History of Siri Fort
Alauddin Khilji laid the foundation of the second city of Delhi- Siri, during 1297 and 1307. The construction of Siri fort was started in 1303 and it was built to defend against the Mongol invasions. Other than the war, the fort also served as the central seat of power during Khilji?s campaigns. Later, the Seljuk dynasty sought refuge in the city of Siri and hence,most of its architecture is inspired by the craftsmen of the Seljuk dynasty.
In 1306, Alauddin?s army defeated the Mongols at Amroha and it is believed that close to 8000 Mongol soldiers who died during the war were buried at the city of Siri. Before becoming a part of Delhi, Siri was also linked to Jahanpanah- the fourth medieval city among the seven, of Delhi Sultanate.
Legend of Siri Fort
It is believed that the name ?Siri? is derived from the fact that the heads of 8000 soldiers were sacrificed and buried in the city; ?Sir? meaning ?head?.
Architecture of Siri Fort
The city of Siri (or the remaining ruins of Siri Fort) boasts of striking architecture credited to craftsmen of the Seljuk dynasty. It took 70000 soldiers to construct the spectacular edifice. Built in an oval shape, the city had seven entrance and exit gates, only one of which stays now. The highlight of the city was the opulent palace of a thousand pillars- Hazan Sutan. The beautiful castle has luxurious white marble flooring and gates bedecked with precious stones. There are also found traced of battlements, loopholes of arrows and bastions.
The city was spread out in the area with water reservoirs at Hauz Khas complex. Khilji even moved to Qutub Minar and made modification to the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque and Qutub Minar itself. The ruler even had plans to construct a bigger and better minar (tower) than Qutub Minar and he even started working in that direction. However, the construction was left incomplete due to his death in 1316. Also, the destruction of Siri also began after his death. The locals and the later kings (majorly Sher Shah Suri) proceeded to extract precious stones, bricks and other materials to build their own buildings.
The rest of the buildings and parts of the remaining fortification was buried during the construction of the Asiad Village Complex in 1982, which was unexplored by the archaeologists.
Siri Fort Sports Complex at Siri Fort
Adjacent to Siri Fort lies the Asiad Village Complex, popularly known as Siri Fort Complex. The complex was built in 1982 as part of the 1982 Asian Games programmes. The compound was constructed keeping in mind the upcoming games; it comprises of huge courts of basketball, tennis and badminton, cricket grounds, enormous auditoriums, jogging tracks and the like.
The Siri Fort Auditorium is one amongst the best auditoriums of Delhi and is used to organize film festival, live performances and related events.
Best time to visit Siri Fort
Winters, early Spring or Late Autumn, is the ideal time to visit this place due to the infamous Delhi heat. The summers can get scorching and sultry, and your visit can get unbearable and really uncomfortable.
How to Reach Siri Fort
Delhi is a state well connected through metro and state-run buses. The nearest metro station to the Siri Fort is Green Park Metro, situated on the yellow line. The fort is in the vicinity of the metro; you can hire a local or a battery run rickshaw. You can also book a taxi cab for a more comfortable journey. Alternatively, you can travel in one of the buses which will be relatively economical.
Top Tourist Places in New Delhi
Hauz Khas Village
Red Fort
Qutub Minar
India Gate
National Zoological Park
Chandni Chowk
All Tourist Places in New Delhi
Tips
1. A very few people seem to know about the fort including the local rickshaw pullers. Most people confuse it with the Siri Fort Auditorium adjacent to it. You might have to walk a little and discover the fort for yourself.2. Carry a water bottle to stay hydrated.3. Wear comfortable footwear as you might have to walk a lot.
Comments on Siri Fort
Post Your Comment