Old Fort Delhi

• Location: New Delhi.
• Also Known As: Purana Quila
• Built By: Humayun, Sher Shah.
• Built In Between: 1538 A.D to 1545 A.D.

Undoubtedly, most of you know Delhi by historic Red Fort, but there is also an another imposing fort in the city which will captivate your attention with its rugged beauty. A wonderful example of medieval military architecture, Old Fort or Purana Quila is a must visit place during your trip to Delhi. Old Fort is located just south-east of India Gate and north of Humayun’s Tomb and the Nizamuddin Railway Station.

Mughal Emperor Humayun laid the foundation stone of this impressive fort in 1538 but he couldn’t complete it as Afghan warrior Sher Shah Suri defeated him in 1541. Later, Sher Shah Suri made essential modifications in the fort and named it as Shergarh. When the fort was built, there were canals on three sides and the remaining side was banked by the river Yamuna. Old Fort was flanked with massive walls and there were three main entrances to the fort.

Today, most of the old structures of the fort are in ruins, but the remaining portions are enough to mesemerize you.

History

Old Fort is located in the pre-historical Indraprastha of the Mahabharata, which has been surveyed and proved in findings of 1955. From 3rd B.C to pre-Mughal period, there was a fort in Indraprastha. Mughal Emperor Humayun built a new fort here and Old Indraprastha became Dinpanaha. Sher Shah Suri defeated Humayun in 1541 and occupied the power. In 1548 Sher Shah Suri died, eventually Humayun recaptured Delhi in 1555 by defeating Sher Shah’s son Islam Shah. Humayun also destroyed Sher Shah’s capital Shergarh.

Tourist Attractions Inside Old Fort

Sher Manzil : When you enter the fort through the Zoo Garden or the Talaki Entrance in north, you will come across the octagonal peaks made of sand stones on Sher Manzil. Actually, Sher Manzil was built by Sher Shah but later, Humayun used it as a personal library. In 1556, after hearing Azaan (call for prayer), Humayun intended to offer Namaaz, while coming out from his library he suddenly fell down from the stair-cases and died. Just beyond the library is the Qila-i-Kuhran mosque or Sher Shah Mosque which is known for its unique Indo- Afghan sculpture.

Field Museum : Behind Sher Manzil on the right side at Humayun Darwaja (gate) is Field Museum which has the collection of anthropological exhibits. The Field Museum houses valuable items belonging to Mughal dynasty, Sultanate dynasty, Rajput dynasty, Gupta dynasty, Sunga dynasty, Maurya dynasty and the era before Christ. In addition to these, the coin collections of Sunga dyansty (200 – 100 B.C) is a remarkable attraction inside the museum.

What’s So Special

Sound and Light Show : The Sound and Light show at the Old Fort is an added attraction which you should not miss. During this one hour show, the rise and fall of Delhi from Indraprastha to Mughal era becomes live in Sound and Light. Voice of this Sound and Light show has been given by Bollywood personalities like Jaya Bachchan, Om Puri and others.

Show Timings

English Version : September to October & February to April – 20.30 p.m to 21.30 p.m.
November to January – 19.30 p.m. to 21.30 p.m.
May to August – 21.00 p.m to 22.00 p.m.

Hindi Version : September to October & February to April – 19.00 p.m to 20.00 p.m.
November to January – 18.00 p.m. to 19.00 p.m.
May to August – 19.30 p.m to 20.30 p.m.

* Show Timings may vary, please confirm the timings from the Booking counter ITDC, Connaught Place or concerned authority.

Boating : Just infront of the Old Fort is a lovely lake where you can go for boating. Boats are available on hire at a reasonable price and you may enjoy boating in a group of two to four.

How to Reach

By Air : Delhi is well-connected by several domestic and international flights with important places of India and the world. Indra Gandhi International Airport and Palam airport are the two main airports of Delhi. These airports are five mnts away from each other and served by regular shuttle services.

By Train : Delhi, New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station are three main railheads of Delhi. Several mail, super fast, Rajdhani and Superfast trains connect Delhi to rest of the country.

By Bus : National Highways and State Highways connect Delhi with neighbouring states and other parts of India. Buses of DTC (Delhi Transport Corporation) and other State Transport Corporation ply to and from Delhi.

Local Transport

Places Where You Can Stay

Accommodation is not at all a problem in Delhi as the city is dotted with hundreds of good hotels, lodges, rest houses etc. You may opt any of the accommodation option as per your budget and requirement.