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Purana Qila

Purana Qila

heritage site · Delhi

State
Delhi
Type
Heritage Site

Purana Qila — the Old Fort — is the citadel begun by Humayun as Dinpanah and completed by Sher Shah Suri, standing on a mound long identified in tradition with Indraprastha of the Mahabharata. Within its mighty gates survive the Qila-i-Kuhna mosque, a jewel of pre-Mughal architecture, and the octagonal Sher Mandal library where Humayun fell to his death in 1556. Excavations here have revealed layers reaching back to the Painted Grey Ware cultures.

When to go

October to March

Why visit

Delhi's oldest citadel — Mahabharata legend, Sur-era architecture and the tower where Humayun fell.

How to reach

On Mathura Road next to Delhi Zoo; the nearest metro stops are Pragati Maidan (Supreme Court) and Delhi Gate, each a short ride away.

Purana Qila guide & itineraries

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