The history of Old Fort:
The Old Fort is one of the most visited tourist places of Delhi. Purana Qila is a citadel which was partly raised by Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri, who was temporarily deposed Humayun. Sher Shah made a major contribution to public works, built the Qila Kunha Mosque and the Sher Mandal within the citadel in 1541 A.D. The purpose of the later is not quite clear though it is thought that Humayun housed his library there. He fell on it's steep stairs while answering the call to prayer, and died as a result three days later.

The three gates of the fort:
There are three Gates to this fort. Today entrance is through the Bara Darwaza. The South Gate is called the Humayun Darwaza, probably because Humayun built it or because the tomb of Humayun is visible from here. The third gate is the Talaqi Darwaza. Recent excavations in the fort has revealed painted grey pottery which date back to 1000 BC. Such and many more findings inside the fort have proved the location to be inhabited since the early civilizations. In fact there was a village inside the fort till 1913 called Indrapat which is very close to Indraprastha adding credibility to the theory of Mahabharata having taken place here.

The Qila Kuhna Masjid:
Inside the fort Qila Kuhna Masjid which is one of the finest example of architectural style being used in those days. The Masjid was built by Sher Shah in 1541 and it seems that there was an attempt to build the whole structure in Marble. But the scarcity of marble forced the use of Redsand stone. This mixture was accidental forced or intended we do not know, nevertheless the combination adds a different look to the structure. The inner west wall of the Masjid has five arched openings and which are richly ornamented in white and black marbles.

Excavations reveal:
The location of Purana Qila is not new to history, as the earliest reference to this site is made in the Hindu epic, Mahabharata. Recent excavations at the fort site have yielded painted grey ware pottery which dates back to 1000 B.C.The fact that until 1913 there was a village within the fort called Indrapat gives credence to the belief that Purana Qila was built on the ruins of Indraprastha. The walls of the fort are 18 metres high at some points and there are groups of holes arranged in patterns on the walls which were apparently meant to be nesting spaces for birds.

Boating in the Lake:
At the foot of the hill is a lake where the Delhi Tourism has arrangements for boating and also a sound and light show.