Home > Travel > States of India > Flagstaff Tower
Flagstaff Tower
It is a one-room, castellated tower, built around 1828 as a signal tower.

Share this Article:

Flagstaff Tower, Historical Tower in DelhiThe Flagstaff Tower also marks a time at the very beginning of the British rule in India. It is now a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.

Location of Flagstaff Tower
It is located in Kamla Nehru Ridge near the North Campus of Delhi University in Delhi. The Kamla Nehru Ridge or Northern Ridge is a forested region in North Delhi and a section of the larger Delhi Ridge. The Flagstaff Tower is a significant monument centred here. Flag Staff Tower is located at a distance of 400 yards North of Cheuburg Mosque. Walking past the Chauburg mosque through ridge forest, the paths meet at flagstaff tower, built in the year1828.

History of Flagstaff Tower
This colonial tower was built in 1828 to serve the primary purpose of a signal tower as it was built on higher elevation than surrounding areas. It later became a place of refuge for women and children of British officials at the time of the Sepoy Mutiny (the revolt of 1857). Flagstaff Tower played an important role during the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, when Delhi was captured by the rebellious English forces. On the morning of 11th May 1857, when the sepoys started hunting for and killing European personnel and Christian Indians the Cantonment, Civil Lines and the city of Delhi, the survivors started fleeing towards the Tower.

Structure of the Flagstaff Tower
Flagstaff Tower, Historical Tower in DelhiThe inside of the tower, which is locked, is a circular room which has the capacity to hold a crowd of around hundred people. It resembles a mini-fort but does not seem like a very safe place to hide in during a rebellion. In recent times some facets of the tower have been ruined due to people having scribbled on its walls. Before forestation started in 1910, the area where the tower was built was the highest point on the ridge and was mostly barren and covered with low-lying shrub.

Stories Related to the Flagstaff Tower
Several rumours are often heard surrounding this place, especially with the "Khooni Jheel" (Bloody Lake) in the vicinity. It is said that dead bodies of soldiers were dumped in it during the uprising. And therefore, some also consider this place to be haunted.

The Flagstaff Tower is a notable place to visit for those seeking heritage along with some fresh air in North Delhi.

Visiting Information Flagstaff Tower
The easiest way to reach this tower is to follow the straight path from the gate which is exactly opposite to the gate of the Delhi University Vice Chancellor"s office. It is about a kilometre from the metro station. Entry is allowed between sunrise and sunset. The entrance to the gate is crowded by several fast food stalls. Then follow the slightly upward sloping, clean and green path, to find the monument straight ahead. The tower is at the centre of a circular path which has exits along four roads.

It is advised to explore the ridge too by taking any of the narrower streets on either side of the main path. The fragrance of flowers and plants inside is almost overwhelming. The ridge is home to monkeys and a number of bird species. The Mutiny Memorial related to this site is also nearby. The Flagstaff Tower is a notable place to visit for those seeking heritage along with some fresh air in North Delhi.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in States of India


East Indian States
East Indian States comprises of Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha and also the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It defines the cultural heritage, rich historical background and the linguistic unity.
Erode District
Erode District is one of the districts in the state of Tamil Nadu. The district of Erode is having a land-locked area with no sea coast.
Purnia District in Bihar
Purnia District is located in Bihar and extends from River Ganga to Nepal. The district has a rich Hindu history and glorious past.
South Delhi District
South Delhi District is the third largest district of Delhi as far as its area is concerned. South Delhi District is known for its economic, historical, cultural and social significance.
North Indian States
North Indian States formed the cultural and religious unity in spite of having many foreign invasion and the political disturbances from the early era till the British gained supremacy in Indian sub continent.
Kendujhar District
Kendujhar District, spread over an area of 8,240 sq kms, is as varied as the whole of Orissa with waterfalls roaring gorges, mountains and minerals. The manifold expressions of nature in Kendujhar District are considered as unique.
Hooghly district
Hooghly District along the bank of the river Hooghly is one of the principal trading ports of West Bengal.
Districts of South Tamil Nadu
Districts of South Tamil Nadu consist of many tourism destinations like archaeological sites and the history of Pandyas and Cholas. Considering their proximity to the sea, many districts also boast of serene beaches and coastal beauty.
Flora of Arunachal Pradesh
Flora of Arunachal Pradesh includes infinite species and is a subject of great interests for the botanists.
Districts of South Gujarat
Districts of South Gujarat are the epicenter of Jain pilgrimages and the early Hindu kingdoms.
North West States of India
North West States of India consist of three states, which are Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana. All of them are culturally and traditionally diverse and they have been ruled by different dynasties in historical time.
Geography Of Chittoor District
Geography of Chittoor district is spread along the topography of the land which is divided into two natural divisions; Chittoor has a dry and healthy climate.
Districts of North Rajasthan
District of Northern part of Rajasthan is dotted with ancient forts and medieval villages.
Districts of North Odisha
District of North Odisha has Bengal boundary and shares the same culture. These are reachable if one pays a weekend visit to Digha.
Districts of West Bihar
Districts of West Bihar is comprised of medieval monuments that were built by the different governors of Mughal era.
Districts of South Haryana
Districts of South Haryana consists of many cities of industrial excellence. These districts are dotted with popular tourism destinations.
Medieval History of Assam
Medieval history of Assam narrates the advent and rule of a number of kingdoms in the region. The prominent dynasties of the kingdom left an everlasting imprint on the socio cultural heritage of India.
Geography of Meghalaya
The suitable climate, highland plateaus, rivers and the flora and fauna together forms the geography of Meghalaya.
Districts of Rayalaseema
Districts of Rayalaseema in Andhra Pradesh state has urban population and rural settlements as well.
Districts of South Punjab
Districts of Southern part of Punjab depict medieval history of Punjab and the rise of Sikhs.