Purana Qila
The Purana Qila, also known as Qila-i-Kunha and Shergarh, is one of the oldest forts in Delhi. It was built in the 1530s inside Din Panah, which was a small city in Delhi. Recent studies have also suggested that the site of construction was the old city of Indraprastha, the capital city of Pandavas. Interestingly, excavations done at the site have also thrown up pottery fragments that date back to the 4th century BC.
The fort was constructed by Mughal emperor Humayun and later renovated by Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri. The fort itself is rectangular in shape, with extremely tall walls and three gates around it. All the walls are supported by bastions, which are embellished with coloured marble and blue tile work. The fort originally stood on the banks of the Yamuna River before the river changed its course. Therefor, the westward wall was built in a way that it protected the fort from being submerged.
The gates, which are double storied and built with red sandstone, show Muslim and Hindu architectural styles. The northernmost gate is the Tallaqi Darwaza or the Forbidden Gate and entry from here is prohibited. It is engraved with panels and a painting that shows a fight between a human and a lion. In the olden days, the emperor and his family used this gate to go in and out of the fort. The two other gates are Humayun Darwaza or the South Gate and Bara Darwaza or the West Gate, which is now used as the entry point. The gates are known for their engraved balconies, chattris and pavilion.
The three prominent attractions here include the Sher Mandal, which is now a memorial in honour of Humayun's death. This was being built as a personal observatory and library for Humayun. Unfortunately, Humayun fell from the second floor of this building and died. Entry to the library is thus restricted. The Quila-i-Kunha Masjid, which was constructed in 1541 by Sher Shah Suri, is known for its inscriptions from Quran. The Archaeological Museum here showcases objects that are as old as 1000 BC. These include antiques, paintings, pottery and utensils from the Mauryan, Mughal, Gupta and Rajput periods.
* The Quila-i-Kunha Mosque has a single dome and five entrance doorways.
* The fort is now used as a venue for a sound and light show that showcases the history of Delhi.
* The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has discovered a rare 12th-century sculpture of Lord Vishnu and terracotta seals from the Gupta period here.
* The walls of the fort are 20mts tall and 4mts thick. The fort is enclosed by two walls - one inside the wall and one exterior wall. Between the walls, there was a water body to prevent attacks.
* After the Mughals, the fort lost its glory till the British arrived. Edwin Lutyens designed the Viceroy's House (now called Rashtrapati Bhawan, where the Indian President resides) at an elevation so it would look at the Purana Qila. During World War II, the fort was used as a campsite for 3,000 Japanese civilians. After India got its independence, it was used to set up refugee camps during Partition.
