Kotla Firoz Shah and its Surroundings

The name Firoz Shah Kotla to most people today suggests an extremely popular cricket stadium of the city. In fact the stadium overlooks a 14th century citadel, from which it gets its name, Firoz Shah Kotla. Among its ruins stand a pillar from the 3rd century B.C., and a functioning mosque. A little to the north of this citadel is the southern edge of the 17th century imperial city of Shahjahanabad, delineated by a stretch of the old city wall. The Delhi Gate, one of the main gates that led into the city, marks the entrance into the quarter known as Daryaganj. The name literally means ‘the mart by the river’, but most of the characteristic architecture here, seen along Netaji Shubhash Marg and the streets leading off it, dates from the late Colonial period. Dotted through it are older buildings – including royal mosques. Daryaganj also boasts a Sunday Book Bazaar which has a 50-year history and is a must-do for bibliophiles. Just south of Firoz Shah Kotla is Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, a broad, busy street that touches the very heart of Delhi’s commerce. On this road are the giants of the Indian press and media. The Central Revenues Building gives the area its popular name, ITO (for Income Tax Offi ce), but there are other major government offi ces here too. Other attractions in the vicinity include the International Dolls Museum, and also Bal Bhavan – a great place to keep children occupied and happy.