I
t
is 4 km away from Connaught Circus to the S-East of India Gate, the foundation
of this Fort was started by Humayun in 1530 but remained incomplete as he was
defeated by Afghan hero Sher-Shah-Suri in 1541.
It
is located in the pre-historical Indraprastha (as is surveyed and
proved in 1955 findings) of the Mahabharata and completed by Sher Shah as the
6th city or Killa or the Fort. Later it was named Shergarh.
On the 3 sides by Jamuna. From 3rd BC to pre-Mughal period, there was fort in
Indraprastha. Humayun built a new one. Old Indraprastha became Dinpanaha. The
Fort was encircled with high walls having 3 main entrances. Entering through
the Zoo Garden or the Talaki Entrance of north, you will see the octogonal peaks
made of sand stones on Sher Manzil. After the death of Sher-Shah-Suri in 1548,
Humayun recaptured Delhi in 1555 defeating Sher Shah' son Islam Shah. Humayun
also destroyed Shergarh. However, Sher Manjil founded by Sher Shah became Humayun's
library.
In 1556, hearing Muezzin Azaan he intended to attend the prayer and coming out
from his library he suddenly fell down from the stair cases and died 3 days
later. Red grey colour bow-shape arch of Sher Shah gate is beautiful.
B
ehind
Sher Manzil on the right at Humayun (Red) Darwaja or Entrance is Field Museum
with the collection of (open 8-00 to 18-30) anthropological exhibits. The museum
has a collections of Mughal dynasty, Sultanate dynasty, Rajput dynasty, Gupta
dynasty, Sunga dynasty, Mourya dynasty and of the era before Christ.
The coin collections of Sunga dynasty (200-100 BC) is remarkable. Killa-e-Kuhana
Mosque founded by Sher Shah in Indo-Afghan sculpture is unique. However, the
killa is on the rage of ruin now. Highway are made through this killa. On the
right of this killa is Zoo Garden at a little distance, Hazrat Nizamuddin Rly
Stn.
The new attraction of Old Fort is Sound & Light show. By the light of renowned
Tapas Sen, the rise and fall of Delhi from Indraprastha to Mughal era becomes
live in Sound & Light show, duration of which is 1 hr. Voice given by Jaya
Bachhan, Om Puri and others. English version: Sept-Oct & Feb- April 20-30
to 21-30, Nov-Jan 19-30-21-30, May-Aug 21-00-22-00; Hindi: 19-00-20-00/18-00-19-00/19-30-20-30hr.
Purana Quila, Delhi Places of Interest, Delhi
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