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| Purana Qila Delhi |
1. Red Fort (Lal Qila)
The Red Fort is undoubtedly one of the most iconic landmarks in Delhi. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1648, the fort was the main residence of the Mughal emperors for over 200 years. Made of red sandstone, it is a grand structure that includes beautiful gardens, halls, and mosques, all within a massive enclosure. The fort houses several key structures, including the Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, and the Moti Masjid.
The Red Fort also holds great historical significance as the site from which India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, delivered the famous "Tryst with Destiny" speech in 1947. This monumental landmark is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting visitors with its blend of Mughal architecture and historical importance.
2. Purana Qila (Old Fort)
Purana Qila, also known as the Old Fort, stands as one of the oldest structures in Delhi. Built by Humayun in the 16th century and later expanded by Sher Shah Suri, this fort is located near the banks of the Yamuna River. The fort is a fascinating mix of Mughal and Afghan architecture, featuring large gates, mosques, and a tranquil moat. Key attractions within the fort include the Humayun Gate, the Qila-i-Kunha Mosque, and the Sher Mandal. The fort is steeped in history, believed to be situated on the site of the ancient city of Indraprastha, the legendary capital of the Pandavas from the Mahabharata.
3. Qutub Minar and Complex
The Qutub Minar is a towering symbol of India’s Islamic history. Standing at 73 meters, it is the tallest brick minaret in the world. Built by Qutb-ud-Din Aibak in 1193, it marks the beginning of Muslim rule in India. Located in Mehrauli, the Qutub Complex is home to several historically significant structures, including the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque and the Iron Pillar, which has withstood the test of time for over 1,600 years.
The Qutub Minar’s intricate carvings and inscriptions make it one of the most visited and admired historical monuments in India, and it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
4. Tughlaqabad Fort
Built by Sultan Ghiyas-ud-Din Tughlaq in 1321, the Tughlaqabad Fort is one of the largest and most impressive forts around Delhi. Stretching over 6.5 km, it was designed to be an indomitable fortress. The fort’s high walls, imposing gates, and defensive bastions made it nearly invulnerable during its time. However, according to legend, the fort was cursed by the Sufi saint Khwaja Nizamuddin Auliya, which led to its rapid abandonment and transformation into a desolate ghost town.
The fort is located in the Tughlaqabad area, south of Delhi, and remains a testament to the grandeur and mystery of the Tughlaq dynasty.
5. Adilabad Fort
Located near Tughlaqabad, Adilabad Fort is a much smaller replica of the larger Tughlaqabad Fort. It was built by Muhammad bin Tughlaq in 1326 and is sometimes referred to as the “fourth fort of Delhi.” The fort was primarily intended to house the army and support military operations in the area around the historic city of Jahanpanah. The fort is in a ruined state today and remains hard to access due to its deteriorating condition and lack of proper approach paths.
Despite its smaller scale, Adilabad Fort has historical significance and adds to the intricate network of forts around Delhi built by the Tughlaq dynasty.
6. Nai Ka Kot
A lesser-known historical site in Delhi, Nai Ka Kot is located near Tughlaqabad and is another fortification built by the Tughlaqs. It is considered a small fort meant to serve as a defensive structure for the area, though it is less explored by tourists. The fort is often overshadowed by the grandeur of its neighboring fortifications but is an essential part of Delhi’s rich military heritage.
7. Salimgarh Fort
Salimgarh Fort is located near the Red Fort complex in Old Delhi. Originally built by the Afghan king, Salim Shah Suri, in the 16th century, it was later used by the Mughals and the British. The fort was strategically positioned along the Yamuna River, with massive walls and a few remaining structures within its complex. Salimgarh Fort’s connection to the Red Fort, as well as its historical use by different ruling powers, makes it an important part of Delhi’s history.
Today, Salimgarh Fort is less visited, but it holds historical importance as it was used as a prison during British rule, housing several prominent freedom fighters.
8. Qila Rai Pithora
The Qila Rai Pithora, located in Lado Sarai, is a historic fortification associated with the Rajput ruler Prithviraj Chauhan. The fort’s name comes from the legendary king Rai Pithora, who is believed to have built the fort in the 12th century. It was later expanded and fortified by subsequent rulers. The remains of the fort are scattered across the area and are not as well-preserved as other forts in Delhi. However, Qila Rai Pithora holds significant historical value as it was the seat of one of Delhi’s earliest rulers before the onset of Muslim rule in India.
9. Kotla Feroz Shah
Feroz Shah Tughlaq, a ruler from the Tughlaq dynasty, built the Feroz Shah Kotla Fort in the 14th century as part of his vision to create a new capital. Located near Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, the fort is relatively small compared to other Delhi forts but holds immense historical importance. The fort is home to the famous Ashokan Pillar, which was brought here by Feroz Shah and inscribed with edicts from the Mauryan period.
Today, the fort is a reminder of the grandeur of the Tughlaq dynasty and serves as a cultural and historical landmark.
10. Siri Fort Wall
The Siri Fort Wall is part of the remains of the Siri Fort complex, which was built by the Delhi Sultan Ala-ud-Din Khilji in the 14th century. The fort wall, located near Asiad Village and Panchsheel Park, is a part of the medieval city of Siri, which was the second of the seven cities of Delhi. Though the fort itself is no longer standing, the remnants of the fort wall serve as a reminder of the strategic defense system employed by the Khilji rulers.
Conclusion
Delhi and its surrounding regions are teeming with historical sites that reflect the grandeur and tumultuous past of the city. From the imposing walls of the Red Fort to the mystique surrounding Tughlaqabad Fort, each fort has a unique story to tell. While some are more famous and widely visited, others, like Adilabad Fort and Nai Ka Kot, remain lesser-known gems waiting to be explored. These forts and historical sites provide not just architectural beauty but also a deep understanding of
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