Purana Qila - Revision history

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← Older revision		Revision as of 13:33, 29 June 2023
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	{{Short description\|Historic fort in Delhi, India}}		{{Short description\|Historic fort in Delhi, India}}
	{{EngvarB\|date=January 2019}}		{{EngvarB\|date=January 2019}}
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	\| other_name =		\| other_name =
	\| image = Purana Qila ramparts, Delhi.jpg		\| image = Purana Qila ramparts, Delhi.jpg
	\| image_size =		\| image_size =
	~~\| alt =~~		\| map_relief =
	~~\| caption = Purana Qila Ramparts and lake~~		\| map_width =
	~~\| locmapin = India Delhi#India~~
	\| map_relief =
	\| map_width =
	\| map_caption = Purana Qila in Delhi		\| map_caption = Purana Qila in Delhi
	\| map_dot_mark =		\| map_dot_mark = {{Coord\|28\|36\|34\|N\|77\|14\|39\|E\|region:IN-DL_type:landmark_scale:50\|display=title}}
	~~\| coordinates~~ = {{Coord\|28\|36\|34\|N\|77\|14\|39\|E\|region:IN-DL_type:landmark_scale:50\|display=title}}
	\| gbgridref =		\| gbgridref =
	\| etymology =		\| etymology =
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	}}		}}

	'''Purana Qila''' ({{Literal translation\|Old Fort}}) is one of the oldest forts in [[Delhi]], [[India]]. Built by the second [[Mughal Emperor]] [[Humayun]] and [[Sur Empire\|Surid]] [[Sultan]] [[Sher Shah Suri]],<ref>{{cite web \| url=http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/apac/other/019wdz000003459u00000000.html \| title=The Purana Qila, Delhi }}</ref> it is thought by many to be located on the site of the ancient city of [[Indraprastha]].<ref>{{cite book \|title= Delhi, Ancient History\|last=Singh\|first=Upendra}}</ref> The fort ~~formed~~ the inner citadel of the city of Dinpanah.<ref>{{Cite web\|~~url~~=~~https://dmsoutheast.delhi.gov.in/tourist-place/purana-quila/~~\|~~title~~ = ~~Purana Quila \| District Magistrate South East \|~~ India}}</ref> It is located near the expansive [[Pragati Maidan]] exhibition ground and is separated from the [[Dhyanchand Stadium]] by the [[Mathura Road, Delhi]].		'''Purana Qila''' ({{Literal translation\|Old Fort}}) is one of the oldest forts in [[Delhi]], [[India]]. Built by the second [[Mughal Emperor]] [[Humayun]] and [[Sur Empire\|Surid]] [[Sultan]] [[Sher Shah Suri]],<ref>{{cite web \| url=http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/apac/other/019wdz000003459u00000000.html \| title=The Purana Qila, Delhi }}</ref> it is thought by many to be located on the site of the ancient city of [[Indraprastha]].<ref>{{cite book \|title= Delhi, Ancient History\|last=Singh\|first=Upendra}}</ref> The fort forms the inner citadel of the city of Dinpanah.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Monuments of Delhi\|publisher= Archaeological Survey of India\|page=12\|year=2010}}</ref> It is located near the expansive [[Pragati Maidan]] exhibition ground and is separated from the [[Dhyanchand Stadium]] by the [[Mathura Road, Delhi]].

	==History==		==History==

	===Pre-Islamic ~~origins~~ and Indraprastha theory===		===Pre-Islamic habitation and Indraprastha theory===
	Excavations point to traces from the ~~3rd century~~ BC, the ~~pre-Mauryan~~ period. The first two rounds of excavations – in 1954–55 and 1969–72 – by [[B. B. Lal]], then director of the [[Archaeological Survey of India]] (ASI), had unearthed traces of [[Painted Grey Ware culture]]. Historian [[Alexander Cunningham]] identified the fort with that of Indraprastha, though he referred to the present structure as built by Muslim rulers.<ref>{{cite book\|first=Mrinali\|last=Rajagopalan\|title=Building Histories: The Archival and Affective Lives of Five Monuments in Modern Delhi\|date=March 2017\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DdQZDgAAQBAJ&q=cunningham+humayun+indraprastha&pg=PA129\|page= 129\|isbn=9780226331898}}</ref>		Excavations point to traces and continued habitation from the 1000 BC, during the [[Painted Grey Ware culture\|Painted Grey Ware]] period. The first two rounds of excavations – in 1954–55 and 1969–72 – by [[B. B. Lal]], then director of the [[Archaeological Survey of India]] (ASI), had unearthed traces of [[Painted Grey Ware culture]]. Historian [[Alexander Cunningham]] identified the fort with that of Indraprastha, though he referred to the present structure as built by Muslim rulers.<ref name="Bergahn"/><ref>{{cite book\|first=Mrinali\|last=Rajagopalan\|title=Building Histories: The Archival and Affective Lives of Five Monuments in Modern Delhi\|date=March 2017\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DdQZDgAAQBAJ&q=cunningham+humayun+indraprastha&pg=PA129\|page= 129\|isbn=9780226331898}}</ref> Even till the early part of the 20th century, Purana Qila was known as ''Pandavon Ka Qila'' ([[Pandava\|Pandava's]] fort) and the entire complex as [[Indraprastha]] village.<ref>{{cite book\|title=Lost Mythological Cities of India\|author=Urmila Verma\|publisher=Publications Division, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, 2010\|page=24}}</ref>

