Mirza Ghalib | Indian Poet | Chandni Chowk | Old Delhi

After crossing the hustle and bustle of Chandni Chowk in the quite located in the Gali Qasim Jan, Ballimaran, stands Ghalib ki Haveli. A mansion which was once home to Mirza Asadullah Baig Khan better known as Ghalib, one of India’s most celebrated and quoted poet.

The name Mirza Ghalib needs no introduction for anyone. He was born in Agra and migrated to Delhi where he lived for the rest of his life. His characteristic wit displayed in the play of words which sets him apart. Ghalib’s unparallel legacy has been preserved in his written works. His mansion was built in the old Mughal style with open courtyards, arches and lakhori bricks. Delhi government converted the mansion into the museum having various artifacts and archives that depicts the life and persona of the poet.

Another wall shed light some light on his personal favorite. While his trade mark balon wali lambi topi and lamba kurta are listed as his favorite attire. A chart shows his favorite dishes- talae hue kabab, bhuna gosht, soan halwa, aam ka achaar and daal murabba.

There is also a list mentioning activities of his interest like kite flying, Chaucer and chess. The only room with a door sets slightly aside from the rest of the haveli. On either side of the room, hung various aging pictures of Ghalib during his lifetime. Apart from his hand-written books on display, there are collections of letters, translated couplets, a replica of Ghalib and utensils of Ghalib’s time.

Go and feel the persona of this great poet Mirza Ghalib and explore the experiences of life and romance from this legendary poet writing. Read out some couplet from the wall and share with your special one.