Posted on: 12 March 2010

The tomb of Muhammad Quli Khan, brother of Adham Khan, converted to a residence by Sir Thomas Theophilus Metcalfe (top right), with the tomb of Adham Khan beyond (bottom right) - 1843.
[From 'Reminiscences of Imperial Delhi’, an album consisting of 89 folios containing approximately 130 paintings of views of the Mughal and pre-Mughal monuments of Delhi, as well as other contemporary material, with an accompanying manuscript text written by Sir Thomas Theophilus Metcalfe (1795-1853), the Governor-General’s Agent at the imperial court. Acquired with the assistance of the Heritage Lottery Fund and of the National Art-Collections Fund.]

The South West view[The tomb of Muhammad Quli Khan, brother of Adham Khan, converted to a residence by Sir Thomas Theophilus Metcalfe, viewed from the south-west with the Qutb Minar beyond. This was Metcalfe's country house named 'Dilkusha' (Delight of the Heart). He left the lower part of the tomb as it was, but built around it. Metcalfe used to lend it out to bridal parties for their honeymoons.]of a quiet little residence at the Kootoob, as yet unhonored by a name. Prettily situated and of convenient access whenever retirement or change of air is desirable. It is but yet in its infancy, a few months will, I trust perfect both its comfort and beauty.[Another view of the same house with the tomb of Adham Khan beyond.]The North West View, with the Tomb of Udhum Khan (vide Page 80 [f. 78v]) in the distance.


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'Reminiscences of Imperial Delhi’ - I have a very fond memory of this book. It was there in my school library and I would spend hours and hours just looking at it.

Akshay : Any idea where we can get a copy of this book. Unable to find it on the Net.

thanyou so much for this picture...

i think this picture is an original from "The delhie book"...

it was called "dilkhusha" by sir thomas metcalf,theos father ,who used it has his summer house..much like zafar used the "rang mahal" in mehrauli, as his summer refuge. from the few pictures i saw of "rang mahal" ..its totally dilapidated and in a sorry state..no one knows its real grandeur ..the only source is it original picture and description in the "delhie book|"....

yes akshaye..could you PLEASE guide us to where we could procure a copy of "reminiscences of imperial delhi" again by Sir thomas melcalf..

Are there any images of Akbarabadi mosque or Sirhindi mosque in this album, please? Than k you

Just remembered, I do have a copy of this book, which I bought second hand in UK. It is a 1980s reprint.

Akshay : Could you post the book details - Title, Author, Publisher etc.

thats a wonderful news akshaye..yes please kindly furnish the datails of the same such as subbiah has outlined..thanks so very much!