The Golden Triangle—Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur—is one of India’s most traversed routes, drawing visitors from around the world eager to experience its historical significance and cultural diversity. While these cities are renowned for their architecture and history, they also hold countless stories and enduring traditions that add depth to their character. Beyond the celebrated landmarks, there are unique insights and experiences that each city invites travelers to discover.
Art & Heart: Delhi’s Walls as Canvases
The Lodhi Art District in Delhi is a unique urban canvas that has transformed a once-quiet neighborhood into a lively, colorful space for public art. Established in 2015 by the St+art India Foundation, Lodhi Colony became India’s first open-air art gallery. This non-profit organization aimed to bring contemporary art to public spaces across India, collaborating with prominent Indian and international street artists, muralists, and graphic designers to make art accessible to all. Their vision was to use the walls of Lodhi Colony to inspire an urban transformation through art.
Today, the district features over 50 murals created by artists from around the world, showcasing a wide range of artistic expressions from abstract works to intricate depictions of Indian culture and history. Many murals address themes like environmentalism, social issues, and heritage.
Shilo Shiv Suleman’s mural on gender equality and climate action and Yip Yew Chong’s nostalgic depictions of Delhi’s heritage illustrate the power of public art to inspire meaningful conversations. Pieces like “We Love Dilli” by Lek & Sowat celebrate the city’s character with traditional motifs, while “The Garden of Weeds” by Yok & Sheryo humorously highlights urban greenery and environmental issues.
Amidst Delhi’s bustling streets, the Lodhi Art District provides a vibrant glimpse into the city’s artistic spirit—traditional, contemporary, personal, and political, but above all, creative.
A Legacy of Power and Grace: Agra’s Modern Mughal Women
The Mughal Empire, one of the most influential in Indian history, was primarily a patriarchal institution, led by emperors such as Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan. However, behind the empire’s grandeur and power, several influential women played pivotal roles in its political, cultural, and economic prosperity.
Babur’s sister, Khanzada Begum, held an active role in the empire’s military and political landscape during its formative years. Centuries later, Begum Hazrat Mahal, the Begum of Awadh, led the resistance against British rule in the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Gulbadan Begum’s memoir, Humayun Nama, provides one of the few female perspectives from that era, offering a rare and personal account of the life and reign of her brother. Zeb-un-Nisa, Aurangzeb’s daughter, is celebrated as one of the first female poets of the Mughal era, and her works blend Persian literary traditions with Sufi mysticism. Hamida Banu Begum, wife of Humayun, guided the early development of Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage site and precursor to the Taj Mahal. Chandni Chowk, commissioned by Jahanara Begum, Shah Jahan’s eldest daughter, remains a bustling commercial and cultural hub even today.
Image credits: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Perhaps the most iconic of them all is Nur Jahan, who wielded significant political influence, effectively ruling the empire during her husband Emperor Jahangir’s later years. Known for her sharp political acumen, she minted coins in her name, issued decrees, managed diplomatic relations, and promoted trade. She was also the first to fund and organize a fleet of ships for pilgrims journeying to Mecca.
The backdrop of Itmad-ud-Daulah, a monument she commissioned in 1622, hints at the untold stories of women whose legacies extend beyond their roles in the royal harem.
Many Voices of Tradition: Inside Jaipur’s Walled City
Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur was among the first Indian cities designed according to Vastu Shastra principles, an ancient architectural science emphasizing harmony with nature. Architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya’s nine-block layout symbolized the planets, with each street and bazaar within the walled city serving a unique purpose. The wide roads and structured public spaces facilitated the city’s bustling trade and festivities.
Within Jaipur’s historic lanes is its oldest known temple, which predates the city itself. Nearby, Jaipur’s first school offers a quiet reflection on the layers of its history. Further in, one finds a world of craftsmanship, where artisans continue to uphold centuries-old traditions. Every street seems dedicated to a distinct trade: in one lane, artisans from the bangle makers’ community create colorful lac bangles, while the vibrant bridal market bursts with richly hued textiles, jewelry, and ceremonial attire, embodying the grandeur of Rajasthani celebrations.
Jaipur’s culinary legacy shines in its food as well. Iconic eateries serve beloved local dishes and sweets that they have perfected over generations. These establishments, often family-run, reflect the culinary heritage preserved through the ages. Walking through Jaipur, the architectural brilliance of the old city comes to life—palatial facades, intricately carved jharokhas, and carefully designed courtyards, all speaking to the city’s artistic soul.
While visiting our historic monuments is a significant draw for those visiting the Golden Triangle, the true essence of these cities lies in their thriving communities, enduring crafts, and rich cultural stories. If you wish to look beyond the monuments, these cities, like many others in the country, are awaiting to paint a vivid picture of their past, present, and evolving future.
