A True Display Of Architecture By Mughal's, Purana Qila

The Old Fort which is also popular as Purana Qila is one amongst the oldest monuments of Delhi which was constructed in 1538 by Humayun, the Mughal Emperor.

This is a testimony of efficacy over luxury, unlike the several other forts that belong to the Mughal period; this fort doesn’t contain any palaces, recreational and administrative buildings as this was constructed with the main aim of protecting the Delhi city that Emperor Humayan created this fort. According to the belief it is said that this fort was constructed on the site of Indraprastha the ancient archaeology digs in the forts have discovered relics as old as 1000BC. In 1539 – 1540, Sher Shah Suri captured Agra and Purana Qila, after capturing the fort he constructed a Masjid in the premises of the fort with Sher Mandal.

In 1545, this fort was again recaptured by Humayan after the death of Sher Shah; he was succeeded in recapturing it with the help of Persians, after capturing the fort the mosque was converted into a library and observatory. There are also rumors of the Humayun died falling off the steps of the Sher Mandal, so after this incident this place was considered as curse and so the Mughal’s abandoned the Fort.

These days mainly of the fort’s walls are in fiasco, of the 3 gateways of the Purana Qila (Talaqi Darwaza, Humayun Darwaza and Bara Darwaza) only Bara Darwaza is released for civic. On the other hand Sher Mandal and Qal’a-I-Kunha Masjid have stood the trial of era and still look extravagant.

The gateways of the Purana Qila are unlocked after sunrise every morning and this is the paramount time to approach here for sightseeing and photography. Special permission is needed for archaeological survey, so better leave your tripod at home. For video recording at this place there are extra charges taken.