As the name itself indicates, Purana Quila is one among the oldest forts in Delhi which was constructed under the Mughal emperor Humayun and the Afghan emperor Sher Shah Suri,Although in different times. The monument’s impeccable architectural style and the incredible past attached to it, makes it as one of the most visiting place in Delhi.

Spread across 1.5 km, the thick ramparts of the fort jump up to a height of 18 meters and have three embowed gateways. First which is the Bara Darwaza ‘Big Gate’ that faces the west, second gate is known as the Humayun Darwaza from where one can see Humayun’s Tomb. Both the gates are usually used for the entry inside the fort except for the third gate i.e Talaqi Darwaza which means ‘the forbidden gate’. All the gates are double storied provided with big bastions ornamented with colorful marbles. The fort is an interesting combination of both Mughal and the Indian architectural style; which can be viewed in the overhanging balconies ‘Jharokhas’ topped by pillared pavilions ‘Chattris’ that makes remember of the rajasthani architecture. All these are still restored which consist of few of the interior structures like Qila-i-kuhna mosque and Sher mandal.

Constructed by Sher Shah Suri, Qila-i-kuhna is a Mono domed prayer hall which seems to be the replica of Jami Mosque. The monument has five-pointed horseshoe shaped arches on the doorway that indicates an influence of the pre-Mughal architectural design. However, Sher Mandal is an octagonal double-storeyed tower made of red sandstone, which is being topped by an octagonal shaped pavilion. As per the data kept, it is one among the first observatories of Delhi. And the remnants of the stone shelves adorned with ornamental plasterwork indicates it to be a library of the Emperor’s once upon a time.

HISTORY OF ATTRACTION

Marked by many interesting past tales, Purana Qila is one of the best places to visit for an avid past lover’s. Earlier,the fort was the inner citadel of the city of Din Panah which was altered during Humayun’s rule in 1533 and converted into a beautiful fort. But in the year 1540, Sher Shah Suri who is the founder of Suri Dynasty defeated Humayun, destroyed most of the structure inside to customize the fort as per his own taste and then named it as Shergarh.Again when Humayun took back the hold of the fort from Sher Shah Suri’s son, he completed what he had started and resumed the glory of the old fort. Sher Mandal, Named after the Afghan ruler was originally conceptualised by Babur that was to be used as his son Humayun’s library and personal observatory, the Renovation of which only got completed when Humayun recaptured the fort from Sher Shah Suri. Mockingly, Humayun took his end breath on the steep footsteps of Sher Mandal while he was hurrying for to attend his daily prayer. It is also said that the site where the old fort is situated is considered to be guarding the ruins of the legendary city of Indraprastha mentioned in Mahabharata. As far as the past history of the Purana Qila goes, it became the site for Muslim refugee camps, during the time of Partition of India in August 1947.

GETTING THERE

Pragati Maidan is very nearest metro station to reach Purana Qila. From where one need to take rickshaw to cover 3.3 km to finally reach there.

THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND

Stagnant amidst lush greenery, the fort was enclosed by an extensive moat on its eastern side that was connected to the river yamuna. Although with time, the moat that had become dry after the river diverted its way, has now been turned alive by transforming it into a boating lake for the visitors recreation. Consequently, catering to the increase tourism in Delhi. The light and sound show in the evening on the past history of ‘Seven cities of Delhi’ also add as one more attraction for the visitors to visit this incredible monument on their sightseeing tour in Delhi. Aside from this, there are a few other monuments like Kairul Manzil; a mosque constructed by Akbar’s foster-mother Maham Anga, Sher Shah Suri Gate or the Lal Darwaza which lie around the Purana Qila complex, a befall there can make the Delhi holiday tour fulfilling.

OPENING AND CLOSING TIME

The Purana Quila is open for the tourists all day between 7am till 5pm.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Delhi’s heat is not too merciful during summers, so if one is planning for a sightseeing tour in Delhi then the months of December till March is considered to be the best time to visit this admirable heritage.