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Old Fort
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Old Fort Description : |
 Sher
Shah left the Purana-Qila unfinished, and Humayun completed it. Among
the scribblings in ink that existed in a recess of the gate, there was
a mention of Humayun, and it is possible, therefore, that if the gate
was not constructed by Humayun, it was at least repaired by him. In
the southern gate, which is called the Humayun-Darwaza, there existed
a similar inscription in ink mentioning Sher Shah and the date 950
A.H. (1543-44).
Purana-Qila originally lay on the bank of the Yamuna. The general
depression on the northern and western sides of the fortress suggests
that a wide moat connected with the river existed on these sides,
which were approached through a causeway connecting the fortress with
the main land.
The ruins of this fort are located on a small hill which once stood on
the bank of the river Yamuna.Legend has it that the fort marked the
site of Indraprastha, the magnificent capital of the Pandavas, though
the construction was carried out by Sher Shah Suri any time between
1538 to 1544 A. D. The structure houses a mosque which has a double storeyed octagonal tower. It is said that the Mughal King Humayun fell
from the tower accidently and died.
There are three Gates to this fort. Today entrance is through the Bara
Darwaza. The South Gate is called the Humayun Darwaza, probably
because Humayun built it or because the tomb of Humayun is visible
from here. The third gate is the Talaqi Darwaza. Recent excavations in
the fort has revealed painted grey pottery which date back to 1000 BC.
Such and many more findings inside the fort have proved the location
to be inhabited since the early civilizations. In fact there was a
village inside the fort till 1913 called Indrapat which is very close
to Indraprastha adding credibility to the theory of Mahabharata having
taken place here.
Inside the fort Qila Kuhna Masjid which is one of the finest example
of architectural style being used in those days. The Masjid was built
by Sher Shah in 1541 and it seems that there was an attempt to build
the whole structure in Marble. But the scarcity of marble forced the
use of Redsand stone. This mixture was accidental forced or intended
we do not know, nevertheless the combination adds a different look to
the structure. The inner west wall of the Masjid has five arched
openings and which are richly ornamented in white and black marbles.
At the foot of the hill is the lake where the Delhi Tourism has
arrangements for boating and also organises a Sound and Light Show. |
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