The capital of India-Delhi-is not just a political, industrial, administrative and fashion hub of the country, but is also known as a depot of ancient Indian history and literature. The tales of the foundation of this old city and the rich history has mesmerised people from across the world till date. And commemorating these instances are the monuments, forts and p
alaces that adorn the city and outline the country’s history.
One such monument is the Quila Rai Pithora, which is considered to be the first city of Delhi, established in the 10th century. The Fort was established by Prithviraj Chauhan, also known as Rai Pithora. The city was actually established by his ancestors who had invaded the city from the Tomar Rajputs. Anangpal, one of the Tomar kings, created the first regular defence work in Delhi known as Lal Kot. Prithviraj Chauhan, the valiant king, who stood against the Muslim invaders, took over it and used it as a part of his extended city-Quila Rai Pithora.
Historical documentation by the famous traveller Ibn-Batutta can provide us with an overview of the Fort as he mentions the 13 gates and the busy thoroughfare of the city through these gates. The document helps historians and history lovers to get a clear picture of the life and the lifestyle of the people back then.
The Quila Construction
The Quila was constructed using the materials from the rubbles of the previous monument. The ruins that can still be seen have ramparts, which are at least 5 to 6 meters at different places and the height varies from 10 to 18 meters at several places. The fortification was multiplied with the wide moat that surrounded the walls of the Fort from all sides. Moreover, there were several gateways, although none of it can be seen now. Historical accounts of the fort, however, confirm their existence, including the Badaun Gate which witnessed the main thoroughfare in the city. The western part of the ruined fortification has another gate known as the Hauz-Rani. Also mentioned is a big statue of the last Hindu King of Delhi-Prithviraj Chauhan.
A library is being planned, which would house artifacts from the medieval period and the era of the Fort.
The Quila Now
One of the chief Delhi attractions, the Quila Rai Pithora has now been conserved in a 20 acre DDA Conservation Park in Mehrauli. Located on the Badarpur-Qutub Road, the Delhi Qutub Road or the Mehrauli-Qutub Road, the ruins of the fort can be visited easily from any part of the city. You could either take an auto-rickshaw or local buses to reach this place. The nearest station is the Nizamuddin Railway station and the nearest metro station is the Central Secretariat. The Indira Gandhi International Airport is also close by.
You would require about 30 minutes for complete sightseeing; so take some time out from your Delhi vacation and visit this place.
