The oldest fort amongst all the forts in Delhi, The purana quila is the oldest known structure amongst all the other structure in Delhi. Built by Afghan king Sher Shah Suri, on the site of Indraprastha which was believed to be the capital of the pandavas, the Purana Quila was built with an extensive area surrounding it.
Historians state that Purana Quila was incomplete when Sher Shah died and that his some Islam Shah or Humayun was the one to complete it. Located at the legendary city of Indraprastha the site is believed to date back for more than 5000 years old.
A kunti temple inside the temple exists and it is believed to be the place where Kunti mother of the Pandavas dwelled. The fort is considered as the first city built in Delhi. Researchers in their recent study have stated that till 1913 a village called Indrapat existed within the walls of the Purana Quila. Painted Grey ware was unearthed in an excavation carried out by the archaeological survey of India. The painted grey ware dates back to 1000 BC. The antiquity of the fort has been confirmed from the cultural sequence from Mauryan to Mughal through Sunga, Kushana, Gupta, Rajput and Sultanate periods.
History of the purana quila
Quila flourished as the sixth city of Delhi and its environs remained appealing and beautiful during the period. When Shersha defeated Humayun in 1540 he named the fort Shergarh and to add to the forts beauty more structures were raised for the following five years of his rule. After several battles were fought between several rulers who reigned over the city, one battle that is still remembered is the second battle of Panipat whenSamratHem Chandra vikramaditya known as Hemu and winner of 22 battles across North India, lost his life and subsequently made sure his torso was hung outside the fort to create terror amongst Hindu’s.
The walls of the fort rise to a height of 18 meters. The Bara Darwaza facing west is used till date and the South gate famous as Humayuns gate and the forbidden gate are all double storied structures made of sandstone comprising semicircular bastion towers. The towers are decorated with colored marble inlays and blue tiles. They comprise of overhanging balconies and have Pillared pavilions on top.
Mughal architecture
The style of the building represents Rajasthani architecture and the same can be seen on the North and South gates. The same is repeated in future Mughal architecture. The exteriors of the Purana quila were grand but despite that only few interior structures have survived the ravages of time.
Situated on the banks of Yamuna and constructed by the Pandavas 5000 years back,Puranaquila was where Humayuns capital Din-Panah was located. From Afghan emperor Shershah suri to Hindu King Hemu many great battles were fought to win the quila by many great kings and rulers. The magnificent history of the fort is attractive enough for you to plan a visit to the fort.
