Consider the following statements regarding Purana Qila: It is one of ...
Purana Qila is one of the oldest forts in Delhi and is a popular tourist attraction. Let us look at the given statements and understand their correctness.
Statement 1: It is one of the oldest forts in Delhi and built on the banks of river Yamuna.
This statement is correct. Purana Qila is believed to have been built by the Pandavas during the Mahabharata era. The fort was later renovated by Sher Shah Suri in the 16th century. The fort is located on the banks of river Yamuna and covers an area of about 1.5 km.
Statement 2: The present citadel at Purana Qila started its construction in the reign of Aurangzeb.
This statement is incorrect. The present citadel at Purana Qila was built by Humayun. However, the construction was incomplete when Humayun died, and the fort was later completed by Sher Shah Suri. Aurangzeb did carry out some repairs and renovations to the fort during his reign, but he did not start its construction.
Therefore, the correct answer is option A, i.e., statement 1 only.
Consider the following statements regarding Purana Qila: It is one of ...
A recent round of excavations at the site of Delhi’s Purana Qila or Old Fort has uncovered evidence of the continuous history of the city since the pre-Mauryan era.
About Purana Qila:
- Location:
- It is located on the South Eastern part of the present city of New Delhi.
- It is one of the oldest forts in Delhi and built on the banks of river Yamuna.
- The present citadel at Purana Qila started its construction in the reign of Humayun and was completed by Sher Shah Suri (‘The Lion King’).
- The Qila was inspired by Jama Masjid, which was established 15 years before the reconstruction of Qila.
- Architecture:
- It is rectangular in shape and is spread over an area of 1.5 kilometers.
- Another amazing feature of the Purana Qila are the three gates that are a display of a happy blend of Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture. – Bara Darwaza or the Big Gate facing west, the Humayun Gate facing south, and the Talaqqi Gate, which is often referred to as the forbidden gate.
- All of the gates are double-storeyed and comprise of huge semi-circular bastions flanking either of their sides.
- These bastions are equal in frequency, except for in the westward wall, where they are built at a distance of 73 meters from each other.
- The eastern and western walls of the Qila are the tallest, which were specifically designed for safeguarding the Kings residing within the four-walls.
- All the walls surrounding the Qila are 0.33 meters thick and supported by bastions.
Hence only statement 1 is correct.