Persian sensibilities that were the hallmark of the great Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s reign are very evident, and this fortified palace made of red sandstone gives off an almost mystical glow when the rays of the early morning sun are cast upon it. Only a small section of the fort itself – housing the Diwan-i-Am and Diwani-i-Khas along with the royal chambers, a mosque, and the inner gateway that also doubles as a museum is open to public today. Which is but a pale reflection of our glorious Mughal heritage.
Our last stop in the region was at the Raj Ghat. A ghat is a term used to describe steps descending into a body of water, and the Raj Ghat has been around since Mughal times. What makes the place even more significant, however, is that it was the final resting place of Mahatma Gandhi. The Raj Ghat has now been turned into a memorial to Gandhi and an everlasting flame marks the spot where he was cremated. Two museums dedicated to the Mahatma also exist in the premises. Other neighbouring memorials include Vijay Ghat (dedicated to Lal Bahadur Shastri), Shanti Vana (Pt Jawaharlal Nehru), Shakti Sthal (Indira Gandhi) and Veer Bhoomi (Rajiv Gandhi).
There’s a lot more to see in New Delhi, but after a quick jaunt to the famed Connaught Place for a bite, it was time to set out for another historic locale – the battleground of the Mahabharata. Before we got there, though, we had to drive for over 150 km on a patch of the historic Silk Route – the eons old Grand Trunk Road (or Asian Highway 2). This meant, that for the first time of this trip, I was allowed to really step on it, and the miles melted way as I enjoyed the width and smoothness of this road and really put the Santa Fe through its paces. It was like getting re-acquainted with an old friend, the car and I understood each other perfectly, and the amount of time I had spent behind the wheel allowed me to really push the Santa Fe and make good time. Long drives also mean good music, and this time we were serenaded by the sublime tunes of Pink Floyd, as the opening notes to ‘Coming Back to Life’ drifted out of the system.
