Purana Qila (Old Fort) was originally named Dina – Panah by Mughal Emperor Humayun, who founded it as the 6th great city of Delhi. Historical records suggest the same; however, people believe that the fort had been built by the Pandavas, the clan of great warriors from Mahabharata saga. They believe it to the site of ancient city of Indraprastha, the first city of Delhi, founded by the Pandavas around 1000 BC. Even the excavations at the site by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), at the site had unearthed artefacts dating back to 1000 BC, adding to the belief.
The present structure has walls, which rise to a height of 18 metres and run for 1.5 kms. The fort has 3 arched gateways, namely, Bada Darwaza, Humayun Gate, and Talaqi Gate (Forbidden Gate).
The fort was taken over by Sher Shah Suri when he defeated Humayun. He added several structures to the fort and renamed it Shergarh. The fort still has some of those structures remaining like the Qila – I – Kuna mosque, built by him in 1541, and, the Sher Mandal, the place where Humayun died after slipping from the stairs.
At the back of the complex lies Bhairava Mandir, which is believed to be from the age of the Pandavas. The lake outside the fort is famous among people looking to spend some leisurely hours paddle – boating.
The National Zoological Gardens of India are situated just a stone’s throw away.
