What if these stones could talk? Mehrauli stands before us a silent witness to Delhi’s many lives. This neighborhood in South Delhi is more than just a place. It is a living museum of India’s past.
Mehrauli’s history stretches back over a thousand years. It is one of Delhi’s seven ancient cities. Imagine this place in 731 AD. Anangpal I a Tomar chief built the Lal Kot fort. Later, Anangpal II expanded it in the 11th century. He shifted his capital here from Kannauj.
The Tomars eventually fell to the Chauhans. Prithviraj Chauhan further fortified the city. He called it Qila Rai Pithora. But his reign was not to last. In 1192, Mohammed Ghori defeated and killed Prithviraj. Ghori then left Qutb-ud-din Aybak in charge.
In 1206, after Ghori’s death, Qutb-ud-din Aybak became the first Sultan of Delhi. Mehrauli became the capital of the Mamluk dynasty. These slave kings ruled until 1290. Later, the Khilji dynasty moved the capital to Siri.
Mehrauli also has older roots. Jain scriptures from the 12th century mention it as Yogninipura. The Yogmaya Temple near the Qutub Minar stands as a testament. Legend says the Pandavas built it.
Even after the capital shifted, Mehrauli remained important. Many dynasties added to its architecture. The Qutub Minar is the most famous example. Qutb ud-Din Aibak started it. Iltutmish and Alauddin Khalji added to it. The Qutub Minar complex is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It hosts the annual Qutub Festival.
Near the Qutub Minar lies the Mausoleum of Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki. He was a 13th-century Sufi saint. The annual Phoolwalon-ki-sair Festival takes place here. Mughal emperors Bahadur Shah I, Shah Alam II, and Akbar II are buried nearby. Their graves lie in a marble enclosure. To the left of the dargah is Zafar Mahal. Bahadur Shah Zafar the last Mughal Emperor used it as a summer palace. Next to it stands Moti Masjid. Bahadur Shah I built it for private prayer.
Balban’s tomb dates back to the 13th century. Balban was a ruler of the Mamluk dynasty. His tomb showcases the first true arch in Indo-Islamic architecture. Nearby, in Mehrauli Archeological Park lies the tomb of Balban’s son, Khan Shahid.
Rajon Ki Baoli is a stepwell built in 1506 during Sikandar Lodhi’s reign. It stored water but is now dry. It is now called Sukhi Baoli.
The Jamali Kamali Mosque was built in 1528. It honors the Sufi saint Shaikh Hamid bin Fazlullah. His tomb built in 1536 sits next to the mosque.
Near Jamali Kamali is the tomb of Quli Khan. The Metcalfe family converted it into a country house during the British period. They called it “the retreat” or “Dilkhusha”. Sir Thomas Theophilus Metcalfe built it in English style. “Dilkhusha” means “Delight of the Heart”.
Adham Khan’s Tomb was built by Emperor Akbar in 1566. It memorializes his foster brother and general. The tomb is also known as Bhulbhulaiyan because people get lost in its passages. The British used it as a residence a rest house and even a police station. Close by is the tomb of another Mughal General Muhammad Quli Khan. He also served as a residence for Sir Thomas Metcalfe. The Mehrauli Archaeological Park spread over 200 acres was redeveloped in 1997.
Today, many monuments in Mehrauli are in despair. Unplanned development has damaged many havelis mosques and baolis. Poor restoration has led to the disappearance of many heritage buildings.
Mehrauli stands as a reminder of Delhi’s layered past. It shows the rise and fall of empires. Each stone whispers tales of sultans saints and emperors. Take a moment to appreciate the rich history beneath your feet. Mehrauli is not just a place it is a story etched in stone.