Popularly known as Pandavon-ka-qila, the Purana Qila stands on a mound which may possibly mark the site of the town of Indraprastha of the Mahabharat.
The standing ramparts and other building were, however built by Sher Shah Sur (1538-45 CE) after demolishing and remodeling Dinepanah, a city founded here by Humayun in about 1533 CE
After his return from Persia in 1555 CE, Humayun resided here till his death in A.D. 1556 and is believed to have repaired and constructed some portions of the citadel. Purana Qila is irregularly oblong on plan with bastions on corners and along the western ramparts its principal gateways on the North, West and South are crowned with Chhatris and are known respectively as Talaqi, Humayun and Bara Darwazas.
You can read about the gates of Purana Qila here
The Gates of Purana Qila
Sher Mandal
This double-storied octagonal pavilion of red sandstone relieved by strips of marble is known as the Sher Mandal after Sher Shah Sur who is believed to have built it in about 1541 CE. Recessed arches mark its each side in the centre. On its second storey is a cruciform chamber with recesses on sides. Its interior is decorated with glazed tiles and stucco work with geometric patterns, possibly raised by Sher Shah as a pleasure resort. The pavilion is said to have been used by Humayun as his library and he is believed to have died in 1556 CE after a mortal fall from its steps.
Qila-e-Khuna Masjid
The name of the masjid literally means ‘the mosque of the old fort’ and it was the congregational mosque of the fort. It was built by Sher Shah in 1541 CE. The profuse decoration includes stone inlay using red and yellow sandstone and white and black marble, stone carving, and tile work. The large number of Jharokhas and the octagonal turrets at the corners of the back wall are distinctive features of the Mughal style. The prayer hall measures 51 meters by 15 meters and the centre of the facade is 16.5 meters in height.
Baoli
This Baoli (step well) was a source of water for the inhabitants of the fort. Given the height on which the fort is built, the ground water would have been quite far down, therefore necessitating the construction of this deep well. The structure was designed to keep the water covered, to keep it clean and minimize evaporation. A narrow flight of 89 steps, separated by 8 landings and going down to a depth of 22 meters, gave access to the water. The position of each landing is marked by recessed niches in the side walls. A series of gradually receding arches form the roof. At the northern end is a circular well, and water could also be drawn up with a bucket from this.
Hammam
This ruined brick structure is all that remains of a hammam (bath house). The remains of terracotta pipes and a ribbed water chute can still be seen around a room measuring some 3.2 Square meters. Such bath houses, with provision for hot and cold water and even steam rooms, were an important part of Mughal culture. In the years after the abandonment of the fort as a capital of the empire, this structure was forgotten and built over. It was revealed when the clearance of the village of Indarpat and conservation of the site was undertaken by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in 1913-14.
Moat
Originally, a moat surrounded the ramparts and was connected on the east with the river Yamuna. The moat has now disappeared because of modern day construction. A small portion survives as a lake today.
Pura Qila is best visited early morning at 6 am when the gates open. There is no crowd and you can enjoy the sights in peace. However do buy tickets online before because the ticket counter does not open that early. You can easily reach here by your own vehicle or a cab or auto. There is ample parking space as well. Clean well maintained washrooms are there.
