Typo - Morphological Study MEHRAULI, DELHI, INDIA
AAKANKSHA JAIN A0137228E MSc. Integrated Sustainable Design
Seven Ancient cities of Delhi
Mehrauli
INTRODUCTION The historic settlement that we know today as Delhi is an amalgamation of seven historic cities and took shape in a roughly triangular patch of land. One side of it is made up by the Yamuna river and the other two sides of the triangle have hilly spurs at the northern range of Aravalli range of mountains. Delhi has witnessed years of habitation of different settlements because of its crucial geographical location in Indian subcontinent, located at the northern end of the Gangetic plain with Himalayas to the north and Aravallis and Thar desert to the south. Delhi is believed to have existed since the time of the Hindu epic Mahabharata when it was considered the capital of Pandavas, Indraprastha. The Purana Qila in Delhi is supposedly built on the site of Indraprastha. The seven ancient cities form the present capital state of Delhi. Mehrauli is first among the seven cities and has witnessed altering settlements anging from Hindu citadel, Delhi sultans and Mughal retreats and is continuously evolving, creating layeys of history forming it into a socio-cultural mosaic.
PHOOLWALON KI SAIR A festival that celebrates communal harmony and unity, Phoolwalon ki Sair, combines two old religious places of Mehrauli , Jog Maya Temple and dargah of Qutubuddin Baktiyar Kaki and Jharna, a natural fall landscape. The link between the Dargah of Qutab Sahib and Hauz-I-Shamshi still continues to be trail for Phoolwalon ki Sair. Flowers and Pankhas are both offered at the Dargah and the Jogmaya temple. This festival celebrates Hindu-Muslim unity and and is a tradition that is still celebrated as the annual festival of Mehrauli.
Walls of Lal Kot Walls of Qila Rai Pithora
Typography Mehrauli, located on the spur of Aravallis, has undulating landform with seasonal ponds visible in various depressions. It has witnessed continuous habitation because of its unique geographic location and landform, strategic location on the ridge, providing efficient water supply, security and good drainage.
The Chauhans expanded the city beyond the fortified wall of Lal Kot and Formed a newly fortified area known as Qila Rai Pithora.
Hindu Citadel One of the oldest traces of urban setlement in Mehrauli is a small fort known as Lalkot Built during the Tomar rule by AnangPal Tomar II.
Qutub Complex Hauz-I-Shamshi Dargah of Baktiyar Kaki
Islamic capital After the defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan, Qutb -uddin Aibak declared himself as the sultan of Delhi and this marks the commencement of Delhi Sulatanate reign.
Zafar Mahal Tehsil Of Bahadur Shah Rath Khana Peel Khana Jharna Garden
Buildings on central spine Hindu Temples surrounding
Khilzi dynasty to Mughal Era
Colonial
Post Independence
After the Slave dynasty, Khilji shifted their capital to Siri, north of Mehrauli but still made extensions to the Qutb Complex and people continued to inhabit in Qila Rai Pithora.
Around 19th century, residential settlement thrived around west and south of the palace and Jogmaya temple which are still in existence.
The historic and iconic buildings within the Mehrauli village are conserved and are connected by trails. The cenral spine emergen as the heritage corridor with connecting through various monuments and market.
PHASES OF EVOLUTION : HAUZ-I-SHAMSHI AND ENVIRONS
12th century
15th century
Hauz-I-Shamshi is a water reservoir built by Iltutmish in 1230 AD. It is believed that the loaction was revealed to him in a dream by Prophet Muhammad. The Hauz originally covered an area of 2 ha. A domed pavilion was also constructed in the middle of the tank to mark the footprint of Muhadmad’s horse.
The size of the reservoir reduced due to encroachments and siltation. The pavilion is along the eastern edge of the reservoir. Jahaz Mahal built on the eastern edge of Hauz-I-Shamshi
18th century
Today
More developments along the edge of the reservoir. Small shops along the main road. Development of secondary roads along the edges of the reservoir. Degrading quality of the heritage buildings.
Heritage buildings in ruins and loss of historic fabric due to encroachments. Waste dumps in open land and the reservoir. Poor quality of the reservoir water which was once a source of water for the neighbourhood. Congested roads and street character is almost lost.
MORPHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
12th century
CENTRAL SPINE MEHRAULI
15th century
18th century
FIGURE GROUND MAP Today
BUILT UP
ROAD HIERARCHY
PRIMARY ROAD SECONDARY ROAD TERTIARY ROAD PEDESTRIAN
FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS
I
LAND USE MAP
Intach Delhi Chapter
Residential Commercial Mixed use development Monument Green areas Light Industrial Slums
BUILT UP TO GREEN SPACE DISTRIBUTION
Built Up Green space Vacant land
DIFFERENT LAYERS OF THE STRETCH
LAND USE PLAN
HEIGHT CONFIGURATION PLAN
Good Condition
Below 10 years
Average Condition
10 - 30 years
Bad Condition
30 - 66 years
BUILDING AGE PLAN
Before Partition
BUILDING CONDITION PLAN
Main Street Elevation
Existing Cliff Elevation
Existing Cross-sections
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