The enthusiasm starts right at the entrance of the Qila- this huge huge entrance door which you reach after ascending a steep ramp- standing below it one feels real small- guess the royals of the past needed such larger-than- life structure associated with them to keep the public in awe.
Inside there are huge gardens- dotted with ancient trees and scattered monuments- some intact while others are in ruins. The approaching dusk-
hid details of the monuments but it could not take away the immense vastness of space nor the ambiance. The light and sound show was at the end of this 500 metre long avenue -palms trees on either side going towards the ramparts and side entrance in the boundary wall of the ancient fort. This wall was the screen for the show!
The show was about the city of Delhi- 5000 years old — and the story of the various kings and rulers who either cherished Delhi and settled to stay and build or those who came to simply destroy and plunder this city. The screening of images and colours on this (interesting in itself) piece of wall bought the wall to life and with just a little stretch of imagination you could imagine yourself in those times.
Interestingly Delhi has been the capital for 10 or so rulers of which 7–8 built a new citadel for their kingdom. The Siri fort ruins were built by the Khilji dynasty and the Mehrauli — Qutab area by the Tughlaks.
Haus Khas was part of a kingdom called Jahapanahbad built by one Tughlak but was totally destroyed by later rulers.
Definitely a must do- when you are in Delhi- next.
Incidentally, while we were watching (5 minutes in the screening) a gang of 20 or so class 12th students came for the show — laughing and joking loudly — as kids of that age will- but within a few minutes they too fell silent and were silent all through the show-says something about the show 🙂