“Yeh taste sirf Dilli-6 mein milega!”
Say the locals with a twinkle in their eyes, while handing you a steaming plate of Daulat ki Chaat near Chawri Bazar. But Old Delhi is much more than its food — it is a living museum of India’s layered past, and it desperately needs your attention.
🕌 Why Old Delhi’s Heritage Deserves Center Stage
Old Delhi’s heritage is a sprawling canvas of Mughal architecture, ancient bazaars, hidden alleys, and iconic monuments. Built in the 17th century by Shah Jahan as Shahjahanabad, it still houses marvels like Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and Chandni Chowk. But beyond the grandeur lies a pressing truth — neglect is slowly fading its charm
Old Delhi’s Heritage Architecture — A Fading Legacy
Structures such as Begum Samru’s Palace, Ghalib’s Haveli, and old havelis lining Ballimaran once echoed with poetry, politics, and the scent of ittar. Today, many are crumbling — swallowed by commercialization, traffic, and poor urban planning.
Despite being under ASIs protection, their conditions reflect gross neglect. We must act — not only as tourists but as responsible cultural citizens..ASI stands for: Archaeological Survey of India
🔍 What is the ASI?
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is a government agency under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. It is responsible for:
- Archaeological research and conservation
- Preservation of ancient monuments and heritage sites
- Maintaining historical records
- Supervising protected monuments (national importance)
🏛️ In the Context of Old Delhi:
Many monuments and buildings in Old Delhi, like Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and other heritage havelis, fall under ASI protection. This means:
Despite this, many such sites remain neglected, due to funding gaps, urban encroachment, and lack of enforcement.
They are legally safeguarded from demolition or unauthorized construction.
ASI is tasked with restoring and maintaining them.
🍲 Old Delhi’s Food Culture is Heritage Too
Let’s not forget: Old Delhi’s food is heritage. From Kuremal Kulfi, Karim’s kebabs, to Aslam’s Butter Chicken, these recipes have passed down generations.
Yet, many legacy eateries are vanishing under the pressure of rising rent, hygiene raids, and changing tastes. Documenting, promoting, and supporting them is preserving culinary heritage.
🚶♀️ My Experience: Lost in the Lanes of Dilli-6
As a Delhiite, I’ve wandered through Chandni Chowk more times than I can count — from Eid rush near Jama Masjid to Holi shopping in Kinari Bazaar. Each turn introduces you to a slice of history — like discovering a hidden haveli behind a spice shop, or hearing a qawwali echo through narrow lanes.
This isn’t just tourism; it’s time travel.
💡 Steps You Can Take to Protect Old Delhi’s Heritage
- 📸 Document: Post pictures and stories on blogs or Instagram.
- 📢 Speak Up: Raise awareness when you see unlawful destruction or encroachment.
- 🏛️ Support Restoration: Donate to or volunteer with heritage preservation groups like INTACH.
- 🍽️ Eat Local: Visit legacy food joints and tip the workers well.
- 🚶 Walk, Don’t Ride: Avoid vehicles inside heritage lanes to reduce pollution.