Unspectacularly standing in this throbbing metropolis of New Delhi stands the Purana Quila mute testimony to glorious history and ancient genius. This magnificent fort continuously viewed the rise and decay of empires for over four hundred eighty years and has stories of courage, treachery and triumph relayed on its walls. It is almost reminiscent here of what Rome is to European history. It’s high time the stones spoke-and about their several layers of history.
Purana Quila: Origins-Ancient History and Building
Purana Quila or “Old Fort”, probably is the most ancient amongst forts in Delhi. The traditional legend ascribes its building to the Mughal Emperor Humayun, who in 1533 started the work; after much debate, that which the scholars came to was that basically in the time of Mughals the structure was laid, but finally Sher Shah Suri defeated Humayun and usurped the throne, and he built the structure. From this single fort much can be said about Sher Shah Suri as the robust structure melds both defense and aesthetics together.
History
Relations with Humayun
It is the fate of the second Mughal Emperor Humayun to have pioneered that which later became the Purana Quila. The emperor had a dream of nothing short but a mighty capital for his kingdom and named it Dinpanah. Thus, the concept of Purana Quila was a dream that was his though the Purana Quila remained an unfinished dream in his period as his monarchial rule got disrupted by the invasion of Sher Shah Suri who then became the ruler himself to ultimately finish the fort.
Influence of Sher Shah Suri
Sher Shah Suri invaded Humayun in the year 1540 and did some much-needed extensive renovations at the Purana Quila. He made the walls strong and raised a series of structures inside the fort complex to make it strong enough to resist any siege. His architecture was after all, realistic builder and his architecture liked to be pragmatic with much beauty and grace .
Architectural Style and Design
It was the epitome of the style of Indo-Islamic architecture during the glory height of the Mughal Empire. Today, it is the melange architectural style in which both Persian and Islamic influences have combined with the Hindu influences as an aesthetic result of both the grand and the functional in nature.
Arquitectura Indo-Islamico Influence
Indeed, the indo-Islamic architectural style typified with grand domes, delicate carvings and spacious courtyards. The arcs, the minarets and other forms of decorative motifs bestowed upon a particular influence upon the style at Purana Quila-earnest reflection of the cultural amalgamation taking place when the Persian and the Indian style merged into one new language of architecture.
Hfoilts of the Use of the Red Sandstone
One of the favorite building materials of the Mughals was red sandstone, the main bulk of which was used by the Purana Quila. Further, this contributed as much towards the aesthetic values of the fort as to the strength and compactness of the fort. The reddish color imparts a kingly look to red sandstone, especially when the rays of golden sunlight fall on it at the time of sunset.
The Structure of Purana Quila
The Great Gates
Large walls of Purana Quila are without exception broken up with gaps at regular intervals, with three massive gates present at every entry inside the fort. In fact these three gigantic gates themselves represent examples of architectural excellence in themselves-representing the minute workmanship of those times. Their names are the Bara Darwaza, the Humayun Gate and the Talaqi Gate.
Bara Darwaza: In English, this means “Big Gate”. An imposing structure that spoke volumes on the truest magnificence Mughal architecture represented in the form of a large arched portal with rich carvings. First of all, one thing is a gate not designed just for entry but to proclaim power and authority.
Humayun Gate:
It is one of the important entrances of the fort and is also kept after a Mughal emperor, consider that during his tenure, this was the main entrance of the fort. There are some fine carvings and inscriptions present on this gate showing the aesthetic sense of the artists of that time.
Talaqi Gate
Mysterious- there is something about the Talaqi Gate-better still referred to as the “Forbidden Gate.” Stories even went to the extent that this was a cursed gate, and an unfortunate person who dared to use it would befall mishaps. But despite those stories, Talaqi Gate stands part of an architectural genius depicting a proper blend of strength and elegance typical of Purana Quila .
The Central Courtyard
Wholesome, the site is one huge open space wherein is situated the heart and activities of the mighty central courtyard of Purana Quila. Some important structures are housed herein, all important from the historical point of view.
Sher Mandal
Sher Mandal is an octagonal two-tiered tower that was built by the great Sher Shah Suri. For that alone, if for nothing else, it would have been a sight to watch as far as architecture goes. Of course, when Humayun recovered the fort, he used it as a library. Sad end to his rule.
Baoli or Stepwell
Inside Purana Quila, it houses the stepwell devised to supply water to its fort inhabitants. Most of the ancient Indian forts were facilitated with this stepwell, and finding a place in Purana Quila, it constitutes one of the most exemplary examples of the brilliance of those medieval engineers. Though functional purposes of Baoli vary, the cool shady environment was always appreciated during those scorching summers in Delhi.
Archaeological Museum in Purana Qila: It depicts fairly informatively the history of the fort and of the surrounding places. It houses a collection related to several ages of Delhi that comprises of pottery, coins and sculpture. As such these items are tangible links with the past which help in understanding the importance of Purana Quila. .
Purana Quila Through the Ages
Mughal Era
It is said to have history along with the Mughal Empire, except for small intervals during the rule of Humayun and Sher Shah Suri.
