Walk through the quiet corners of Roshanara Bagh, where politics once bloomed alongside petals. Discover the story of a princess who shaped the destiny of an empire — not from a throne, but from a garden she built, ruled, and was ultimately buried in.
Walk Led By: Shreya Sahay & Karan Tekwani
Location: Roshanara Bagh
Date: Sunday, 20th July 2025
Time: 10:00 AM
Meeting Point: Roshanara Bagh Ticket Counter
Nearest Metro: Pratap Nagar
Please Note:
Entry tickets are not included in the experience cost. These tickets must be purchased on the spot, as they require submission of valid government ID proofs for issuance.
About the Walk:
Hidden behind the rush of North Delhi lies Roshanara Bagh — a 17th-century Mughal garden crafted not for an emperor, but by a princess who shaped the fate of an empire.
Built by Roshanara Begum, the brilliant and bold daughter of Shah Jahan, this garden was her retreat, her refuge, and eventually, her resting place. It was here, amidst baradaris and water channels, that a woman once wielded immense political power — helping her brother Aurangzeb ascend the throne, and in doing so, altering the course of Indian history.
This walk invites you to rediscover Roshanara not just as a Mughal princess, but as a strategist, a ruler, and a figure of forgotten legacy. Together, we’ll explore her tomb, the garden’s architecture, and the shifting fortunes of a woman whose choices helped decide the destiny of Hindustan.
Why you should attend:
Royal Legacy: Step into the world of Roshanara Begum, a Mughal princess and daughter of Shah Jahan, who played a key role in shaping the empire's history. Her tomb lies at the heart of this tranquil garden, marking her bold defiance and unique legacy.
Mughal Garden Aesthetics: Explore the classic charbagh layout—a symbol of paradise in Islamic design—featuring water channels, shaded pavilions, and symmetrical paths surrounded by greenery.
Forgotten Heritage: Roshanara Bagh is a lesser-known gem of Delhi, offering a peaceful, uncrowded space to reflect on the grandeur and decline of the Mughal era.
Stories of Power and Seclusion: Hear dramatic tales of ambition, betrayal, and retreat as we trace Roshanara’s rise to power and her final years in solitude within this very garden.
Nature and Renewal: The garden is not only a historical site but also a thriving ecological space—with birds, century-old trees, and ongoing restoration efforts making it a living heritage site.
About Qissa Gos:
Shreya Sahay is a researcher with a postgraduate degree in History from the University of Delhi, where she specialised in Modern Indian History. Her work lies at the intersection of law, education, culture, and society-she's especially fascinated by how legal systems shape, and are shaped by, the rhythms of everyday life. A passionate advocate for heritage and museum education, Shreya
believes that history doesn't have to be heavy-it can be sharp, accessible, and even fun. Whether tracing the colonial afterlives of institutions or rethinking how the past is told, she brings both rigor and imagination to the task of making history meaningful in the
present.
Karan Tekwani studied literature at St. Stephen’s College and aesthetics in Mumbai, and now writes about food histories for various publications. His walks are a mix of storytelling, visual observation, and tasty tidbits—think of them as three-course meals for the curious mind. Karan is fascinated by the everyday: that chipped wall, a passing phrase, or a forgotten snack stall—mundane things that quietly carry centuries of stories. He loves exploring how people make sense of daily life, often uncovering unexpected meaning in the most ordinary moments.
Pre-Walk Knowledge Nuggets
A Mughal Princess’s Legacy
Roshanara Bagh was commissioned in the 1650s by Roshanara Begum, the powerful and politically astute daughter of Emperor Shah Jahan. She was a key ally of Aurangzeb during the Mughal war of succession.
More Than a Garden
While it appears today as a tranquil public park, Roshanara Bagh once served as a pleasure garden, a political retreat, and eventually, a mausoleum for the princess herself. Her grave lies within a simple enclosure in the heart of the garden.
Politics in Petals
Roshanara played a decisive role in Mughal court politics—she helped Aurangzeb seize the throne and even hosted high-level diplomatic meetings in the garden. This wasn’t just a space of leisure, but of power and plotting.
An Early Botanical Hub
By the late 19th century, British administrators developed parts of Roshanara Bagh into a botanical garden. Many rare plant species were once cultivated here, contributing to Delhi’s environmental history.
A Garden in Transition
From Mughal to British to modern times, Roshanara Bagh has constantly adapted. Though much of its original Mughal layout has faded, echoes of its layered past still shape its paths.
Recommendations and Instructions for Participants.
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for walking.
Bring water to stay hydrated during the walk.
Arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled start time for check-in.
Bring a notebook if you'd like to jot down your thoughts or reflections throughout the walk.
Book your spots on:
https://www.talesofcity.com/event-details/bagh-o-takht-roshanara-ki-dastaan
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