Taking you to the old site with a new vision…
“One’s destination is never a place, but always a new way of seeing things”, says Henry Miller. So, come feel the unusual beauty of the forgotten SIRI!
Every place has a mysterious name articulated for it, which is well embedded with a historical story, and so is Siri, the third city of Delhi.
SIRI-Secret Inside Resonates Itself
Siri was once known as Darul Khalifa. Allaudin Khilji had built the Siri fort to prevent Mongol’s increasing invasions. Cascading a strong message to his opponents, Khilji beheaded around 8000 Mongol soldiers and brutally hung their heads on the walls of the fort. Ever since the dreadful act, the city is known as Siri.
Wall of Fame, Pride and Name!
The city was once known for its grandeur and magnificence. The tall walls of the Siri Fort served as the honor of Delhi. The splendid fort standing on hundred pillars was constructed by Khilji. Evidence reveals that the fort wall was about 1.5 Km long. But, currently only the southern and western parts are visible. The huge city comprised of many grand palaces and beautiful buildings. There used to be seven magnificent doors to go in and out of the city.
With many splendid remains as Muhammad Wali Masjid, Hauz Khas Complex, Hauz Khas Lake, Khilji Madarsa and Tomb, it still speaks loud about its lively presence.
A Half Done Dream of Unforgettable Realm
In addition to the fort, Khilji had also started the construction of a tower (victory tower) which he dreamt to be even taller than the Qutub Minar. But, unfortunately his fantasy remained unaccomplished. Even the half built tower still showcases a spectacular beauty in the Qutub complex, seeing which one is bound to get stunned.
Gateway to Islamic Architecture
Darwaz–e–Khas
A semicircular pylon, a gate like Ashvapada, which resembled an alluring lotus was also constructed. This gate is popularly known as Alai Darwaza and occupies a major place in Islamic architecture. This huge door located in the Qutub campus is located on the southern part of it, near its entrance. Built in 1311, this gate was the first of all four gates that Khilji intended to construct in the city. Unfortunately, he died before he could start the construction of the other three gates and thus left Alai Darwaza as his resplendant work to be cherished.
Sulatan’s “Madarsa”
In the compound adjacent to the Qutub Minar, a “Madarsa” was erected outside which lies a huge stone with a carved Archeological Department’s message stating, ‘This quadrangular courtyard is surrounded by high walls; it was originally a seminary which has its entrance gate in the west. It was constructed by Alauddin Khilji (1296-1316) to provide conventional Islamic teachings”.
A Tomb Known to None
Almost in the middle of the southern part of the yard, lies the Tomb of Khilji. Inspired probably from “Seljukian rawayat”, it is the first ever grand specimen demonstrating the practice of Madarsas and tombs in India. The controversial film Padmavat has, perhaps, awakened the sleeping history. But people are still not familiar with the person sleeping beneath the Tomb. Most people are unknown to the fact that this superb tomb is the Tomb of Khilji.
“Depletion” to “Restoration”
There was a huge wall in the fort, but, only a 3-4m wall could be found by the archeologists in the excavation. This marked the construction of another beautiful piece of work which is definitely going to dazzle in traveller’s eyes.
Imitating the Amusing Methods
In ancient times, lime, jaggery, and pulses were used for construction that resulted in strong buildings. Using the same technique for its reconstruction, lime is dissolved in water for six to seven days. The fruit of “bael” that is often devoted to Lord Shiva is cut and kept in a tank for several days with water. Later, this mixture is combined with lime, jaggery, pulses and sand and is thus used for the splendid construction.
With this captivating intakes, get an unusual gateway to such a classical beauty! Get a happy and magical experience in an entirely new frame!