Purana Qila Old Fort Delhi Echoes from the Heart of Ancient Indrapras

Prabhuling jiroli

Jun 5, 2025 3:13 am

One of the most ancient forts in Delhi, Purana Qila or Old Fort is steeped in legends and history dating back thousands of years. Believed to be the site of the legendary Indraprastha, the capital of the Pandavas from the Mahabharata, this massive fortification was further developed by Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri in the 16th century. The fort has witnessed the rise and fall of several empires and remains one of Delhi's most important archaeological sites.


📜 Historical Timeline

PeriodKey Events
Ancient EraBelieved to be site of Indraprastha from Mahabharata
1538–1545 CERenovated and expanded by Sher Shah Suri
1556 CEHumayun captured the fort before his fatal fall from its library
British PeriodExcavations began, identifying the fort’s ancient roots
Post-IndependenceASI managed; site for archaeological and cultural research

🏯 Architectural Features

Purana Qila combines Mughal military architecture with older Rajputana influences.

Key Monuments Inside:

  • Qila-i-Kuhna Mosque – Built by Sher Shah, known for Indo-Islamic design 🕌

  • Sher Mandal – Two-story octagonal tower where Humayun fell to his death 📚

  • Bada Darwaza, Humayun Darwaza, and Talaqi Darwaza – The three monumental gates 🚪

  • Massive fort walls with bastions and moat for defense 🧱


🛣️ How to Reach

ModeDetails
By MetroNearest Station: Pragati Maidan (Blue Line) 🚇
By TrainNizamuddin or New Delhi Railway Station (~5–6 km) 🚆
By RoadAuto-rickshaw, cab, or DTC buses from all major areas 🚕
By AirIGI Airport (~17 km) ✈️

🥾 Trekking & Entry Info

  • No trekking required, but extensive walking inside ⏱️

  • Wheelchair access available in some areas


📆 Best Time to Visit

SeasonSuitability
Oct–MarIdeal weather for outdoor exploration ☀️
Apr–JunVery hot – avoid mid-day visits 🔥
Jul–SepGreen and lush but possibly slippery 🌧️

🎒 What to Carry

  • Water bottle 💧

  • Comfortable walking shoes 👟

  • Cap or umbrella for shade ☂️

  • Phone/Camera for photos 📷

  • ID proof (sometimes checked) 🪪


❌ What Not to Do

  • No climbing on ruins or walls 🚫

  • No littering 🚯

  • Drones not allowed unless special permission 📵


🚷 Who Should Avoid

  • Not recommended for individuals who can't walk long distances

  • Avoid during intense heat waves or heavy rains


🔍 Why You Must Visit

  • 🌆 Get transported to Delhi’s ancient roots

  • 🕌 Witness Mughal-era architecture blended with Rajput style

  • 🏰 Less crowded than Red Fort – great for peaceful exploration

  • 📸 Ideal for history buffs, heritage lovers, and photographers


🏰 Fort Gates and Roads

Gate NameLocation & Use
Bada DarwazaMain entrance for visitors
Humayun DarwazaFaces the direction of Humayun’s tomb
Talaqi DarwazaKnown as the ‘forbidden gate’, now closed for entry
  • Roads inside are paved for walking, but uneven in places.


🗼 Towers and Structures

  • Sher Mandal: Mughal observatory and library 🕯️

  • High Fortification Walls: With bastions and battlements 🏰

  • Qila-i-Kuhna Mosque: Reflects symmetry and calligraphy styles 🕌


🕒 Visiting Hours & Entry Fees

DetailInfo
Timings7 AM – 5 PM Daily
Entry Fee (Indian)₹30
Entry Fee (Foreigner)₹300
Light & Sound ShowEvening slots – multilingual 🎟️

🧾 Quick Summary Table

FeatureDescription
Built BySher Shah Suri
Constructed In1538–1545 CE
Located InNear Pragati Maidan, Delhi
Architectural TypeIndo-Islamic + Rajput influences
ImportanceHistorical site tied to Mahabharata

❤️ Final Thoughts

Purana Qila is not just a fort, but a living memory of India’s mythological, medieval, and Mughal past. Whether you're a student of history or a cultural explorer, this is one monument that promises both serenity and story in the bustling heart of Delhi.