Crumbling stones whisper tales of Delhi’s dawn. Before you stands the Wall of Qila Lal Kot a relic of the city’s oldest heart. This mighty wall wasn’t always a ruin. It once defined the limits of Lal Kot the first city of Delhi. Built by King Anangpal Tomar II in the 10th century it was a testament to Tomar power. The area encompassed modern-day Mehrauli and beyond. Think of it a sprawling metropolis humming with life centuries ago.
Later King Prithvi Raj Chauhan expanded Lal Kot. He built massive walls around it. He renamed the city Qila Rai Pithora meaning Rai Pithora’s Fort. These walls were impressive. They were 5-6 meters wide and up to 18 meters long. The fort boasted seven gates. Two still stand today: Barka and Budaun. Imagine the bustling activity at the Ranjit Gate. A bell hung there. Anyone seeking justice could ring it. The emperor would hear their plea.
The original Lal Kot was known as Delhi’s first red fort. The name Lal Kot literally means red fort. This predates the Mughal Red Fort known as Lal Qila. The magnificent Yogmaya Temple stood near the Maya Gate. It’s said to have been built by the Pandavas from the Mahabharata. The area was even once known as Yoginipura because of Yogmaya’s presence. The Sohna gate opened towards Surajkund. This ancient city also had a sun temple and a lake.
Hasan Nizami a Persian author described Lal Kot as a marvel. He wrote there was no fort like it in the whole world. Today scattered ruins are all that remain. These ruins can be found in various locations. These include Sanjay Van Mehrauli the Qutub Complex and more. These remnants tell a story of lost grandeur a powerful legacy. These walls still stand silent witnesses to Delhi’s rich and layered past. They quietly guard the secrets of kings and empires.