Central Idea

Delhi’s Purana Qila, also known as the Old Fort, is a historic site with a rich and diverse past.
Recent excavations have shed light on its continuous history since the pre-Mauryan era.

About Purana Qila

The origins of Purana Qila date back to antiquity, with the exact foundation period unknown.
It was later rebuilt by Sher Shah Suri and Mughal emperor Humayun.
The fort holds immense cultural and historical importance, and many believe it to be the site of Indraprastha mentioned in the Mahabharata.
The fort, believed to be the location of the ancient city of Indraprastha, showcases architectural remnants from various periods, including the Mughal and Rajput eras.

Purana Qila’s architectural features include walls that rise to a height of 18 meters, spanning approximately 1.5 kilometers.
It boasts three arched gateways, including the Bara Darwaza, the south gate (Humayun Gate), and the Talaqi Gate.
The fort’s Qila-i-Kuhna Mosque, built by Sher Shah Suri in 1541, showcases pre-Mughal architecture with its pointed arches and elegant prayer niches.
The Sher Mandal, a double-storeyed octagonal tower, served as Humayun’s private observatory and library.
It features decorative plaster-work and remnants of stone shelving for books.

Excavations have uncovered significant artifacts, including shards of Painted Gray Ware pottery dating from 1200 BC to 600 BC, indicating the pre-Mauryan period.
Other discoveries include a 900-year-old Vaikuntha Vishnu from the Rajput period, a terracotta plaque of Goddess Gaja Lakshmi from the Gupta period, and a 2,500-year-old terracotta ring well from the Mauryan period.
Numerous beads, seals, copper coins, and a bone needle have also been found, highlighting the site’s role as a center for trade activities.

The ongoing excavation aims to establish a complete chronology of the site, spanning different historical periods from the Kushan to the Mughal era.
The remains of Purana Qila will be preserved, conserved, and transformed into an open-air museum to showcase the rich historical legacy of Delhi.
The excavated artifacts will also be displayed to delegates attending the G-20 summit, further promoting the cultural heritage of the site.