Purana Qila was constructed in the 16th century and within the first 25 years of its construction, passed from one ruler to the other and saw many great kings die of accidents and war. As of now, the Qila still stands tall right next to the Delhi Zoological Gardens and is often the venue for concerts etc. It also hosts a sound and light show after sunset that showcases the history of the seven cities of Delhi.
The architecture is mostly Mughal with intricate carvings and domes. However, the qila was briefly captured by Hemu, the Hindu king. He was coronated in the qila and after his death in the second battle of Panipat, his torso was hung outside the qila as a warning.
Unimpressed by the bloody history of the Qila, delhites now endorse it as a place of solitude and romance.
Chhatris on the North Gate. The North gate is also known as the Talaqi Darwaza or the forbidden gate.
Grounds around the quila could do with some landscaping. Imagine if this patch had lush green grass, how beautiful would the entire scene be.
Some work is ongoing. But I think, we need more workforce to be employed in the area and more investment in the upkeep. Some lessons can be learnt from the way Qutb Minar complex is maintained.
A lone cyclist on the road next to the qila complex. Visible in the background is the Sher Mandal which has some interesting (read bloody) history of its own.
Arches, domes and chhatris are the sure signs of Mughal architecture coupled with red stones. Some of the most imposing monuments in India are Mughal.
Typical door of a Mughal building. Very interesting and photogenic. Some at Humanyun's Tomb which is visible from the Humanyun Gate at Purana qila have stars and flowers on them.
Qila-i-kuhna mosque in the complex. It is the best preserved building in the complex today.
The five arches of the mosque are clearly visible in this picture. The complex itself is spacious and open. An ideal place for a walk when it's not too hot.
Close up of some of the carvings on the walls. Typical flower carvings that set the Mughal architecture apart from the rest of the architecture of the era.
Another place where some work is going on. It must take a lot of determination and alertness to maintain a building that is almost crumbling.
The Sher mandal which was built as an observatory. This was also the place where the emperor Humanyun met with his untimely death after a fatal accident when he slipped on the stairs while going for the evening Namaz.
There are very few places in Delhi where young couple can have some time to themselves where they are not harrassed by police or transgenders. I'm not sure what the situation in the Purana qila complex is like. But I did see many young couples sitting and chatting.
The common myna which is usually seen in pairs. In fact, if you see one without a partner, it is supposed to bring bad luck. However, this one brought me good luck as I got some excellent shots from this excursion.
The quitessential snack vendor. Though it is nice to see an absence of litter around him.
There is a museum inside Old Fort Campus !!!
The small lake next to the qila which is a popular boating location. The qila in fact was built on the banks of the river Yamuna. The river seems to have receded or changed course now.
A child chilling around in the complex.
Time to move towards parking area and go back home !!!
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