Delhi’s relationship with Yamuna river and how it evolved over time

Source- The post is based on the article “Delhi’s relationship with Yamuna river and how it evolved over time” published in “The Indian Express” on 15th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS1- Modern History. GS1- Geography

Relevance- Historical and geographical aspects related to river Yamuna

News- Recently, the water level in Yamuna in Delhi rose to 208.66 metres. It caused Delhi’s worst flooding on record.

What is the history of forts built around river Yamuna?

Salimgarh Fort, constructed in 1546 by Salim Shah Suri stands on a riverine island. He was the son of Shershah Suri. The Red Fort was built in 1648 on the western bank of a branch of the Yamuna River.

In a painting from “Reminiscences of Imperial Delhi” by Mazhar Ali Khan, commissioned by colonial administrator Charles Metcalfe, the two forts are depicted connected by a bridge. This bridge was constructed by the order of Bahadur Shah Zafar.

Shah Jahan’s original city boasted 14 gates. It included the “water gate” known as Khizri Darwaza, which provided direct access to the river.

Of these gates, only Delhi Gate, Kashmere Gate, Ajmeri Gate, Turkman Gate, and Nigambodh Gate have survived.

Other gates, such as Lahori Darwaza, Kabuli Darwaza, Lal Darwaza, and Khizri Darwaza, are no longer extant.

Shah Jahan himself first arrived at the completed Red Fort by way of the Yamuna River and entered through the water gate.

When it was inaugurated, Shah Jahan entered the Red Fort through the Khizri Darwaza. A moonlight celebration took place.

It was through this Khizri Darwaza that Bahadur Shah Zafar departed on the night of September 17, 1857, following the fall of Delhi.

How river Yamuna played an important role in relation to the fort?

Its presence was a significant factor in selecting the fort’s location, as it served as both a natural barrier and a source of water for the growing population.

Within the fort, a system of water channels was established, which relied on water sourced from the Yamuna.

Initially, the Yamuna River served as a defence for the Red Fort. However, the course of the river gradually shifted away from the fort during the reign of Muhammad Shah ‘Rangila’.

When Britishers decided to relocate the capital of the British Raj to Delhi, the Coronation Park area was initially proposed as the site.

However, during the monsoon season of 1911, this area experienced flooding. As a result, the decision was made to establish the capital at Raisina Hill.

What is the reason behind changing course of river Yamuna?

One of the factors believed to contribute to this phenomenon is the movement of the Indian Tectonic Plate.

The Indian Plate has been steadily shifting northward. It is resulting in the rising of the Himalayas. This movement is considered a significant reason for the eastward shift of the Yamuna River’s course.

Additionally, rivers in the alluvial plains of North India are more prone to changes in their paths. The alluvial terrain in these areas is soft and easily influenced by shifting river courses.

In some places, Ganga river courses since 1786 have changed direction by up to 34 km. For instance, in Badaun, the river has relocated approximately 10 km from its previous position.