Old Fort

Purana Qila Varun KhannaPurana Qila�(Hindi:�???????????,�Urdu:�?????? ?????,�translation:�Old Fort), is the oldest fort among all forts in�Delhi�and, the oldest known structure of any type in Delhi. It was rebuilt by the Afghan king Sher Shah Suri, on the same site, which was perhaps the site of�Indraprastha, believed to be the capital of the�Pandavas

The single-domed�Qila-i-Kuna Mosque, built by Sher Shah in 1541 is an excellent example of a pre-Mughal design, and an early example of the extensive use of the pointed arch in the region as seen in its five doorways with the ‘true’ horseshoe-shaped arches. It was designed as a Jami Mosque, or Friday mosque for the Sultan and his courtiers.The�Sher Mandal�named for Farid (sher shah) who had tried to finish what was ordered by Babur but had died during the initial phase and so construction was halted until the arrival of Humayun.

The main entrance now is the Western Gate which is also known as the Bada Darwaza. It is 18 metres in height and is colossal in size. The entry ticket is kept at minimal sum of Rs.5. The view of fort from the inside is altogether a different World. There are many chambers stuck up to the Fort. These chambers have been repeatedly repaired and you can easily distinguish the old from the new walls. The old stones are dark with age. They looked mystic and grand at the same time.

It�s difficult to walk from one end of the Fort to the other. The walls of the Fort runs for around 1.5km and therefore enclosed a small plateau in the middle. Apart from Bada Darwaza there are two other openings to the Fort. The forbidden gate also known as Talaqi gate stands on the North and Humayun�s gate stands to the South; from where Humayun�s Tomb is also visible. All the gates are double storeyed sandstone structures with semi-circular bastion towers on each side. The Humayun Gate which is also the venue for Sound and Lights show after sundown is a great treat to the eye.

Some remarkable monuments inside the fort are the Sher Mandal and Qila-i-Kuhna Mosque. Sher Mandal was built by Sher Shah and was one of the first observatory towers of Delhi. Later, when Humayun recaptured the Fort he converted into a library cum observatory tower. Little did he know that this would be the place where he�ll meet his tragic death. Humayun died falling from the second floor, while he was hurrying for evening prayers. The red building is a lone figure and still bears a sad and forlorn look. Qila-i-Kuhna Mosque is one of the finest examples of pre Mughal era architecture. It was built by Sher Shah in 1541. Not many buildings have survived through time but no doubt, it is the best preserved monument in the fort.

The Baoli is another structure that had survived the rough and tears of time. Ascending down to 22 metres this well was an important source of water. It could have been the only source. Since the fort stood on an elevation, the well had to be dug deeper. The way in which they managed to create an 89 steps well with proper covering is a great achievement even by today�s standard. Hammam a bath house with hot and cold water provisions were an important culture of the Mughals. It is in a pitiable state today.

Purana Qila is an enjoyable place even for those who care nothing about monuments and history. The wide open spaces and lush laws just invite you to sprawl and spare a little time.

Nearest Metro Station: Pragati Maidan

Open: Everyday

Entrance Fee: Rs.5 (Indian), Rs.100 foreigners

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