	===Dinpanah===		===Dinpanah===
	The origins of the Purana Qila lie in the walls of Dinpanah, the new city of Delhi was being constructed by [[Mughal emperors\|Mughal]] emperor [[Humayun]], in the general vicinity of the ancient Indraprastha ruins.<ref>''Muqarnas: An Annual on Islamic Art and Architecture'', by Oleg Grabar. Published by BRILL, 1987. {{ISBN\|90-04-08155-0}}. ''Page 133''.</ref> [[Abul Fazl]] stated that he built the fort in the place of that of ancient Indraprastha.<ref>{{cite book\|first=Upinder\|last=Singh\|title=A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India: From the Stone Age to the 12th Century\|year=2008\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H3lUIIYxWkEC&q=humayun+indraprat+abul+fazl&pg=PA20\|pages= 20\|isbn=9788131711200}}</ref> The founder of the [[Sur Empire\|Suri Dynasty]], [[Sher Shah Suri]], defeated Humayun and made changes to the fort, strengthening its fortifications and completing its walls. He also had another fort built there called ''Shergarh'', where the governor resided. His project, however, was a continuation of Humayun's construction of a citadel for a royal city. He also built many structures inside the fort. Additions to the fort have been believed to have been made even after his rule. The extent of his contribution to the fort's construction is disputed. The historical attribution of its construction is also uncertain judging from primary sources. [[Muhammad Khwandamir]] said that Humayun laid the foundation of the city on a mound near [[Yamuna]]. The construction of the walls and fortifications were almost finished by Humayun's time. Tarikh-i-Da'udi states that Sher Shah Suri's royal city remained incomplete upon his death and he had named his fort Shergarh. [[Abbas Sarwani]] states the two forts being constructed by him were incomplete when he died. Tarikh-i-Khan-Jahan states that [[Islam Shah Suri\|Salim Shah Suri]] had constructed a wall defending Dinpanah of Humayun.<ref>{{cite book\|first=Diana\|last=D'Ayala\|title=Structural Analysis of Historic Construction: Preserving Safety and Significance\|date=2 June 2008\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TVnRBQAAQBAJ&q=humayun+sher+shah+purana+qila&pg=PA289\|pages= 289, 290, 291\|isbn=9781439828229}}</ref>		The origins of the Purana Qila lie in the walls of Dinpanah, the new city of Delhi was being constructed by [[Mughal emperors\|Mughal]] emperor [[Humayun]], in the general vicinity of the ancient Indraprastha ruins.<ref>''Muqarnas: An Annual on Islamic Art and Architecture'', by Oleg Grabar. Published by BRILL, 1987. {{ISBN\|90-04-08155-0}}. ''Page 133''.</ref> [[Abul Fazl]] stated that he built the fort in the place of that of ancient Indraprastha.<ref>{{cite book\|first=Upinder\|last=Singh\|title=A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India: From the Stone Age to the 12th Century\|year=2008\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H3lUIIYxWkEC&q=humayun+indraprat+abul+fazl&pg=PA20\|pages= 20\|isbn=9788131711200}}</ref> The founder of the [[Sur Empire\|Suri Dynasty]], [[Sher Shah Suri]], defeated Humayun and made changes to the fort, strengthening its fortifications and completing its walls. He also had another fort built there called ''Shergarh'', where the governor resided. His project, however, was a continuation of Humayun's construction of a citadel for a royal city. He also built many structures inside the fort. Additions to the fort have been believed to have been made even after his rule. The extent of his contribution to the fort's construction is disputed. The historical attribution of its construction is also uncertain judging from primary sources. [[Muhammad Khwandamir]] said that Humayun laid the foundation of the city on a mound near [[Yamuna]]. The construction of the walls and fortifications were almost finished by Humayun's time. Tarikh-i-Da'udi states that Sher Shah Suri's royal city remained incomplete upon his death and he had named his fort Shergarh. [[Abbas Sarwani]] states the two forts being constructed by him were incomplete when he died. Tarikh-i-Khan-Jahan states that [[Islam Shah Suri\|Salim Shah Suri]] had constructed a wall defending Dinpanah of Humayun.<ref>{{cite book\|first=Diana\|last=D'Ayala\|title=Structural Analysis of Historic Construction: Preserving Safety and Significance\|date=2 June 2008\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TVnRBQAAQBAJ&q=humayun+sher+shah+purana+qila&pg=PA289\|pages= 289, 290, 291\|isbn=9781439828229}}</ref>

	Purana Qila and its environs flourished as the [[History of Delhi#Cities of Delhi\|"sixth city of Delhi"]].		Purana Qila and its environs flourished as the [[History of Delhi#Cities of Delhi\|"sixth city of Delhi"]]. On 7 October 1556 Hindu king [[Hem Chandra Vikramaditya]], who had defeated Akbar's forces at [[Battle of Delhi (1556)]] was crowned in Purana Qila. The Mughals would one month later decisively defeated Hemu and his army at the [[second battle of Panipat]].{{cn\|date=June 2023}}
	On 7 October 1556 Hindu king [[Hem Chandra Vikramaditya]], who had defeated Akbar's forces at [[Battle of Delhi (1556)]] was crowned in Purana Qila. The Mughals would one month later decisively ~~defeat~~ Hemu and his army at the second battle of Panipat.


	===British Era===		===British Era===
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	During the Asia-Pacific War (1941-1945), over 2000 Japanese civilians were interned in British India, of whom around 554 were women and 224 children. Plans to intern Japanese living in British India, along with surveillance of persons of interest, were put into place from as early as July 1940, with preparations to open internment camps made from at least February 1941. After war broke out between Japan and the Allies later that year, Japanese civilians in India, along with those of other now-enemy nations, were joined in internment by civilians from various British colonial territories, including Malaya and Singapore. Two key civilian internment camps in India were Purana Qila, the Old Fort, in Delhi, and Deoli in the deserts of Rajasthan.<ref>[https://www.eventscribe.com/2019/ICAS11/fsPopup.asp?efp=VExBUURHREE2NDc4&PresentationID=563824&rnd=0.4883311&mode=presinfo “Three Chinese Maids”, Two Internment Camps, and a War: Civilian Internment in British India in the Asia-Pacific War July 2019-Christine de Matos University of Notre Dame Australia, Australia]</ref>		During the Asia-Pacific War (1941-1945), over 2000 Japanese civilians were interned in British India, of whom around 554 were women and 224 children. Plans to intern Japanese living in British India, along with surveillance of persons of interest, were put into place from as early as July 1940, with preparations to open internment camps made from at least February 1941. After war broke out between Japan and the Allies later that year, Japanese civilians in India, along with those of other now-enemy nations, were joined in internment by civilians from various British colonial territories, including Malaya and Singapore. Two key civilian internment camps in India were Purana Qila, the Old Fort, in Delhi, and Deoli in the deserts of Rajasthan.<ref>[https://www.eventscribe.com/2019/ICAS11/fsPopup.asp?efp=VExBUURHREE2NDc4&PresentationID=563824&rnd=0.4883311&mode=presinfo “Three Chinese Maids”, Two Internment Camps, and a War: Civilian Internment in British India in the Asia-Pacific War July 2019-Christine de Matos University of Notre Dame Australia, Australia]</ref>

