Dear LG Community,
I am back with a hidden gem of Delhi’s history, Feroz Shah Kotla Fort. I visited this fort as part of a Heritage Walk conducted by INTACH Delhi Chapter.
History : Firoz Shah Kotla Fort was built by the last notable ruler of the Tughlaq dynasty, Feroz Shah Tughlaq in 1354 which was housed in the city he built called Firozabad which was the 5th city of Delhi. He built this fort and city near the Yamuna river which was away from the Qutub area where the earlier cities existed, to make sure that his kingdom had easy access to a water source which was the Yamuna river.
He chronicled many of his achievements in his autobiography Futuhat-i-Firoz Shahi.
Structures inside the Fort :
- Palace which was used as living quarters for Feroz Shah Tughlaq along with his family
- Mosque area built for offering prayers
- The majestic pyramidal structure which houses the Ashoka Pillar on top. There is a fascinating story behind how this pillar was transported over the Yamuna river, it requires a whole new post to explain
- A water tank used for storing drinking water
- A circular baoli which was used to irrigate the garden which used to have fruits and flower bearing trees
Tales of Djinns :
Many people visit the Fort and specifically the mosque area on Thursdays, offering prayers, candles and incense sticks to the Djinn who is believed to grant wishes to those who pray. During my visit, I could not sense any such paranormal presence, though I did see remnants of incense sticks and flowers in the mosque and around the baoli.
Accessibility / Ticket Details :
Wheelchair Accessible entrance is available, however there are steep stairs to reach the mosque
Wheelchair Accessible parking is available
Restrooms are neat and clean and are wheelchair accessible
Tickets can be purchased in the ticket counter or online The cost of ticket is Rs 20 per person
Footwear needs to be removed while entering the mosque
This visit would remain as one of the most exciting Heritage Walks I have been to. The fort has a unique history, mysterious ruins and intriguing stories which would attract many fellow travellers. I would love to hear from you all about some intriguing stories you have heard while visiting historical places.
Here are my other posts about my experience of other historical places in Delhi :
- Heritage Walk : Exploring and Uncovering Dara Shikoh’s Tomb
- Town Hall - Iconic Monument in Delhi
- Pradhanmantri Sangrahlaya - Tribute to our Nation’s Prime Ministers
- Discover History and Tranquility: Picnic Among the Monuments at Lodhi Gardens
- Exploring Safdarjung’s Tomb : The last flicker of Mughal Architecture
Regards,
