Hauz Khas Fort
The
Hauz Khas Fort Complex rests amidst the splendid beauty of a lake and
is a 10 pointer among the very famous tourist places in Delhi. Firoz
Shah Tughlaq re-excavated the silted tank and cleared the channels to
give shape to what is a famous recreational spot in South Delhi. Built
in the 13th century, is a hub of activities, a bird watcher’s delight
and a favored picnic spot for the locals.
Hauz
khas fort is one of the monuments of India and this fort is located at
Hauz Khas, South Delhi. It’s a perfect hangout place for college
friends, and so for quick family outings. Like any other fort this fort
mesmerizes the observer and he appreciates our history. Hauz Khas Fort
established by Alauddin Khilji in the year 1284 to ensure continuous
supply of water to Siri Fort. The fort built in the era of ‘medieval
history’, and marks the beginning of the rule of Delhi as the capital of
the first of the Muslim rulers in India. The word Haus comes from Urdu
word Hauz which means a “Pond”. The Hauz Khas Fort was built around a
pond or tank; hence it was named as Hauz. The fort houses many
structures mostly built during the Tughlaq dynasty especially the Tomb
of Firoz Shah. Other structures include a mosque, a theological college
and six domed pavilions, which were all built between 1352 and 1354 A.D.
Hauz-i-Khas, was initially the name given to the fort after the
emperor. However, later Firoz Shah Tughlaq ordered to rebuild this tank
as royal baths. It was he who christened it to Hauz-Khas. The monuments
which stand on the edge of the lake were a madrasa constructed by Firuz
Shah Tughluq in 1352.
A
T-shaped pavilion is standing surrounded by rubble after entering the
fort. The entire complex is L-shaped & Firoz Shah’s tomb stands at
the junction of the two wings. An unusual feature of the building is the
stone railing forming a courtyard outside its main entrance. Such a
railing is typical of Buddhist architecture & is quite unprecedented
for Islamic buildings.
At
the entry of the beautiful vast reservoir which is in itself a delight
to the senses, is a Deer Park. Lush with greenery and landscaped beauty,
it is a breeding place for peacocks, guinea pigs, rabbits, deer, and
such a long list of a variety of birds, animals and insects that grace
the gardens. The Light and Sound show is a great attraction to the
visitors and add to the beauty of the fort. Best time to visit South
Delhi’s Hauz khas if from the month between Octobers to March. Recent
restoration work on this lake was completed by the Delhi Development
Authority or DDA.Along with the efforts of INTACH or Indian National
Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage in 2004 by diverting stored rain
water that settled within the southern ridge in Delhi to this lake.
The
nearest bus station to the Hauz Khas fort is the ISTM bus station,
whereas the nearest metro stations are the Green Park and Hauz Khas, on
the yellow line of Delhi Metro. Hauz Khas Metro Station is just 1.6 km
away from the Hauz Khas fort. The fort opens on seven days a week from
10:30 am to 7:00 pm. No entry fees for the entrance to Haus Khas
Village.
There are a
number nearby attractions of Hauz Khas, which are worth visiting such
as Hauz Khas Enclave, Kalkaji Temple, Lotus Temple, Nizamuddin's Shrine
and Chirag Dehlvi's Dargah. In fort, there are four graves, one is of
Feroz Shah and two others are of his son and grandson. Six Pavilions are
seen in a beautiful garden that faces the Madrasa on its southern end.
Entry fee: Free
Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset
Must visit: Green Park (attached to the fort)