	The fate of the Japanese in India threw a shadow over the whole business, and the British believed, with some justification, that the ill-treatment of Allied prisoners of war was a reprisal for this. By December 1942, there were 2,115 Japanese internees, the vast majority from Singapore, in Purana Quila camp outside Delhi. They were housed in tents that gave little protection from the cold in winter, or from temperatures that rose to 120 degrees in summer. The Japanese government protested that the food and the cooking, washing and sanitation facilities were inadequate. The British dismissed this: the Japanese were `notoriously unable to cope with extremes of heat or cold'. (`Treatment of Japanese internees in India', 1z December 1942, F09,6/ 477, PRO.)`According to Asiatic standards', officials observed, the rations were `adequate for proper nourishment'.( R. N. Gilchrist to under secretary of state, Foreign Office, 19 October 1942, ibid)		The fate of the Japanese in India threw a shadow over the whole business, and the British believed, with some justification, that the ill-treatment of Allied prisoners of war was a reprisal for this. By December 1942, there were 2,115 Japanese internees, the vast majority from Singapore, in Purana Quila camp outside Delhi. They were housed in tents that gave little protection from the cold in winter, or from temperatures that rose to 120 degrees in summer.{{Clarify\|date=May 2023\|reason=What temperature scale? Fahrenheit? Celsius? Kelvin? }} The Japanese government protested that the food and the cooking, washing and sanitation facilities were inadequate. The British dismissed this: the Japanese were `notoriously unable to cope with extremes of heat or cold'. (`Treatment of Japanese internees in India', 1z December 1942, F09,6/ 477, PRO.)`According to Asiatic standards', officials observed, the rations were `adequate for proper nourishment'.( R. N. Gilchrist to under secretary of state, Foreign Office, 19 October 1942, ibid)

	===Recent years===		===Recent years===
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	==Excavations==		==Excavations==
	[[File:Gallery - Archaeological Museum - Old Fort - New Delhi 2014-05-13 3081.JPG\|thumb\|Archaeological Museum]]		[[File:Gallery - Archaeological Museum - Old Fort - New Delhi 2014-05-13 3081.JPG\|thumb\|Archaeological Museum]]
	[[Archaeological Survey of India]] (ASI) carried out excavations at Purana Qila in 1954–55 and again from 1969 to 1973 by [[B. B. Lal]], and in 2013-14 & 2017-18 by Vasant Kumar Swarnkar. its findings and artefacts are exhibited at the Archaeological Museum, Purana Qila. This includes [[Painted Grey Ware]], dating 1000 BC, and various objects and pottery signifying continuous habitation from [[Mauryan]] to [[Shunga Empire\|Shunga]], [[Kushana]], [[Gupta]], [[Rajput]], [[Delhi Sultanate]] and [[Mughal Empire\|Mughal]] periods.<ref>[http://www.asi.nic.in/asi_museums_delhi_archaeological.asp Archaeological Museum, Purana Qila (New Delhi)] [[Archaeological Survey of India]] website.</ref><ref>{{cite book \|title=Delhi: Ancient History \|last= Singh \|first= Upinder\|year= 2006\|publisher= Berghahn Books \|isbn= 81-87358-29-7\|page=53 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KkpdLnZpm78C&pg=PA53 \|access-date=11 August 2009}}</ref> The homes built during the Rajput era were built of bricks used in other structures and also mud bricks. A fortification wall about 30 metre long was also found. During the Delhi Suntanate, structures were made from re-used bricks and over the ruins of earlier structures. The Mughal era structures were characterized by a deep pit dug over those of the preceding eras.<ref>{{cite book \|title=Delhi: Ancient History \|last= Singh \|first= Upinder\|year= 2006\|publisher= Berghahn Books \|isbn= 81-87358-29-7\|page=55 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KkpdLnZpm78C&pg=PA55 \|access-date=6 June 2019}}</ref>		[[Archaeological Survey of India]] (ASI) carried out excavations at Purana Qila in 1954–55 and again from 1969 to 1973 by [[B. B. Lal]], and in 2013-14 & 2017-18 by Vasant Kumar Swarnkar. its findings and artefacts are exhibited at the Archaeological Museum, Purana Qila. This includes [[Painted Grey Ware]], dating 1000 BC, and various objects and pottery signifying continuous habitation from [[Mauryan]] to [[Shunga Empire\|Shunga]], [[Kushana]], [[Gupta]], [[Rajput]], [[Delhi Sultanate]] and [[Mughal Empire\|Mughal]] periods.<ref>[http://www.asi.nic.in/asi_museums_delhi_archaeological.asp Archaeological Museum, Purana Qila (New Delhi)] [[Archaeological Survey of India]] website.</ref><ref name="Bergahn">{{cite book \|title=Delhi: Ancient History \|last= Singh \|first= Upinder\|year= 2006\|publisher= Berghahn Books \|isbn= 81-87358-29-7\|page=53 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KkpdLnZpm78C&pg=PA53 \|access-date=11 August 2009}}</ref> The homes built during the Rajput era were built of bricks used in other structures and also mud bricks. A fortification wall about 30 metre long was also found. During the Delhi Suntanate, structures were made from re-used bricks and over the ruins of earlier structures. The Mughal era structures were characterized by a deep pit dug over those of the preceding eras.<ref>{{cite book \|title=Delhi: Ancient History \|last= Singh \|first= Upinder\|year= 2006\|publisher= Berghahn Books \|isbn= 81-87358-29-7\|page=55 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KkpdLnZpm78C&pg=PA55 \|access-date=6 June 2019}}</ref> The excavations revealed three structural phases from Mughal era, including structures consisting of re-used bricks, rubble and [[lakhori bricks]].<ref>{{cite book \|title=Delhi, Threshhold of the Orient: Studies in Archaeological Investigations \|last= Mani \|first= Buddha Rashmi\|year= 1997\|isbn=9788173051289\|publisher= Aryan Books International\|pages=40-41}}</ref>

	==Physical features==		==Physical features==
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	File:Khairul Manazil, Purana Qila, Delhi.jpg\|Khairul Manzil, a mosque and later a ''[[madarsa]]'' built by [[Maham Anga]], stands opposite Purana Qila.		File:Khairul Manazil, Purana Qila, Delhi.jpg\|Khairul Manzil, a mosque and later a ''[[madarsa]]'' built by [[Maham Anga]], stands opposite Purana Qila.
	File:Hammam_Khana_New_Delhi.jpg\|Hammam Khana (Bath House) in Purana Qila		File:Hammam_Khana_New_Delhi.jpg\|Hammam Khana (Bath House) in Purana Qila
	File:Reverse of the Sainya Seva Medal, instituted on 26 January 1960 by the Government of India, with the approval of the President of India.jpg~~\|thumb~~\|Reverse of the [[Sainya Seva Medal]] with depiction of Purana Qila.		File:Reverse of the Sainya Seva Medal, instituted on 26 January 1960 by the Government of India, with the approval of the President of India.jpg\|Reverse of the [[Sainya Seva Medal]] with depiction of Purana Qila.
	</gallery>		</gallery>

