Defence Colony
This article needs additional citations for verification. (September 2013) |
Defence Colony | |
---|---|
neighbourhood | |
Country | ![]() |
State | Delhi |
District | South Delhi |
Metro | New Delhi |
Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
PIN | |
Planning agency | Municipal Corporation of Delhi |
Defence Colony is an affluent locality situated in central South Delhi, India, built in 1960s for ex-defence service people.[1][2] Today, Defence Colony market is home to around twenty restaurants and coffee shops, besides high-end shops.[3][4] [5]
Overview
Besides its central location from most parts of the city of Delhi, the locality is immensely popular among all Delhiites for the exotic varieties of cuisines that it has on offer [citation needed]. Among the numerous restaurants and other food joints that dot the Defence Colony market, Sagar Ratna that offers authentic south Indian cuisine is perhaps among the most popular[citation needed]. Moets and Kents are two other food joints that have been in Defence Colony market for a long time[citation needed] and are thus very popular not only among residents from the vicinity but also those from far flung areas [citation needed]. Also another famous restaurant is Mumbai's Yoko Sizzlers which recently also became part of Defence Colony Culinary experience [citation needed].
Defence Colony Welfare Association Club, commonly referred as Defence Colony Club was established in 1976 as Defence Colony Ex.Services Institute, however it was renamed in 1980, and functions under the Defence Colony Welfare Association.[6]
Historic monuments
Close to the main Defence Colony market inside a round about, stands the octagonal tomb of Shaikh Ali, known as "Gumti of Shaikh Ali". Built in the 15th-century Lodhi dynasty-era, near the historic area of Kotla Mubarakpur, it housed two graves inside the tomb till early 20th-century, which are now long gone. The tomb houses the Defence Colony Welfare Association (DCWA) office, since 1960.[7][8]
Getting there
Defence Colony is accessible by means of public transport including autos, taxis, buses as well as the Delhi Metro, which commenced services adjacent to the area in October 2010. Thus, if you are looking to get to Defence Colony by the Delhi Metro, hop off at the Lajpat Nagar station and cross the road using the overhead bridge as Defence Colony is on the opposite side of the road.
Notable residents
Defence Colony is notable for being the residential abode of many Indian stalwarts that include ex Miss India[citation needed] and renowned former actress Nafisa Ali, film actor Shakti Kapoor Odissi dance legend Sonal Mansingh, writer Rana Dasgupta, artist Anjum Singh, business family like the Amity family, the Wadhwa family and the Kool Brew/Coca Cola-Campa Cola Family[citation needed].It also the residence area of Dr Raghuram Rajan, the RBI Governor .
Education
- South Delhi Public School, a senior secondary school affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) [9]
Concerns
Residents of the locality have often complained about the "nallah" (drain) that cuts across the colony, right through its center[citation needed]. Although efforts are underway to cover the drain with concrete[citation needed].
Summary
The few issues notwithstanding, Defence Colony continues to remain one of the most sought after areas to stay in Delhi[citation needed], not only among resident Indians but even more so among expats staying in Delhi[citation needed].
References
- ^ "South Delhi's property prices down by 20-35%, Defence Colony and Vasant Vihar worst hit". The Economic Times. Sep 10, 2013. Retrieved 2013-09-24.
- ^ Onkar Singh (2005). Indian ex-servicemen. Krishna Prakashan Media. pp. 108–. ISBN 978-81-7933-175-0.
- ^ The Rough Guide to India. Rough Guides. 2003. pp. 125–. ISBN 978-1-84353-089-3. Retrieved 24 September 2013.
- ^ Vir Sanghvi (August 31, 2013). "Rude Food: in the food lanes of Delhi". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 2013-09-24.
- ^ "Pin Code of Defence Colony Delhi". citypincode.in. Retrieved 2014-03-09.
- ^ "About Club". Defence Colony Welfare Association Club. Retrieved 2013-09-24.
- ^ "Colony welfare office in Lodi-era tomb". Hindustan Times. June 8, 2013. Retrieved 2013-09-24.
- ^ "Present Condition of Gumti of Shaikh Ali at Defence Colony market round about". Government of Delhi. Retrieved 2013-09-24.
- ^ "List of School Recognised by Delhi Govermenrt". Retrieved 30 July 2015.