Embark on an exploration of a unique water heritage of one of Delhi’s oldest settlements, where streams, stepwells, and tanks narrate layered stories of survival, spirituality, and shared life.
Walk led by: Intekhab Alam
Location: Mehrauli Archeological Park
Date: Saturday, 23 August 2025
Time: 4 PM
Meeting Point: Parking of Mehrauli Archeological Park
Nearest Metro: Qutub Minar
About the walk:
Mehrauli carries within its landscape an intricate network of water systems that once sustained the city. This walk invites you to trace these lifelines through a jharna, a pleasure retreat where water was channelled into gardens and pavilions blending leisure with ingenuity; a lake, a serene expanse that nurtured both ecology and community; the Baoli, a stepwell that served as a vital space of gathering and survival, reflecting Delhi’s water wisdom; and the Hauz, a reservoir that sustained generations and embodied the spirit of collective resource management. Each of these sites stands not only as an architectural marvel but also as a cultural text, shaped by faith, community practices, and ecological sensibilities.
Why to attend:
Discover how water shaped the survival and settlement of Mehrauli.
Learn how the Sufi traditions and Delhi’s water heritage were interwoven through reflection, ritual, and renewal.
Understand how communities once managed resources collectively.
Realise the need of indigenous water wisdom and its urgency in today’s ecological crisis.
Move beyond monuments to explore the living systems that once made Delhi thrive.
About Qissa Go:
Sheikh Intekhab Alam is an Architect and Urban Regeneration Specialist with over a decade of experience in built environment design, teaching, and curation. He runs his independent practice, EMARA, and has taught at leading architecture schools in Delhi NCR, including Jamia Millia Islamia and O.P. Jindal University. His work and research focus on documenting and interpreting the transformation of Delhi’s urban landscape, a pursuit he has engaged in for more than ten years. With offices in Delhi and Leh, his practice bridges diverse geographies while remaining deeply committed to questions of heritage, urban change, and community spaces.
Key takeaways:
Gain insights into Delhi’s traditional water management systems.
Explore the cultural and spiritual significance of water in Sufi traditions.
Critically reflect on the ecological lessons Mehrauli offers in the face of today’s water crisis.
Recommendations and Instructions for the participants:
Dress light and comfortable - a cap and sunglasses will make the walk easier.
Carry an umbrella, in case of any unexpected downpour.
Don’t forget to apply sunscreen.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must.
Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the walk
Please reach the meeting point 15 minutes prior to the scheduled time.
Book your spots:
https://www.talesofcity.com/event-details/sair-e-gulfaroshan
Also check out other Meetups in New Delhi.
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