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	==External links==		==External links==
	~~{{commons category-inline}}~~
	* [https://www.flickr.com/photos/varunshiv/collections/72157618569006168/ Set of Flickr images of Purana Qila complex]		* [https://www.flickr.com/photos/varunshiv/collections/72157618569006168/ Set of Flickr images of Purana Qila complex]
	* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160303165203/http://www.panoramio.com/user/116638/tags/Lodhi 360° panoramic view of Old Fort]		* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160303165203/http://www.panoramio.com/user/116638/tags/Lodhi 360° panoramic view of Old Fort]

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2022-12-01T15:58:59Z

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← Older revision		Revision as of 21:28, 1 December 2022
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			{{Short description\|Historic fort in Delhi, India}}
	{{EngvarB\|date=January 2019}}		{{EngvarB\|date=January 2019}}
	{{Use dmy dates\|date=January 2019}}		{{Use dmy dates\|date=January 2019}}
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	\| beginning_date =		\| beginning_date =
	\| formed =		\| formed =
	\| founded =		\| founded = 1538
	\| founder =		\| founder = [[Humayun]], Mughal Sultan; [[Sher Shah Suri]], Surid Sultan
	\| original_use = Fortress		\| original_use = Fortress
	\| demolished =		\| demolished =
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	}}		}}

	'''Purana Qila''' ({{Literal translation\|Old Fort}}) is one of the oldest forts in [[Delhi]], [[India]]. It is located near the expansive [[Pragati Maidan]] exhibition ground and is separated from the [[Dhyanchand Stadium]] by the [[Mathura Road, Delhi]].		'''Purana Qila''' ({{Literal translation\|Old Fort}}) is one of the oldest forts in [[Delhi]], [[India]]. Built by the second [[Mughal Emperor]] [[Humayun]] and [[Sur Empire\|Surid]] [[Sultan]] [[Sher Shah Suri]],<ref>{{cite web \| url=http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/apac/other/019wdz000003459u00000000.html \| title=The Purana Qila, Delhi }}</ref> it is thought by many to be located on the site of the ancient city of [[Indraprastha]].<ref>{{cite book \|title= Delhi, Ancient History\|last=Singh\|first=Upendra}}</ref> The fort formed the inner citadel of the city of Dinpanah.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://dmsoutheast.delhi.gov.in/tourist-place/purana-quila/\|title = Purana Quila \| District Magistrate South East \| India}}</ref> It is located near the expansive [[Pragati Maidan]] exhibition ground and is separated from the [[Dhyanchand Stadium]] by the [[Mathura Road, Delhi]].

	==History==		==History==

	===Pre-Islamic origins and Indraprastha theory===		===Pre-Islamic origins and Indraprastha theory===
	Excavations point to traces from the 3rd century BC, the pre-Mauryan period. The first two rounds of excavations – in 1954–55 and 1969–72 – by [[B. B. Lal]], then director of the [[Archaeological Survey of India]] (ASI), had unearthed traces of [[Painted Grey Ware culture]]. Historian [[Alexander Cunningham]] identified the fort with that of Indraprastha, though he referred to the present structure as built by ~~Muslims~~.<ref>{{cite book\|first=Mrinali\|last=Rajagopalan\|title=Building Histories: The Archival and Affective Lives of Five Monuments in Modern Delhi\|date=March 2017\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DdQZDgAAQBAJ&q=cunningham+humayun+indraprastha&pg=PA129\|page= 129\|isbn=9780226331898}}</ref>		Excavations point to traces from the 3rd century BC, the pre-Mauryan period. The first two rounds of excavations – in 1954–55 and 1969–72 – by [[B. B. Lal]], then director of the [[Archaeological Survey of India]] (ASI), had unearthed traces of [[Painted Grey Ware culture]]. Historian [[Alexander Cunningham]] identified the fort with that of Indraprastha, though he referred to the present structure as built by Muslim rulers.<ref>{{cite book\|first=Mrinali\|last=Rajagopalan\|title=Building Histories: The Archival and Affective Lives of Five Monuments in Modern Delhi\|date=March 2017\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DdQZDgAAQBAJ&q=cunningham+humayun+indraprastha&pg=PA129\|page= 129\|isbn=9780226331898}}</ref>

	===Dinpanah===		===Dinpanah===
	Purana Qila is said to be fort of ancient Indian city of [[Indraprastha]] where the legendary [[Pandava\|Pandavas]] ruled.<ref>[https://www.mysteryofindia.com/2014/10/delhi-purana-qila-connection-with-indraprastha.html Delhi Purana Qila connection with Indraprastha]. ''mysteryofindia.com''.</ref>{{better source\|date=July 2021}} The origins of the Purana Qila lie in the walls of Dinpanah, the new city of Delhi being constructed by [[Mughal emperors\|Mughal]] emperor [[Humayun]], in the general vicinity of the ancient Indraprastha ruins.<ref>''Muqarnas: An Annual on Islamic Art and Architecture'', by Oleg Grabar. Published by BRILL, 1987. {{ISBN\|90-04-08155-0}}. ''Page 133''.</ref> [[Abul Fazl]] ~~states~~ that he built the fort in the place of that of ancient Indraprastha.<ref>{{cite book\|first=Upinder\|last=Singh\|title=A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India: From the Stone Age to the 12th Century\|year=2008\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H3lUIIYxWkEC&q=humayun+indraprat+abul+fazl&pg=PA20\|pages= 20\|isbn=9788131711200}}</ref> The founder of the [[Sur Empire\|Suri Dynasty]], [[Sher Shah Suri]], defeated Humayun and made changes to the fort, strengthening its fortifications and completing its walls. He also had another fort built there called ''Shergarh'', where the governor resided. His project, however, was a continuation of Humayun's construction of a citadel for a royal city. He also built many structures inside the fort. Additions to the fort have been believed to have been made even after his rule. The extent of his contribution to the fort's construction is disputed. The historical attribution of its construction is also uncertain judging from primary sources. [[Muhammad Khwandamir]] said that Humayun laid the foundation of the city on a mound near [[Yamuna]]. The construction of the walls and fortifications were almost finished by Humayun's time. Tarikh-i-Da'udi states that Sher Shah Suri's royal city remained incomplete upon his death and he had named his fort Shergarh. [[Abbas Sarwani]] states the two forts being constructed by him were incomplete when he died. Tarikh-i-Khan-Jahan states that [[Islam Shah Suri\|Salim Shah Suri]] had constructed a wall defending Dinpanah of Humayun.<ref>{{cite book\|first=Diana\|last=D'Ayala\|title=Structural Analysis of Historic Construction: Preserving Safety and Significance\|date=2 June 2008\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TVnRBQAAQBAJ&q=humayun+sher+shah+purana+qila&pg=PA289\|pages= 289, 290, 291\|isbn=9781439828229}}</ref>		The origins of the Purana Qila lie in the walls of Dinpanah, the new city of Delhi was being constructed by [[Mughal emperors\|Mughal]] emperor [[Humayun]], in the general vicinity of the ancient Indraprastha ruins.<ref>''Muqarnas: An Annual on Islamic Art and Architecture'', by Oleg Grabar. Published by BRILL, 1987. {{ISBN\|90-04-08155-0}}. ''Page 133''.</ref> [[Abul Fazl]] stated that he built the fort in the place of that of ancient Indraprastha.<ref>{{cite book\|first=Upinder\|last=Singh\|title=A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India: From the Stone Age to the 12th Century\|year=2008\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H3lUIIYxWkEC&q=humayun+indraprat+abul+fazl&pg=PA20\|pages= 20\|isbn=9788131711200}}</ref> The founder of the [[Sur Empire\|Suri Dynasty]], [[Sher Shah Suri]], defeated Humayun and made changes to the fort, strengthening its fortifications and completing its walls. He also had another fort built there called ''Shergarh'', where the governor resided. His project, however, was a continuation of Humayun's construction of a citadel for a royal city. He also built many structures inside the fort. Additions to the fort have been believed to have been made even after his rule. The extent of his contribution to the fort's construction is disputed. The historical attribution of its construction is also uncertain judging from primary sources. [[Muhammad Khwandamir]] said that Humayun laid the foundation of the city on a mound near [[Yamuna]]. The construction of the walls and fortifications were almost finished by Humayun's time. Tarikh-i-Da'udi states that Sher Shah Suri's royal city remained incomplete upon his death and he had named his fort Shergarh. [[Abbas Sarwani]] states the two forts being constructed by him were incomplete when he died. Tarikh-i-Khan-Jahan states that [[Islam Shah Suri\|Salim Shah Suri]] had constructed a wall defending Dinpanah of Humayun.<ref>{{cite book\|first=Diana\|last=D'Ayala\|title=Structural Analysis of Historic Construction: Preserving Safety and Significance\|date=2 June 2008\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TVnRBQAAQBAJ&q=humayun+sher+shah+purana+qila&pg=PA289\|pages= 289, 290, 291\|isbn=9781439828229}}</ref>

