Quest is a project conducted by The Indian Express in schools in and around Delhi. It covers more than 50 schools in Delhi and NCR.

Quest aims at stirring awareness and opinions. Today, when all that children see are shopping malls and cineplexes, we at The Indian Express want to show a completely different picture of this city to them. Delhi has changed beyond nostalgia and recognition since Independence. How many of these kids know of the ‘Seven Cities’ of Delhi or the stories of the pigeon fliers of Old Delhi? The idea behind such an activity is to create awareness about the various structures and monuments that the students do not know about. This is a specially designed programme, which will help the students appreciate the rich culture and background of this city.

In association with INTACH and ASI, this is a small effort on our behalf to depict a phase of our national life and the decay of a whole culture, a particular mode of thought and living.

The visit is followed by the students sending in articles, pictures, poems, paintings, and collages to express their experiences about the heritage walk.

Uncertain Life
The uncertain past has certain hopes,
Which are to be achieved with some goals
Difficulties will arise
But soon they will face demise
Hard work should be initiated
Good things of others to be imitated
Help history on its way , it might need a hand to stay
This invisible hand of yours will go a long way In building our heritage which is lying in cage
Past has gone
Future is about to come
But present is here
Don't react but act
A little ray of hope can make you achieve your goal
Make your thoughts your strength
To carve a world, a treasure chest of our past
Be a true fighter
Disband evil thoughts , by acting on the spot
However uncertain future might be
A bright future ahead is yours.
- Nikita Berry, XII Arts

SPIRIT FOR A WHILE!!!
I walked for miles, mile after mile.
I have lost it all, what's left is a pile
After all that while when I walked this mile
This spirit was the one, that kept me agile
I have lost my soul, I have lost my world
I have lost it all , what's left is a pile
Thank you god,for all this while
It was great fun,to walk such a mile(Heritage Walk)
All with me, saw the history outwardly
We walked alone to see past keenly
I walked for miles , mile after mile
This spirit was the one that kept me agile
In the unimaginary world with all secrets coming alive,
It was my keener interest that gave me strength to walk for a while,
I want you all to be brave
And walk for miles but with a spirit for historical revive.
- GARVITA, XII Arts

My visit to the tomb
Humayun's mausoleum is a fine example of Mughal architecture and unsurpassed skill in the mason's craft. It was built in 1655 AD by Begum Hamida Bano as an embodiment of her love for her deceased husband, Emperor Humayun. This tomb is situated in the midst of a large park. The park contains numerous trees and manicured lawns and is surrounded by fountains, which add to its beauty. The greenery of the place is also spectacular.

The main entrance to this tomb is through a western gate of exquisite style. Sunlight falling on this monument washes the decorated walls and produces an enchanted feeling of heaven. The graves of Humayun and his wife are situated in the centre below the main tomb, on a platform.

In this magnificent tomb, Persian influence is very strong, particularly in the construction of the dome. The edifice is built of red stone and is adorned with a bulbous dome of white marble. There are large gateways filigreed with balconies and windows. Rajasthani architecture in balconies with beautiful tile work offers a feast for the eyes as well as the mind. The tomb also has carved marble and arches. The geometric design and floral patterns on either side of arches adorn the monument. At various places in the tomb, the word ‘Allah’ is engraved, which elucidates the dedication of rulers of that period towards the Divine. The tomb, with its imposing dome is the one of the most famous monuments in the country.

My sincerest thanks goes to the delegates of The Indian Express and INTACH, who conducted this visit and made it possible for me to learn about my heritage.
— Vipul Kumar, XII Commerce

Indian Heritage in a dilapidated condition
Today, though India has achieved many things in leaps and bounds and has made its presence felt in every sphere of the world, it seems to be forgetting its heritage and ethnic treasures.

The monuments today are lying in a shambles. It seems Gen-X believes in making a mark for itself everywhere it goes — even the walls of monuments. The graffiti in monuments is more visible and intricate than the architectural work done there. It is a shame for Indians that the world is more aware about lost Indian monuments than Indians themselves. These monuments, apart from symbolising our culture also serve as a source of tourism.

The conservation work by ASI and many monuments featuring in list of world heritage sites seems to provide a ray of hope in the dark these monuments are in. In India we believe in preserving rather than retoning, which means protecting and erecting an old monument rather than constructing a replica.

The initiative taken by The Indian Express to sensitise students on this issue by organising a visit to old monuments, as a part of general science, may also prove to be beneficial. But at the end of it is you and me who have to take steps to prolong the life of these monuments so that we continue to be proud of our heritage, out diversity and our culture.
— divya mahajan, XII Commerce

Humayun's Tomb
Eleventh and 12th standard students of Ramjas school, Pusa road, were taken on a heritage walk to Humayun's Tomb. The tomb was built by Haji Begum, wife of Humayun, eight years after his death.

The tomb is basically the makbara(grave) of Humayun. In Islam, it is believed that one should be buried in the north-south direction with head facing west which is the direction of Mecca.

The main entrance of the tomb is from the western gate. Haji Begum brought 30 architects from Mecca to build the tomb.

The tomb is an example of Indo-Islamic architecture, it has 17 arches and eight chattris on the top, while one separate arch is dedicated to the Divine.

There is elaborate use of marble and tile work in the construction of the tomb. Besides white marble, there is also use of black marble which is magnificent. As use of human figures is not allowed in decoration, many geometrical figures are used to decorate walls of the tomb.

Along with the grave of Humayun there are also the graves of his family members.

Beside it, there is also the makbara of Isab Khan, one of the most important officers of Humayun. A mosque is also built near the tomb.

My visit was educational and interesting.
— Surabhi Jain, XII Commerce

We invite schools to be a part of this Express Group initiative. For queries mail to heritagewalks@expressindia.com