Delhi, the
heart of India, is a city where history breathes in every corner. Its heritage
is not just a story of monuments and empires: it is a tale of culture,
civilization, and the evolution of society. Delhi has seen the rise and fall of
many empires, and their legacy is left behind in the form of architectural
marvels and cultural diversity. However, its roots dig deep into the sand of
time, long before the age of empires or being emerged as the center of power.
The Ashokan rock edict East of
Kailash indicates the existence of a settlement in Delhi during the Mauryan
period. The remnants of Qila Rai Pithora
and Lal Kot in Mehrauli trace back
to the Chauhan and Tomar Rajputs, with the Tomars being credited as the
founders of Delhi. Furthermore, Purana
Qila, linked to both mythology and history, connects the city to the
legendary Indraprastha of the
Mahabharata, as well as to later Mughal rulers, showcasing Delhi’s deep
historical and cultural significance across eras.
To
celebrate this timeless legacy and inspire the young generation, the World Heritage Olympiad in
collaboration with Heritage India
Olympiad Development Federation and Heritage
Society is going to organize a Delhi
Heritage Olympiad. The olympiad provides a unique platform for school
students across Delhi to delve into the city’s magnificent past.
The Delhi Heritage Olympiad aims to foster a sense of pride and responsibility among young participants for the city’s cultural richness. It will encourage students to recognize the value of preserving Delhi’s heritage and better understand its role in shaping India’s identity. The competition will not only focus on the monuments but it will range from built heritage to intangible heritage, and from scientific heritage to educational heritage.
This competition will
also serve as a bridge between generations. While students engage with Delhi's
past, they will have the opportunity to connect with elders and community
members who hold rich stories and memories of the city's evolution. These
interactions will create a shared sense of responsibility for the preservation
of Delhi’s heritage, allowing young participants to pass on the knowledge they
gain to future generations.
The initiative will not only allow students to
rediscover the grandeur of Delhi but also inspire them to become
next-generation heritage enthusiasts, historians, archaeologists, and
conservationists.
Join the mission ‘Heritage for All’
through clicking the link to participate ‘Delhi Heritage Olympiad’
https://forms.gle/q3tSTxnjG1BfEM3D7
Compiled
by Geetanjali