	Purana Qila and its environs flourished as the [[History of Delhi#Cities of Delhi\|"sixth city of Delhi"]].		Purana Qila and its environs flourished as the [[History of Delhi#Cities of Delhi\|"sixth city of Delhi"]].
	On 7 October 1556 Hindu king [[Hem Chandra Vikramaditya]], who had defeated Akbar's forces ~~decisively~~ at [[Battle of Delhi (1556)]] was crowned in Purana Qila.		On 7 October 1556 Hindu king [[Hem Chandra Vikramaditya]], who had defeated Akbar's forces at [[Battle of Delhi (1556)]] was crowned in Purana Qila. The Mughals would one month later decisively defeat Hemu and his army at the second battle of Panipat.


	===British Era===		===British Era===
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	{{Main\|Qila-i-Kuhna Mosque}}		{{Main\|Qila-i-Kuhna Mosque}}
	[[File:Qila Kuhna Masjid inside Puran Qila, Delhi.jpg\|right\|thumb\|Qila Kuhna Masjid inside Purana Qila]]		[[File:Qila Kuhna Masjid inside Puran Qila, Delhi.jpg\|right\|thumb\|Qila Kuhna Masjid inside Purana Qila]]
	The single-domed [[Qila-i-~~Kuna~~ Mosque]], built by Sher Shah in 1541 is an excellent example of a pre-Mughal design and an early example of the extensive use of the pointed arch in the region as seen in its five doorways with the 'true' horseshoe-shaped arches. It was designed as a Jami Mosque or Friday mosque for the Sultan and his courtiers. The prayer hall inside, the single-aisled mosque, measures 51.20m by 14.90m and has five elegant arched prayer niches or ''[[mihrabs]]'' set in its western wall. Marble in shades of red, white and slate is used for the calligraphic inscriptions on the central [[iwan]], marks a transition from [[Lodi dynasty\|Lodhi]] to [[Mughal architecture]]. At one time, the courtyard had a shallow tank, with a fountain.		The single-domed [[Qila-i-Kuhna Mosque]], built by Sher Shah in 1541 is an excellent example of a pre-Mughal design and an early example of the extensive use of the pointed arch in the region as seen in its five doorways with the 'true' horseshoe-shaped arches. It was designed as a Jami Mosque or Friday mosque for the Sultan and his courtiers. The prayer hall inside, the single-aisled mosque, measures 51.20m by 14.90m and has five elegant arched prayer niches or ''[[mihrabs]]'' set in its western wall. Marble in shades of red, white and slate is used for the calligraphic inscriptions on the central [[iwan]], marks a transition from [[Lodi dynasty\|Lodhi]] to [[Mughal architecture]]. At one time, the courtyard had a shallow tank, with a fountain.

	A second storey, accessed through staircases from the prayer hall, with a narrow passage running along the rectangular hall, provided space for female courtiers to pray, while the arched doorway on the left wall, framed by ornate ''[[jharoka]]s'', was reserved for members of the royal family.<ref>[http://archnet.org/library/sites/one-site.jsp?site_id=2205 Qila-i Kuhna Mosque] {{webarchive\|url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20141123115419/http://archnet.org/library/sites/one-site.jsp?site_id=2205 \|date=23 November 2014 }} archnet.org.</ref> On a marble slab within the mosque an inscription reads: "As long as there are people on the earth, may this edifice be frequented and people be happy and cheerful in it".<ref name=indra>''Delhi city guide'', by Eicher Goodearth Limited, Delhi Tourism. Published by Eicher Goodearth Limited, 1998. {{ISBN\|81-900601-2-0}}. ''Page 162''</ref> Today it is the best preserved building in Purana Qila.<ref>''Islamic architecture of the Indian Subcontinent'', by Bianca Maria Alfieri. Laurence King Pub., 2000. {{ISBN\|3-8238-5443-7}}. ''Page 193''.</ref><ref>{{cite news \|title=Delhi's Belly: Unknown city, Glimpses of Delhi's past through monuments that dot almost every neighbourhood\|url=http://www.livemint.com/2011/04/01205634/Delhi8217s-Belly--Unkown-c.html \|work=[[Live Mint]] \|date=1 April 2011}}</ref>		A second storey, accessed through staircases from the prayer hall, with a narrow passage running along the rectangular hall, provided space for female courtiers to pray, while the arched doorway on the left wall, framed by ornate ''[[jharoka]]s'', was reserved for members of the royal family.<ref>[http://archnet.org/library/sites/one-site.jsp?site_id=2205 Qila-i Kuhna Mosque] {{webarchive\|url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20141123115419/http://archnet.org/library/sites/one-site.jsp?site_id=2205 \|date=23 November 2014 }} archnet.org.</ref> On a marble slab within the mosque an inscription reads: "As long as there are people on the earth, may this edifice be frequented and people be happy and cheerful in it".<ref name=indra>''Delhi city guide'', by Eicher Goodearth Limited, Delhi Tourism. Published by Eicher Goodearth Limited, 1998. {{ISBN\|81-900601-2-0}}. ''Page 162''</ref> Today it is the best preserved building in Purana Qila.<ref>''Islamic architecture of the Indian Subcontinent'', by Bianca Maria Alfieri. Laurence King Pub., 2000. {{ISBN\|3-8238-5443-7}}. ''Page 193''.</ref><ref>{{cite news \|title=Delhi's Belly: Unknown city, Glimpses of Delhi's past through monuments that dot almost every neighbourhood\|url=http://www.livemint.com/2011/04/01205634/Delhi8217s-Belly--Unkown-c.html \|work=[[Live Mint]] \|date=1 April 2011}}</ref>
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	File:Khairul Manazil, Purana Qila, Delhi.jpg\|Khairul Manzil, a mosque and later a ''[[madarsa]]'' built by [[Maham Anga]], stands opposite Purana Qila.		File:Khairul Manazil, Purana Qila, Delhi.jpg\|Khairul Manzil, a mosque and later a ''[[madarsa]]'' built by [[Maham Anga]], stands opposite Purana Qila.
	File:Hammam_Khana_New_Delhi.jpg\|Hammam Khana (Bath House) in Purana Qila		File:Hammam_Khana_New_Delhi.jpg\|Hammam Khana (Bath House) in Purana Qila
			File:Reverse of the Sainya Seva Medal, instituted on 26 January 1960 by the Government of India, with the approval of the President of India.jpg\|thumb\|Reverse of the [[Sainya Seva Medal]] with depiction of Purana Qila.
	</gallery>		</gallery>

