The ancient citadel that witnessed the rise and fall of empires
In short: Once known as the legendary Indraprastha, Purana Qila has served as a royal citadel, a battlefield, and a refuge. From the Mughal Emperor Humayun to Japanese internees during the Asia-Pacific War, these walls have sheltered diverse populations through centuries of shifting Indian history.
The origins of Purana Qila are layered with historical debate. While the structure is associated with the second Mughal Emperor Humayun and the Surid Sultan Sher Shah Suri, excavations by B. B. Lal in 1954–55 and 1969–72 revealed traces of Painted Grey Ware dating back to 1000 BC. This suggests continuous habitation from the Mauryan to the Mughal periods. Some historians, including Alexander Cunningham, even identified the site with the legendary city of Indraprastha, a theory supported by the fact that the complex was known as Pandava's fort until the early 20th century.
The fort's architecture reflects a transition in styles. The Qila-i-Kuhna Mosque, built by Sher Shah Suri in 1541, serves as a prime example of pre-Mughal design, utilizing horseshoe-shaped arches. Other structures, like the Sher Mandal, have more complex histories; originally ordered by Babur, this octagonal tower served as a library and observatory for Humayun. It was here, on 24 January 1556, that Humayun tragically fell to his death while descending the stairs after stargazing.
In more recent history, the fort's role shifted from a royal citadel to a site of humanitarian crisis. During the Partition of India in August 1947, it became a refuge for between 150,000 and 200,000 Muslim refugees. Additionally, during the Asia-Pacific War (1941–1945), it served as an internment camp for Japanese civilians. By December 1942, the camp held 2,115 Japanese internees, many of whom faced extreme temperatures ranging from freezing winters to 120 degrees in the summer.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Purana Qila
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