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Discover the Heritage of India through Delhi's Old Fort
Published by Devender Kundaliya, Writer
Country: India 
The Experience
A perfect example of the rich heritage and culture of Delhi—the Old Fort, known locally as Purana Qila— stands elegantly near Pragati Maidan in Delhi. This is a majestic structure that survived the voyages of time, and draws the attention of tourists with its rugged beauty. Delhi’s Old Fort served as the seat of administration for a number of Delhi emperors. The legendary king, Prithviraj Chauhan, is also said to have ruled the city of Delhi from this place.
The foundation stone of Delhi’s Old fort was laid by Mughal Emperor Humayun in 1533. The main purpose of constructing this Indian fort was to protect the city from enemy attacks. In 1540, Sher Shah Suri, an Afghan Emperor, defeated Humayun and captured the throne of Delhi, thus bringing the Old Fort under his control. He added many impressive structures in the fort and renamed it Shergarh Fort, literary meaning the “Adobe of Tiger”. Sher Shah died in 1545, and then the fort came under the control of Islam Shah. Humayun recaptured the throne of Delhi and the fort in 1555. However, his reign could not last long as he died in an accident within Delhi’s Old Fort complex in 1556.
The recent excavation work done within the Old Fort complex revealed many items dating from the Mahabharata period. The relics and artifacts found included polished wares, coins, terracotta figurines and seals. The findings confirmed the fact (though only to some extent) that the Old Fort in Delhi was built on the site called Indraprastha during the Mahabharata era that served as the capital of Pandavas.
Delhi’s Old Fort is a fine example of the blending of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles. The walls of the Old Fort in Delhi are as high as 18 meters at a number of points. These walls have holes made in attractive patterns that serve as the nesting places for birds. Earlier, the Old Fort had three massive gateways named: Humayun Darwaza, Talaqi Darwaza and Bara Darwaza. However, Bara Darwaza is the only gateway that remains open for visitors now.
One of the most important buildings within Delhi’s Old Fort is the Kulna Mosque that is considered an architectural masterpiece. The arched openings in the inner west wall of the mosque look beautiful with white and black marble. The central section features white marble and red sandstone. An inscription on one of the marble slabs of the mosque means: “As long as there are people on this earth, may this edifice be frequented and people be cheerful and happy in it”.
Another notable structure is the Sher Mandal: a double-storey tower with octagonal shape. This tower is made of red sandstone and marble, and has an octagonal chhatri at the top.
Every evening, a Sound and Light Show is held at Old Fort focusing on five thousand years of Delhi history. This is a great show for visitors to get acquainted with the rich culture and heritage of the whole country, and especially of Delhi.
The foundation stone of Delhi’s Old fort was laid by Mughal Emperor Humayun in 1533. The main purpose of constructing this Indian fort was to protect the city from enemy attacks. In 1540, Sher Shah Suri, an Afghan Emperor, defeated Humayun and captured the throne of Delhi, thus bringing the Old Fort under his control. He added many impressive structures in the fort and renamed it Shergarh Fort, literary meaning the “Adobe of Tiger”. Sher Shah died in 1545, and then the fort came under the control of Islam Shah. Humayun recaptured the throne of Delhi and the fort in 1555. However, his reign could not last long as he died in an accident within Delhi’s Old Fort complex in 1556.
The recent excavation work done within the Old Fort complex revealed many items dating from the Mahabharata period. The relics and artifacts found included polished wares, coins, terracotta figurines and seals. The findings confirmed the fact (though only to some extent) that the Old Fort in Delhi was built on the site called Indraprastha during the Mahabharata era that served as the capital of Pandavas.
Delhi’s Old Fort is a fine example of the blending of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles. The walls of the Old Fort in Delhi are as high as 18 meters at a number of points. These walls have holes made in attractive patterns that serve as the nesting places for birds. Earlier, the Old Fort had three massive gateways named: Humayun Darwaza, Talaqi Darwaza and Bara Darwaza. However, Bara Darwaza is the only gateway that remains open for visitors now.
One of the most important buildings within Delhi’s Old Fort is the Kulna Mosque that is considered an architectural masterpiece. The arched openings in the inner west wall of the mosque look beautiful with white and black marble. The central section features white marble and red sandstone. An inscription on one of the marble slabs of the mosque means: “As long as there are people on this earth, may this edifice be frequented and people be cheerful and happy in it”.
Another notable structure is the Sher Mandal: a double-storey tower with octagonal shape. This tower is made of red sandstone and marble, and has an octagonal chhatri at the top.
Every evening, a Sound and Light Show is held at Old Fort focusing on five thousand years of Delhi history. This is a great show for visitors to get acquainted with the rich culture and heritage of the whole country, and especially of Delhi.
When to Go to Old Fort Delhi
Odds n' Ends
Delhi’s Old Fort is located in the central area of the city near Delhi Zoo. You can also reach it from any corner of the city using public transport, taxi or auto rickshaw. India Gate, Humayun Tomb, Delhi Zoo, Qutub Minar, Raj Ghat and Red Fort are some other local attractions worth exploring 5–7 km from the Old Fort.
Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
The Shervani New Delhi offers a swimming pool, free Wi-Fi and a tour desk as well as a 24 hour reception, conference room(s) and a ... 0 miles away
$3459 INR+
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While You're There - Tours and Trips Nearby
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Carpe Diem! Book to do this experience now!
Delhi is one of the best examples in the world where 'old meets new'. You'll visit Raj Ghat and Shanti Vana, Jama Masjid, the Red ...
Starting from $62.67 per person.
Starting from $62.67 per person.
Books and DVDs
Elsewhere on the Web
- Delhi tourism website
- Sound & light show at Old Fort
- This historic Purana Qila or Old Fort, which has stood witness to Delhi’s rejuvenation, periods of anarchy, and the rise and fall of empires, is the venue for the spectacular sound and light show which brings alive the history of the capital.
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