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	[[Category:1538 establishments in India]]		[[Category:1538 establishments in India]]
	[[Category:16th-century forts in India]]		[[Category:16th-century forts in India]]
			[[Category:Monuments of National Importance in Delhi]]

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'''Purana Qila''' ({{Literal translation|Old Fort}}) is one of the oldest forts in [[Delhi]], [[India]]. It is located near the expansive [[Pragati Maidan]] exhibition ground and is separated from the [[Dhyanchand Stadium]] by the [[Mathura Road, Delhi]].

==History==

===Pre-Islamic origins and Indraprastha theory===
Excavations point to traces from the 3rd century BC, the pre-Mauryan period. The first two rounds of excavations – in 1954–55 and 1969–72 – by [[B. B. Lal]], then director of the [[Archaeological Survey of India]] (ASI), had unearthed traces of [[Painted Grey Ware culture]]. Historian [[Alexander Cunningham]] identified the fort with that of Indraprastha, though he referred to the present structure as built by Muslims.<ref>{{cite book|first=Mrinali|last=Rajagopalan|title=Building Histories: The Archival and Affective Lives of Five Monuments in Modern Delhi|date=March 2017|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DdQZDgAAQBAJ&q=cunningham+humayun+indraprastha&pg=PA129|page= 129|isbn=9780226331898}}</ref>

===Dinpanah===
Purana Qila is said to be fort of ancient Indian city of [[Indraprastha]] where the legendary [[Pandava|Pandavas]] ruled.<ref>[https://www.mysteryofindia.com/2014/10/delhi-purana-qila-connection-with-indraprastha.html Delhi Purana Qila connection with Indraprastha]. ''mysteryofindia.com''.</ref>{{better source|date=July 2021}} The origins of the Purana Qila lie in the walls of Dinpanah, the new city of Delhi being constructed by [[Mughal emperors|Mughal]] emperor [[Humayun]], in the general vicinity of the ancient Indraprastha ruins.<ref>''Muqarnas: An Annual on Islamic Art and Architecture'', by Oleg Grabar. Published by BRILL, 1987. {{ISBN|90-04-08155-0}}. ''Page 133''.</ref> [[Abul Fazl]] states that he built the fort in the place of that of ancient Indraprastha.<ref>{{cite book|first=Upinder|last=Singh|title=A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India: From the Stone Age to the 12th Century|year=2008|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H3lUIIYxWkEC&q=humayun+indraprat+abul+fazl&pg=PA20|pages= 20|isbn=9788131711200}}</ref> The founder of the [[Sur Empire|Suri Dynasty]], [[Sher Shah Suri]], defeated Humayun and made changes to the fort, strengthening its fortifications and completing its walls. He also had another fort built there called ''Shergarh'', where the governor resided. His project, however, was a continuation of Humayun's construction of a citadel for a royal city. He also built many structures inside the fort. Additions to the fort have been believed to have been made even after his rule. The extent of his contribution to the fort's construction is disputed. The historical attribution of its construction is also uncertain judging from primary sources. [[Muhammad Khwandamir]] said that Humayun laid the foundation of the city on a mound near [[Yamuna]]. The construction of the walls and fortifications were almost finished by Humayun's time. Tarikh-i-Da'udi states that Sher Shah Suri's royal city remained incomplete upon his death and he had named his fort Shergarh. [[Abbas Sarwani]] states the two forts being constructed by him were incomplete when he died. Tarikh-i-Khan-Jahan states that [[Islam Shah Suri|Salim Shah Suri]] had constructed a wall defending Dinpanah of Humayun.<ref>{{cite book|first=Diana|last=D'Ayala|title=Structural Analysis of Historic Construction: Preserving Safety and Significance|date=2 June 2008|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TVnRBQAAQBAJ&q=humayun+sher+shah+purana+qila&pg=PA289|pages= 289, 290, 291|isbn=9781439828229}}</ref>

Purana Qila and its environs flourished as the [[History of Delhi#Cities of Delhi|"sixth city of Delhi"]].
On 7 October 1556 Hindu king [[Hem Chandra Vikramaditya]], who had defeated Akbar's forces decisively at [[Battle of Delhi (1556)]] was crowned in Purana Qila.

