Qila Rai Pithora Fort Delhi — Attraction in Delhi

Qila Rai Pithora (literally "Rai Pithora's Fort") is a fortified complex in present-day Delhi, including the Qutb Minar complex. The term was first used by the 16th century historian Abu'l-Fazl in his Ain-i-Akbari, who presents Delhi as the Chahamana capital.

In the popular tradition, the construction of the fort is attributed to the 12th-century Chahamana king Prithviraj Chauhan (called "Rai Pithora" in Persian-language chronicles). In the mid-19th century, archaeologist Alexander Cunningham made a distinction between the ruins at the site, classifying them among them to older "Lal Kot" fortification built by the Tomaras and the newer "Qila Rai Pithora" built by the Chahamans.

However, there is no concrete historical evidence connecting the site to Prithviraj, whose capital was Ajmer, and later excavations have cast doubt on Cunningham's classification.

The term "Qila Rai Pithora" (Persian for "fort of king Prithviraj") was first used by the 16th-century Mughal court historian Abu'l-Fazl in his Ain-i-Akbari. The term is used to denote a fortified complex (including the include the Qutb Minar complex), where the early rulers of the Delhi Sultanate based themselves.

Remains of the fort walls are scattered across South Delhi, visible in present Saket, Mehrauli around Qutb complex, Kishangarh and Vasant Kunj areas.

The texts contemporary or near-contemporary to Prithviraj place him in Ajmer: these texts include Sanskrit-language works such as Prithviraja Vijaya and Kharatara-gachchha-pattavali, as well as the Persian-language chronicles such as Taj al-Masir and Tabaqat-i Nasiri.[6] Later texts such as Prithviraj Raso and Ain-i-Akbari associate him with Delhi in order to present him as an important political figure, because when these texts were written, Delhi had become an important political centre, while Ajmer's political importance had declined.

Although there is no doubt that some of the structures at the site were built before the Delhi Sultanate period, there is no evidence connecting the site to Prithviraj or any other Chahamana ruler. In the mid-19th century, archaeologist Alexander Cunningham divided the pre-Sultanate structures at the site into two phases, attributing the older "Lal Kot" to the Tomaras, and the newer "Qila Rai Pithora" to the Chahamanas. Cunningham cited Ain-i-Akbari to assert that Qila Rai Pithora was the second of "old Delhi's seven cities".[3] As late as in the early 21st century, modern scholars have used the term "Qila Rai Pithora" to denote Delhi's old citadel while referring to the older Persian-language chronicles, although these chronicles themselves do not use the term, instead calling the site simply...

It's a really nice and peaceful haven on the bustling press enclave road. I'm speaking more from a casual visitor view rather than historical. I visited after almost 20 years, when earlier I used to bring my toddlers here for a day picnic. Was happy to see nothing much changed(in a good way!)... The remnant Fort Wall is still there and apart from its historical value, it definitely adds to the rustic appeal. Winter is the best time to spend a lazy afternoon here. There are ample open areas where you can absorb the winter sun, plus enjoy the beauty of a lot of old trees. Guards and maali seem to be doing a good job. However, it's shocking to see there are no dustbins throughout the park! Though an eyesore, dustbins are a must at big parks. Still the area is surprisingly clean, though a bit rough in the edges, where all the dried leaves have been piled. Hence a couple of composting pits will be welcome too. Stil I'm thankful to the visitors who didn't leave behind much litter(seems like we Indians have finally arrived!) and the workers who did a good job clearing up the mess. As for me, I saved my orange peels for the lone dustbins in the...

It is a fort belongs to the Chauhan rulers of Delhi. King Prithviraj Chauhan the Chauhan ruler rebuilt old fort Lal Kot, and extended it further. He renamed it to Qila Rai Pithora. After his defeat to Sultanate forces it was used as Delhi Sultanate fort. In South Delhi areas like Saket, Mehrauli, Qutub complex and etc. remains of the walls are still visible. Inside the fort there is a statue of Prithviraj Chauhan. It's a place of tourist interest in Delhi and a picnic spot for locals.As per the historians , this is the first fortified settlement in this geography built around early 8th century by Tomara dynasty & later further enhanced in the 12th century by Prithviraj Chauhan. The relics are spread across of the south west part of New Delhi. The prominent spots are in Westend Marg near to Saiyad Ul Ajaib Extension, Qutab Golf Course & parts of Sanjay van...