There are shortcuts to happiness: one among the many being traveling and exploring new places. Traveling has been an integral part of mankind and ever since we became the inhabitants of this planet, we have been traveling to near and far-off places for different pursuits. In the early days, humans traveled a lot which gradually decreased, as we started living in our homes and settled down with a family. However, every now and then the nomad soul that possesses us pushes us to sail away from the mundane chores and embark a journey that leads us to a new destination. This destination is usually different from the places that we visit frequently because only in this way it is possible to break the monotony of routine life. The Purana Qila of Delhi is one such place where a tourist can spend his/her time exploring the vastness of this old fort that was once the residence of a royal family.
Location
The Purana Qila or the Old Fort, as it is referred to, is located on the banks of Yamuna river in the national capital territory of Delhi. It is close to two major landmark sites of Delhi, India Gate and the Humayun’s tomb.
History
This historic fort was built by the Pandavas before the famous battle between the Pandavas and Kauravas took place. The fort is believed to be the first structure built in Delhi. It is believed that the fort is where the legendary city of Indraprastha was established by the Pandavas. This fact is supported by the village Indrapat that existed here till 1913.
The fort was under the rule of Humayun for a period of seven years starting from 1533. Humayun had carried out renovation of the fort before occupying it. In 1540, he was defeated by Sher Shah Suri, an emperor of the Suri Dynasty, who renamed the fort as Shergarh.
During Suri’s occupancy, several structures were added to the fort. Suri could only rule the fort for a brief period of five years as he died in 1545. Sher Shah’s son Islam Shah Suri took over the fort, but left it after some time, as he considered Gwalior to be a safer place to establish his headquarters though he handed over the fort and the charge of the region to the Army General Hemu. The region of North India was ruled by Adil Shah Suri after Islam Shah died in 1553, as Hemu was trying to put an end to the rebellion taking place in East India. The fort was recaptured by Humayun in 1555 though he died the next year.
Hemu, who came to know that the fort was captured by Humayun, rushed back to Delhi. He went on to capture Agra, Kanpur and Itawah before facing the forces sent by Akbar, whom he defeated and became the ruler of North India. He was titled as Samrat Hem Chandra Vikramaditya following his win in 22 battles in Northern region.
The fort was considered to be unlucky, as all the rulers who occupied this fort either lost their lives or were unable to sustain their rule for a long period.
The excavations carried out here by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) helped in finding artifacts that date back to the 10th century. The artifacts include pottery, painted grey ware and other objects that signify the occupation of various dynasties at the fort.
After India was freed from the British rule, the fort and the Humayun’s tomb served as a site for refuge camps. The camp at the fort was functional till the early 1948, as the necessary transport arrangements to carry them to Pakistan took time to start.
During the 70s, three theater acts produced by the National School of Drama used the ramparts of the fort as a backdrop for the acts.
Structure
The fort is surrounded by 1.5 kilometres long and 18 metre high walls. There were three entrances to the fort, out of which only one is used today. First is through the Bara Darwaza or the Big Gate, which is still functional. The second entrance point is the gate at the south, known as Humayun’s Gate. The third entrance to the fort is through the Talaqi Gate, referred to as the forbidden gate. The gates are built out of sandstone, equipped with bastions and overhanging balconies.
What to See
Though many of the structures are now in ruins, a trip to the fort will not ruin your mood.
One prominent structure at the fort is the Qila-i-Kuhna mosque, construction of which is credited to Sher Shah Suri. Built in 1541, this mosque represents the pre-Mughal architectural patterns. There is a large prayer hall inside the mosque. The mosque has a second storey which was used by the female worshipers and the jharokha was meant for the royal family.
Sher Mandal is another well preserved part of the fort. It is an octagonal shaped, two-storeyed structure built out of red sandstone. It was meant to be used as an observatory. This is the place where Humayun fell to his death from the second floor in 1556.
The mandal was also used as a library by Humayun during his lifetime though entry of the tourists has been prohibited now.
The artifacts found during the excavations are now kept at a museum at the gates.
Every evening as the sun goes down, a light and sound show begins at the ramparts. This show is spectacular to watch and an interesting way to learn about the history of Delhi.
Eat, Drink, Collect
Delhi is famous for its ability to fulfill the appetite of tourists from almost all parts of the world. However, one must try to taste the Mughal and Frontier cuisine. Some of the most popular eating outlets of the city include the Gulati Restaurant, Angeethi, Degchi, Delhi ka Angan at Hyatt Regency, Karim, etc.
The restaurants and the road-side eateries in Delhi ensure that the tourists are able to take a quick bite while on the move.
Delhi is a heaven for shoppers. You can head to Rajouri Garden Market, Sarojini Nagar, Khan Market, Palika Bazaar, Chandni Chowk, Khari Baoli, Paharganj Market, Connaught Palace, etc., to shop for apparels, housewares, seasonal clothing, traditional spices, rugs, jewelry and all the things you would like to purchase from the national capital.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Purana Qila is between the months of October to March. The fort remains open from 08:00 am to 06:00 pm throughout the year.
Visitors are free to use a still camera but have to pay Rs 25/- if they wish to use a video camera.
How to Reach
Purana Qila is located near Delhi Zoo. The closest metro station is at Pragati Maidan. Local trains, metro trains, state run buses and private cabs are available frequently, which means that tourists can easily commute to and from Purana Qila.
Delhi being the national capital is connected with major national and international destinations through a well planned and developed rail, road and air network. It is easy for a tourist sitting in any corner of the world to quickly plan a trip to Purana Qila and other tourist destinations across the city without worrying much about transportation.