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In Mughal times, the northern part of Delhi
was a vast expanse of greenery, with a number of beautiful orchards and
gardens, before it merged with the agricultural belt. These were the
favorite summer escapades of the Emperor and his nobles as well as the
commoners.
During the spring season, the ladies of the court would gather over here,
in all their finery, to celebrate the many festivals
of this season such as Raksha
Bandhan , Basant Panchami and Teej. While celebrating seasonal
festivals these gardens would become their exclusive domain, with swings
all over and the sound of their songs filtering out to the streets of the
town.
Begum Ka Bagh
In 1650, Shahjahan's lovely daughter, Jahanara laid out this lovely
garden in the very heart of the walled city. It comprises of water pools,
aqueducts and fountains. 'Chuttries' or covered canopies were built at
vital places to provide shady resting-places. There are flowering bushes
and fruit trees all round. The grounds are watered by Ali Mardan's famous
canal.
The later Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II gifted a portion of this garden to
his mother, Begum Samro, who built a palace here. This building is now
known as Bhaghirath Palace and contains a complete market inside it.
Roshanara Gardens
The younger sister of Jahanara built this garden, which was also named
after her. A raised canal passed through it, lined on both sides by
flowering plants. The garden was dark and mysterious and the princess was
so much in love with it that after her death she was buried inside it, in
a raised pavilion built with white marble. The British liked this garden
so much that they built an elite club in the middle of it and to this day
it is known as the Roshanara Club.
Tees Hazari
Located just outside Kashmiri Gate, Tees Hazari is counted among one of
the many gardens that were built by Shahjahan. It was built in traditional
style with neem trees all round. There were also many other lovely trees
planted at approving corners. Shahjahan gifted this garden to his favorite
daughter Jahanara. In the later years, Aurangzeb too gave it to his
daughter Zeb-un-nisa as her 'zagir'. This garden was badly ravaged by the
British before and after the mutiny of 1857. Today, it is the site of
Delhi's Session Court.
Qudsia Garden
Qudsia Garden till this day is known as one of the largest and spacious
gardens outside Kashmiri Gate. The flower plants and trees were nicely
laid out and well cared for. In spring season, it would be a feast for the
eyes, with flowers blooming in full glory and the air scented with their
heady perfume. A portion of the garden was set-aside for roses, and in
another part was a large orchard with many types of fruit trees.
There were cascades, waterfalls and canals, through which an incessant
stream of clear water played with the sunlight. Three imposing gates and a
baradari or balcony helped to set off the garden.
This garden was laid out, and Qudsai Begum, wife of Mohammad Shah, built
the buildings constructed within the garden during the reign of her son
Ahmed Shah. Inside the garden was a huge palace, which was a solid and
substantial structure, richly ornamented.