===British Era===
[[Edwin Lutyens]] who designed the new capital of [[British India]], New Delhi, in the 1920s, had aligned the central vista, now [[Rajpath]], with Purana Qila.<ref>{{cite book |title=Delhi, old & new|last=Polk|first=Emily |year= 1963 |publisher= Rand McNally|page= 76 }}</ref> During the [[Partition of India]], in August 1947 the Purana Qila along with the neighbouring [[Humayun's Tomb]], became the site for refuge camps for Muslims migrating to newly founded Pakistan. This included over 12,000 government employees who had opted for service in Pakistan, and between 150,000–200,000 Muslim refugees,<ref>{{cite book |title= Bearing Witness: Partition, Independence, End of the Raj|last=Kamra |first=Sukeshi |year=2002|publisher=[[University of Calgary Press]]|isbn=1-55238-041-6 |page= 174|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Td6TRRMBFVUC&pg=PA174 }}</ref> who swarmed inside Purana Qila by September 1947, when Indian government took over the management of the two camps. The Purana Qila camp remained functional until early 1948, as the trains to Pakistan waited until October 1947 to start.<ref>{{cite book |title= The long partition and the making of modern South Asia: refugees, boundaries, histories|last=Zamindar |first=Vazira Fazila-Yacoobali |year=2007|publisher=[[Columbia University Press]]|isbn=978-0-231-13846-8 |page= 34|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EfhqQLr96VgC&pg=PA34 }}</ref>

===World War 2===
During the Asia-Pacific War (1941-1945), over 2000 Japanese civilians were interned in British India, of whom around 554 were women and 224 children. Plans to intern Japanese living in British India, along with surveillance of persons of interest, were put into place from as early as July 1940, with preparations to open internment camps made from at least February 1941. After war broke out between Japan and the Allies later that year, Japanese civilians in India, along with those of other now-enemy nations, were joined in internment by civilians from various British colonial territories, including Malaya and Singapore. Two key civilian internment camps in India were Purana Qila, the Old Fort, in Delhi, and Deoli in the deserts of Rajasthan.<ref>[https://www.eventscribe.com/2019/ICAS11/fsPopup.asp?efp=VExBUURHREE2NDc4&PresentationID=563824&rnd=0.4883311&mode=presinfo “Three Chinese Maids”, Two Internment Camps, and a War: Civilian Internment in British India in the Asia-Pacific War July 2019-Christine de Matos University of Notre Dame Australia, Australia]</ref>

The fate of the Japanese in India threw a shadow over the whole business, and the British believed, with some justification, that the ill-treatment of Allied prisoners of war was a reprisal for this. By December 1942, there were 2,115 Japanese internees, the vast majority from Singapore, in Purana Quila camp outside Delhi. They were housed in tents that gave little protection from the cold in winter, or from temperatures that rose to 120 degrees in summer. The Japanese government protested that the food and the cooking, washing and sanitation facilities were inadequate. The British dismissed this: the Japanese were `notoriously unable to cope with extremes of heat or cold'. (`Treatment of Japanese internees in India', 1z December 1942, F09,6/ 477, PRO.)`According to Asiatic standards', officials observed, the rations were `adequate for proper nourishment'.( R. N. Gilchrist to under secretary of state, Foreign Office, 19 October 1942, ibid)

===Recent years===
In the 1970s, the ramparts of Purana Qila were first used as a backdrop for theatre, when three productions of the [[National School of Drama]] were staged here: ''Tughlaq'', ''[[Andha Yug]]'' and ''Sultan Razia'', directed by [[Ebrahim Alkazi]]. In later decades it has been the venue of various important theatre productions, cultural events, and concerts.<ref>{{cite news |title=A little peek into history |url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2008/05/02/stories/2008050250120300.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109020307/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2008/05/02/stories/2008050250120300.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 November 2012|work=[[The Hindu]] |date=2 May 2008 }}</ref> Today, it is the venue of a daily sound and light presentation after sunset, on the history of the "Seven Cities of Delhi", from Indraprastha through [[New Delhi]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.india9.com/i9show/Sound-and-Light-Show-at-Purana-Quila-55388.htm|title=Sound and Light Show at Purana Quila in New Delhi India|website=www.india9.com}}</ref>

==Excavations==
[[File:Gallery - Archaeological Museum - Old Fort - New Delhi 2014-05-13 3081.JPG|thumb|Archaeological Museum]]
[[Archaeological Survey of India]] (ASI) carried out excavations at Purana Qila in 1954–55 and again from 1969 to 1973 by [[B. B. Lal]], and in 2013-14 & 2017-18 by Vasant Kumar Swarnkar. its findings and artefacts are exhibited at the Archaeological Museum, Purana Qila. This includes [[Painted Grey Ware]], dating 1000 BC, and various objects and pottery signifying continuous habitation from [[Mauryan]] to [[Shunga Empire|Shunga]], [[Kushana]], [[Gupta]], [[Rajput]], [[Delhi Sultanate]] and [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] periods.<ref>[http://www.asi.nic.in/asi_museums_delhi_archaeological.asp Archaeological Museum, Purana Qila (New Delhi)] [[Archaeological Survey of India]] website.</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Delhi: Ancient History |last= Singh |first= Upinder|year= 2006|publisher= Berghahn Books |isbn= 81-87358-29-7|page=53 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KkpdLnZpm78C&pg=PA53 |access-date=11 August 2009}}</ref> The homes built during the Rajput era were built of bricks used in other structures and also mud bricks. A fortification wall about 30 metre long was also found. During the Delhi Suntanate, structures were made from re-used bricks and over the ruins of earlier structures. The Mughal era structures were characterized by a deep pit dug over those of the preceding eras.<ref>{{cite book |title=Delhi: Ancient History |last= Singh |first= Upinder|year= 2006|publisher= Berghahn Books |isbn= 81-87358-29-7|page=55 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KkpdLnZpm78C&pg=PA55 |access-date=6 June 2019}}</ref>

==Physical features==
The walls of the fort rise to a height of 18 metres, traverse about 1.5 km, and have three arched gateways: the ''Bara Darwaza'' (Big Gate) facing west, which is still in use today; the south gate, also popularly known as the 'Humayun Gate' (probably so known because it was constructed by Humayun, or perhaps because [[Humayun's Tomb]] is visible from there); and lastly, the 'Talaqi Gate', often known as the "forbidden gate". All the gates are double-storeyed sandstone structures flanked by two huge semi-circular [[bastion]] towers, decorated with white and coloured-marble inlays and blue tiles. They are replete with detailing, including ornate overhanging balconies, or ''[[jharokha]]s'', and are topped by pillared pavilions (''[[chhatri]]s''), all features that are reminiscent of [[Rajasthani architecture]] as seen in the North and South Gates, and which were amply repeated in future [[Mughal architecture]]. Despite the grandeurs of the exterior, few of interior structures have survived except the Qila-i Kuhna Mosque and the Shermandal, both credited to Sher Shah.<ref>{{cite book |title=Dictionary of Islamic architecture |last=Petersen |first= Andrew |year=1996|publisher=Routledge |isbn= 0-415-06084-2|page= [https://archive.org/details/dictionaryofisla00andr/page/201 201]|url= https://archive.org/details/dictionaryofisla00andr|url-access=registration |access-date=11 August 2009}}</ref>

