Qila Rai Pithora, Delhi

Qila Rai Pithora, also known as Lal Kot, is a historical fort located in Delhi, India. It was built during the 12th century by the Chauhan Rajput king, Prithviraj Chauhan. The fort served as the capital of the Chauhan dynasty and played an important role in the medieval history of India. The layout of the fort included massive walls, gates and bastions to protect the inner defences. Prithviraj Chauhan, one of the prominent rulers of the Chauhan dynasty, ruled from this fort. His reign is known for his famous battles with Muhammad Ghori, the founder of the Ghurid dynasty, whose goal was to conquer northern India. Despite the defense of Qila Rai Pithora, Prithviraj Chauhan was eventually defeated by Muhammad Ghori in the Second Battle of Tarain in 1192. This marked the beginning of Muslim rule in the Indian subcontinent. After the Ghurid conquest, the fort became a part of the Delhi Sultanate. The Chauhan dynasty's control over the fort came to an end, and it was used as a base by successive rulers of the Sultanate.

The area is built within 20 acres of land which includes a huge statue of Prithvi Raj and books related to him in the library. It has become one of the tourist attractions of India. The outer walls of the fort were built using thick layers of rubble and mortar, with the exterior being made of red sandstone. These walls were designed to provide protection from external threats and were often fortified with bastions and towers. Qila Rai Pithora was built in a roughly rectangular shape, its walls enclosing an inner bastion. The design was adapted to the natural topography of the area, incorporating rocky terrain and elevation to enhance its defensive capabilities.

• It is mostly visited by morning and evening walkers who walk on about 900 meters of walking track built around it.
• This fort was spread for more than 6 kilometers. Inside it is a city with 27 Hindu temples and the famous Chaumukh Darwaza as the entrance.
• The monument has beautiful lush green lawns, remnants of the fort walls which existed as the first city of Delhi and which is associated with the Tomars, Chauhans and later Muslim rulers.
• Qila Rai Pithora and its surrounding area are visited by tourists and history buffs interested in exploring the city's rich past.

📅 Last update: 2024-01-16 || ✍ Author: Sandhya Chauhan

Meet Sandhya, exploring India with curiosity and wonder. She shares info and tips in simple language, inviting you to join the journey. She is graduated in tourism and writes about the places of India.