old fort

PURANA QILA

WHY IT SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN “WORLD HERITAGE SITE “

CATEGORY ?

The splendid Purana Qila was built by Sher Shah in Delhi and was completed by Humayun .Endowed with marvelous architecture, magnificent structures like tomb , gateways , beautiful mosque inside the Quila with ornamental arches, decorative panels, geometrical designs and inscriptions is an example of the development of architecture and ornamentation during Sher Shah's reign. There are many reasons why this Beautiful architectural piece should be included in World Heritage Site Category

The thick ramparts crowned by merlons have THREE GATEWAYS provided with bastions on either side. It was surrounded by a wide moat, connected to river Yamuna, which used to flow on the east of the fort. three arched gateways: the BADHA 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 jharokhas , and are topped by pillared pavilions (chhatris), 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 .

REASON 1- THE GATEWAYS

TALAQIDARWAZA

HUMAYUN DARWAZA

BADHADARWAZA

REASON 2 -QILA-I –KUHNA MOSQUEThe 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 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 jharokas , was reserved for members of the royal family. 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". Today it is the best preserved building in Purana Qila.

QILA-I -KUHNA MOSQUE

REASON 3 – SHER SHAH MANDAL 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 first being in Pir Gharib at Hindu Rao at Ridge built in the 14th century by Firoz shah Tughlaq.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.

CITY OF INDRAPASTHA

Delhi is thought by some to be located at the site of the legendary city of Indraprastha founded by the Pandavas from Mahabharata period, which is consequently considered the 'First City of Delhi', In support of this, until 1913, a village called Indrapat existed within the fort walls.Ironically, the dates in support of Indraprastha and said five thousand year old city clash directly with proof found in other sites in India, namely the Indus Valley CivilizationCultural cross reference of the larger Indian sphere at the time, negates many modern commonly accepted theories.

REASON 4 - INDRAPASTHA

SOUND AND LIGHT SHOW

The Sound and Light show named as REASON 5-SOUND AND LIGHT SHOW

The Sound and Light Show of India is known as “Ishq –e – Dilli “is a major attraction of Purana Qila . The show was meant to open before the commonwealth games in October 2010 but it was finally unveiled by Vice-President Hamid Ansari on 6th January 2011.

It is run by India Tourism Development Corporation.

STATISTICS

Ques 1.Have you visited Purana Qila?Ans. 10 % said Yes and 90% said No

90%

10%

We have visited Pu-rana Qila.

We have not Visit Purana Qila.

Ques 2.Do you know who constructed Purana Qila ?Ans. 60 % said Yes and 40 % said No

60%

40%

Sher Shah Suri constructed Pu-rana Qila.

No, we don’t know.

Ques 3.Do you know when it was constructed ?Ans. 0% said No and 100% said No

We don’t know when it was constructed.

100%

Ques 4. Do you know about Indrapastha and Purana Qila’s relation ?Ans.20 % said Yes and 80 % said Yes

20%

80%People know relation between Indra-pastha and Purana Qila.

People know relation between Indrapastha and Purana Qila .

Ques 5.Do you want India to get included in World Heritage Site Category ?Ans. 90 % said Yes and 10 % said No

We want India to get included in World Heritage Site.

90%

We do not want India to get included in World Heritage Site.

10%

CONCLUSIONThere are many reasons why Purana Qila is a must visit whether it is From Qila –I- Kuhna to Sound and Light Show or Sher Shah Mandal to three enormous gates .A splendid Beauty which not only reflects the times of Pre- Mughal period but also the ancient times of Mahabharata . So, with such an intriguing history and captivating structures at one place should be considered as World Heritage Site.

CONCLUSION