===Qila-i-Kuhna Mosque===
{{Main|Qila-i-Kuhna Mosque}}
[[File:Qila Kuhna Masjid inside Puran Qila, Delhi.jpg|right|thumb|Qila Kuhna Masjid inside Purana Qila]]
The single-domed [[Qila-i-Kuna Mosque]], built by Sher Shah in 1541 is an excellent example of a pre-Mughal design and an early example of the extensive use of the pointed arch in the region as seen in its five doorways with the 'true' horseshoe-shaped arches. It was designed as a Jami Mosque or Friday mosque for the Sultan and his courtiers. The prayer hall inside, the single-aisled mosque, measures 51.20m by 14.90m and has five elegant arched prayer niches or ''[[mihrabs]]'' set in its western wall. Marble in shades of red, white and slate is used for the calligraphic inscriptions on the central [[iwan]], marks a transition from [[Lodi dynasty|Lodhi]] to [[Mughal architecture]]. At one time, the courtyard had a shallow tank, with a fountain.

A second storey, accessed through staircases from the prayer hall, with a narrow passage running along the rectangular hall, provided space for female courtiers to pray, while the arched doorway on the left wall, framed by ornate ''[[jharoka]]s'', was reserved for members of the royal family.<ref>[http://archnet.org/library/sites/one-site.jsp?site_id=2205 Qila-i Kuhna Mosque] {{webarchive|url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20141123115419/http://archnet.org/library/sites/one-site.jsp?site_id=2205 |date=23 November 2014 }} archnet.org.</ref> On a marble slab within the mosque an inscription reads: "As long as there are people on the earth, may this edifice be frequented and people be happy and cheerful in it".<ref name=indra>''Delhi city guide'', by Eicher Goodearth Limited, Delhi Tourism. Published by Eicher Goodearth Limited, 1998. {{ISBN|81-900601-2-0}}. ''Page 162''</ref> Today it is the best preserved building in Purana Qila.<ref>''Islamic architecture of the Indian Subcontinent'', by Bianca Maria Alfieri. Laurence King Pub., 2000. {{ISBN|3-8238-5443-7}}. ''Page 193''.</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Delhi's Belly: Unknown city, Glimpses of Delhi's past through monuments that dot almost every neighbourhood|url=http://www.livemint.com/2011/04/01205634/Delhi8217s-Belly--Unkown-c.html |work=[[Live Mint]] |date=1 April 2011}}</ref>

===Sher Mandal===
{{Main|Sher Mandal}}
[[File:Old Fort Humayuns private library Purana Qila and Hammam.jpg|thumb|Old Fort Humayun's private library(Sher Mandal) Purana Qila and Hammam]]
The ''Sher Mandal'' named for Farid (Sher Shah) who had tried to finish what was ordered by Babur but had died during the initial phase and so construction was halted until the arrival of Humayun.

This double-storeyed octagonal tower of red sandstone with steep stairs leading up to the roof was intended to be higher than its existing height. Its original builder was [[Babur]] who ordered the construction and was used as a personal [[observatory]] and library for his son Humayun, finished only after he recaptured the fort. It is also one of the first observatories of Delhi, the earliest being in Pir Ghaib at Hindu Rao at Ridge built in the 14th century by Firoz Shah Tughlaq.{{Clarify|date=April 2014}} The tower is topped by an octagonal ''[[chhatri]]'' supported by eight pillars and decorated with white marble in typical Mughal style.

Inside, there are remnants of the decorative plaster-work and traces of stone-shelving where, presumably, the emperor's books were placed.

This was also the spot where, on 24 January 1556 Humayun fell from the second floor to his death. He slipped while hastening to the evening prayers, following his hobby of astronomical star gazing at the top of this private observatory. He fell headlong down the stairs and died of his injuries two days later. Entry inside the library is now prohibited.{{citation needed|date=August 2016}}

===Outlying monuments===
Several other monuments lie around the complex, like Kairul Manzil, mosque built by [[Maham Anga]], [[Akbar]]'s foster-mother, and which was later used as a [[madarsa]]. Sher Shah Suri Gate or ''Lal Darwaza'', which was the southern gate to Shergarh, also lies opposite the Purana Qila complex, across [[Mathura Road]], south-east of the Kairul Manzil.

==Timings==
The normal visiting hours are from 7:00 A.M. to 5:00 pm.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kahajaun.com/delhi/travel/monuments/55/purana-qila-old-fort-delhi/|title=Purana Qila / Old Fort, Delhi , Delhi|date=22 September 2018}}</ref>

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Humayun gate purana qila.jpg|Humayun Gate
File:West Gate.jpg|West Gate, 'Bara Darwaza', present main Entrance, with its [[bastion]]
File:Purana Qila in Delhi 03-2016 img1.jpg|Lake outside Purana Qila
File:Purana Qila, Delhi.JPG|Remains of large outer walls
File:Central iwan of Qila-i-Kuhna mosque, Purana Qila.jpg|Qila-i-Kuhna Mosque 'Peshtak' (Entrance Arch)
File:North Gate, or Talaqi Darwaza.jpg|North Gate, or ''Talaqi Darwaza''
File:North Gate interior.jpg|North Gate interior
File:South Gate1.jpg|South Gate, as seen from adjacent [[National Zoological Park Delhi|Delhi Zoo]]
File:Khairul Manazil, Purana Qila, Delhi.jpg|Khairul Manzil, a mosque and later a ''[[madarsa]]'' built by [[Maham Anga]], stands opposite Purana Qila.
File:Hammam_Khana_New_Delhi.jpg|Hammam Khana (Bath House) in Purana Qila
</gallery>

==Further reading==
* ''The Seven Cities of Delhi'', by Hearn, Gordon Risley. 2005. {{ISBN|81-7305-300-6}}.
* ''Invisible City—The Hidden Monuments of Delhi'', by Rakhshanda Jalil, photographs by Prabhas Roy, Niyogi Books. 2008. {{ISBN|81-89738-14-3}}.

==See also==
* [[History of Delhi]]

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{commons category-inline}}
* [https://www.flickr.com/photos/varunshiv/collections/72157618569006168/ Set of Flickr images of Purana Qila complex]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160303165203/http://www.panoramio.com/user/116638/tags/Lodhi 360° panoramic view of Old Fort]
* [https://www.pentaaz.com/tempo-traveller-on-rent/ Hire Vehicle for Visit Purana Qila]

{{Delhi}}{{Forts in India}}

[[Category:Buildings and structures completed in 1538]]
[[Category:Archaeological monuments in Delhi]]
[[Category:Forts in Delhi]]
[[Category:1538 establishments in India]]
[[Category:16th-century forts in India]]