Delhi is a city of forts, each narrating a tale of its glorious past. One such lesser-known yet historically significant fort is the Feroz Shah Kotla Fort. Built in the 14th century by Sultan Feroz Shah Tughlaq, this fort stands as a reminder of Delhi’s medieval grandeur. Though now in ruins, it remains a fascinating site for history lovers and explorers.
The Background History of Feroz Shah Kotla Fort
The Reign of Feroz Shah Tughlaq
Sultan Feroz Shah Tughlaq built this fort in 1354 as the capital of his regime. Feroz Shah Tughlaq, unlike his ancestors, showed some interest in infrastructure and urban planning. Firozabad, the fifth city of Delhi, possessed this fort at its core.
Downfall and Desolation
Since the fall of the Tughlaq dynasty, the fort has never been in its best condition. The successive governments, including the Mughals and the British, were not able to maintain it, and this is how things stand in its current state. It is, however, of enormous historic and architectural significance.
Architectural Features of Feroz Shah Kotla Fort
- The Ashokan Pillar
- Feroz Shah shifted this 13-meter-high Ashokan pillar from Ambala and installed it here, making it a popular tourist attraction.
- Pillar inscriptions, dating from the 3rd century BCE, are in Brahmi and Prakrit scripts.
- Jama Masjid
- They built it inside the fort, making it one of Delhi’s oldest functional mosques.
- The architecture has ornate arches, domes, and Islamic calligraphy.
- Baoli (Stepwell)
- One of the most well-guarded secrets of this fort, this medieval water reservoir stepwell is a secret to be unleashed.
- Although ruined, it provides a glimpse of the medieval Indian water harvesting tradition.
- Magical Djinns and Underground Chambers
- The fort is rumored to be haunted by ghosts or djinns, and the tourists take pen and paper in hand and light candles in anticipation of blessings.
- Dark corridors and secret rooms are found in the ruins, which lends its dark side a more cinematic atmosphere.
What to Do in Feroz Shah Kotla Fort
- Visit the Ancient Ruins: Walk over the sprawling ruins of the fort and imagine its glorious past.
- Find Blessings at Jama Masjid: Visit one of the oldest mosques in Delhi, still functioning as an active mosque.
- Read the Mystical Djinn Stories: Majority of the tourists are people who believe in supernatural power. Experience their native traditions which are unique to them
- Visit Ashokan Pillar: Get amazed by this ancient artifact, a historical piece of India’s past centuries ago.
Valuable Visitor Information
Timings and Entry Fee
- Opening Time: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (All week days)
- Entry Fee: INR 25 (Indians), INR 300 (Foreign Tourists)
How to Reach Feroz Shah Kotla Fort
- Nearest Metro Station: ITO (Violet Line), and walk from there.
- By Road: Complete connectivity with the public transport system of Delhi.
Nearby Attractions
When you are visiting Feroz Shah Kotla Fort, you may also like to visit these attractions nearby:
- Red Fort – A UNESCO World Heritage Site and icon of Mughal architecture.
- India Gate – Indian war memorial.
- Raj Ghat – Mahatma Gandhi Memorial.
Why You Should Visit Feroz Shah Kotla Fort
- Live medieval Delhi’s architecture on your doorstep.
- Explore India’s ancient Ashokan inscriptions.
- Experience the mystical atmosphere and mythology of djinns.
- Uncover a treasure of a place beyond Delhi’s tourist hordes.
Plan Your Trip with Shahin Travels!
Travel back to medieval Delhi in Feroz Shah Kotla Fort. Shahin Travels provides you with a guided tour to help you uncover the forgotten history and secrets of this historic fort. Book your tour now!