Sad Demise of Humayun
He has a host of tragic or ironic incidents within the precincts of Purana Quila. Most famous amongst them is the death of Emperor Humayun: immediately after snatching back the throne from what remained of Sher Shah Suri, while descending the stairs of Sher Mandal after the evening prayers he slipped and had fatal injuries leading to his untimely death .
किला मुघल Dyansty
The Purana Quila remained a very significant fort in the Mughal empire during the period immediately succeeding his death. Much of its significance were lost the moment newer and more magnificent forts like the Lal Quila or the Red Fort were built but the Purana Quila nevertheless remained a benchmark representative of the early Mughal period and of the early Mughal style of architecture.
British Colonial Era
It was in the aftermath of this incident, when at the worst possible time in colonial Britain, one thing was leading to another as the British were trying to win an advantage with even more strength to conquer Delhi.
Thus, the strategic importance of Purana Quila was well–known to the British and it proved to be one of the most important military bases of the British. Hundreds of army men were sent to this fort by the British and later many service structures mainly barracks and others were built. Still most of the architectural grace of the fort remained intact.
Role During the 1857 Revolt –
Much drama has been enacted here starting from the Indian Rebellion of 1857 or better known as First War of Indian Independence. When the rebels laid the siege of Delhi this fort provided shelter and refugee to the Indian and civilian people. Proximity to Delhi along with comparatively good structure proved to be very important during the siege.
Post-Independence Era
In fact, Purana Quila has since the independence of India in 1947 remained the status symbol amongst the ‘symbols of rich cultural heritage’ of the country.
Restoration Attempts
Attempts in succeeding years since independence had been made to reclaim the lost glory of Purana Quila. About renovation, it may be observed that ASI had come forward, taking over the charge to restore the fort to its original integrity and to make the same as accessible as possible to the general public. These have helped to ensure that the Purana Quila remains well preserved for times to come.
Importance Today
Besides being more of a historic monument, Purana Quila has always been a source of culture for tourists from across the world. It has been termed as a signature icon of rich Indian history and has been a place where several cultural events, exhibitions and educational programs are organized.
Myths and legends of Purana Quila
•The Epic Mahabharata Connection
Ghost Stories and Paranormal Activities
Indeed, as time passed by, the Purana Quila did become the source of a number of ghost stories and other paranormal activity tales. Indeed, scores of visitors who come to visit this place firmly believe that it houses ghosts of those people who, along with the soldiers, died inside the fort as members of the royal family. These kinds of stories add to the mystique surrounding this place.
Equally overwhelming in significance is the evening Sound and Light Show at the Purana Quila. This, briefly, is the saga of Delhi-from the days of Mahabharata to the Mughal era-retold through lights, sound and dramatic recitation. The walls of the fort also double up as a backdrop for this spectacle which enacts history in most enlightening and entertaining ways.
Events and Exhibitions
Apart from all these, many other cultural programs and exhibitions are organized within the premises of Purana Quila with an intention to depict every other aspect of diversified Indian culture.
Art Exhibitions
It holds art exhibitions from traditional to modern art exhibitions within its premises. Most importantly, it stands evidence of the talent of the artist but also an opportunity that enables the visitor a peep at the rich diversity through Indian art.
Cultural Festivals
Besides arranging for the art exhibitions, Purana Quila has actually turned out to be one of the hottest spots to visit where spate of festivals on various dimensions of culture are enacted. Be it the traditional theatre or contemporary theatre, it pretty provides an anachronistic hubbub of cultural events against the historical backdrop.
Visiting the Purana Quila Today
Time and Entry Fees
Thus, entry is still very nominal and remains open from morning to evening every day. In this way, it comes easily in the radar of both the domestic as well as international tourists. Easy access to the fort and the grounds maintained as such within have hotspots in themselves for historic enthusiasts, families, and school groups.
Best Time to Visit
The City of Delhi remains pretty cool from October to March. Due to this very reason, these months are considered ideal for visiting Purana Quila. As a matter of fact, these months are ideal for planning a tour towards the fort, as one gets the scope to enjoy different kinds of cultural events taking place in its surroundings.
Places of Interest:
Since Purana Quila falls very close to many other point attractions within Delhi, the whole day can be scheduled to have a grand tour of Delhi.
National Zoological Park
Walking from Purana Qila towards Pragati Maidan comes the National Zoological Park or as people call it Delhi Zoo. The sprawling grounds have all types of animals and birds. It is decent enough a place for a visit, more so for the families that have children in the family.
India Gate
It finally curls right back to the Purana Quila-most famously, of course-the India Gate, a war memorial erected in memory of the Indian soldiers who died/were killed in action during the First World War. The parade view created by the lawns and the flames and other attractions around the India Gate are supplemented by the historical atmosphere that has been developed for evening strolls and picnics around the Purana Quila.
Conclusion
Of course, the position goes way beyond a Purana Quila: standing to this day, being a living monument narrating the fable of Delhi from Day One of its existence. All the time-whether it was being a stronghold for Mughals down to the present era or adorning the position of a cultural hub-it has kept hostage the imagination of each and every onlooker. Rich history thus creates innumerable myths and legends about the place; hence, Purana Quila is one of those things to be seen whenever anybody intends peeping into the far-off past of India.
