Purana Qila in Delhi Pictures & History

Purana Qila which is in Delhi near Pragati Maidan was inner citadel of the Dina-panah founded by Humayun in 1533. The fort was later taken over by Sher Shah Suri by defeating Humayun in 1540. After which it was named as Shergarh. Sher Shah added further structures in the complex until his death till 1545. After which Humayun who was in Kabul again attacked and took over the citadel and Delhi in the year 1555. Humayun died after an year with a tragic accident in the fort complex at Sher Mandal.After the death of Humayun, Hemu who was the Hindu Prime Priminister cum Chief of Army of Adil Shah Suri came from Bengal and took over the Purana Qila defating the forces of Akhbar which were led by Tardi Beg Khan. Hemu was coronated or Rajyaabhishake done at Purana Qila on 7th October 1556 and declared Hindu Raj in North India. But Hemu was defeated and killed in the Second battle of Panipat in November 1556. His body was hung from the fort to create terror among Hindus.

Several hours after the second war of Panipat ended, dead body Hemu was located and captured by Shah Quli Khan Mahram and brought to Akbar’s tent in the camp located at village Saudhapur in Panipat (Located on Panipat-Jind road, 5 km from NH1). General Bairam Khan was desirous that Akbar should slay General Hemu himself and should establish his right to the title of “Ghazi” (Champion of Faith or war veteran). But Akbar, refused to strike a blood soaked and dead enemy but smote the dead body, just to be called a Ghazi. Bairam Khan irritated by Akbar’s scruples beheaded the Hindu king himself.

The walls of the fort are about 18mts in height and have three arched gateways, Bara Darwaza, Humayun Darwaza and the south gate. The fort is surrounded by water body to prevent attack. Though you will find nothing but two buildings in current time of the various remains. Some of the structures left are Qila-i Kuhna Mosque and the Shermandal.

Qila E Kuhna Masjid was built by Sher Shah in 1541.

The mosque from behind

Made inside with white marbels

The walls of the fort

a small pool infront of the mosque probably to wash hands before prayer

These could be the secret passages outside the fort

Sher e Mandal where Humayun had an accident and died it is closed for visitors.

This is the Hamam or the bathing house it had provision of both hot and cold water.

The drainage pipes of the Hamam if they clean it may be they could find some remains of the olden days usually things slip away through during bath.

Thats the Humayun Darwaza.

The wall with rooms could have been used by soldiers.

Humayun Darwaza

The chattaries or the umbrellas have some designs still left with colors

There is also a museum where you can see old decorations and other archeological findings from the place.

The doors of the main entrance

Colored details on the porches

The South Gate in above picture

The North Gate

Place where light and sound show is conducted above and below are two doors one which opens in the water and above one had a plank through which people could come in.