Is Hauz Khas Fort Really A Fort?

Ishita

Is Hauz Khas Fort Really A Fort?

What today most people know of as a Fort, is actually not a Fort. I am sure all of us Delhites have at least once visited the Hauz Khas Fort. Seen the beautiful deer park and the lake that it surrounds. And clicked hundreds of photos, made reels, and whatnot. But did you know that it is actually NOT a Fort?

Photo depicting the (Royal Tank) Hauz Khas

The next grand monument that one comes across while wandering the Hauz Khas complex, often giving it a fort-like shape is the Tomb of Firuz Shah. The tomb in itself is very interesting because it was built in the 1350s, nearly at the same time when the Madrasa was built (when Firuz Shah was still alive), it was in 1338 when Firuz Shah died.

Thus, it could be concluded that Firuz Shah chose to have his tomb built in that complex. Another interesting feature about this tomb is the stone railing, which now is broken; evidence shows that the idea for stone railing was derived from Buddhist Stupa architecture, as such stone railings are not seen in any Sultanate building.

Built in the 14th century, under the reign of different rulers of the Delhi Sultanate, the ‘fort’ complex actually comprises a water reservoir, Madrasa, mosques, and tombs.

The ‘lake’ that we now see was built by Alauddin Khalji, who built this water reservoir to combat the water scarcity in his new city of Siri. The tank was named as Hauz-i-Alai after the Sultan. The years which had followed his reign had this reservoir dried up and was thus restored by Firuz Shah Tughlaq and renamed as Hauz Khas, which literally translates to ‘royal tank’.

The royal tank back then measured 123.6 acres in area with a depth of 4 metres, however, due to siltation the size, today has considerably reduced.

The monuments, which are mistakenly now known as the fort are actually the Madrasa, mosques, and tombs. The complex comprises of Madrasa-e-Feroz Shahi (College of Firuz Shah), founded in 1352, which is actually built upon the tombs of some of the very well-known Ulemas (Islamic teachers), so their influence could shape the student’s lives.

The Madrasa employed some of the best and most respected teachers from different parts of the world and was thus attended by students from various corners of the world as well. Among the top three main Madrasas in Delhi, the Hauz Khas’ Madrasa also became part of the list.

A T-shaped or the three-domed building found in the complex may have been used as an assembly hall or for multi-purpose, etc. However, after the fall of the Tughlaq dynasty, this building was used as a residence for villagers nearby. It is said that the village was known as Tarababad which literally translates to the city of joy.

There also lies the remnants of mosques, which do not survive today. The mosques functioned as a place to offer prayers for the students and teachers who lived or worked in the Madrasa. The mosque, though mostly ruined is marked by mihrabs or arched niches and has a western wall with decorative windows giving it the sight of the tank. Alongside the wall are the stairs which led to the tank itself.

Since Firuz Shah was known for his interest in architecture, such as extravaganza, grandeur buildings were built in order to reflect his wealth. Though it is not sure how and why was this complex referred to as a fort, its grand buildings, and fusion of Indo-Islamic Architecture make the complex nothing less than a fort.

Its intricate architecture, an open garden and pleasant weather due to the Hauz make this a great tourist attraction for those who love nature and photography. Not only can one capture the beauty of nature, but the complex itself is the intersection of past and present. While the complex represents the beauty of the past through its architecture and planning, right outside the complex lies present-day Delhi, with a lane filled with cafes, bars, pubs, numerous art galleries, etc. Hauz Khas complex thus does not stand remotely, and therefore attracts youth.

The Hauz Khas complex, especially the tombs are embellished with Quranic inscriptions and such details make this complex a true delight for the eyes of young aspiring historians, scholars, or someone who appreciates art. Though the complex is preserved and is considered a heritage site, however, one can witness illegal encroachment within the complex and nearby.

Dr. Sudev Sheth, a senior lecturer at the Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania, thoroughly worked on urban villages to reconstruct urban history through the case study of Hauz Khas village. He has studied the village with regards to the environmental changes, social and cultural changes leading to encroachment of the Hauz Khas complex, and the relationship between the residents and the authorities (municipal, restoration, etc.)

His work provides that since the complex works as a bridge between modernity and the past, the urban village of Hauz Khas is thus very special in its own kind.

The tomb consists of Firuz Shah’s grave in the center with other marble graves of his son and grandson. According to an inscription at the southern entrance of the tomb, it could be noted that the tomb was repaired by Sikandar Lodhi in 1508.

Across the garden, one can see pavilions which were mostly used as study halls, which were originally tombs of teachers, as it was thought that students would sit and study under the shadow of their departed teachers. Evidence shows that two of the smallest pavilions may have been part of a larger building, which does not survive today.

The Madrasa is built with the common Sultanate-like architecture of rubble masonry, and the L-shape allows it to surround the royal tank, so the rooms in the lower levels have a view of the royal tank, while the upper levels are garden viewing. It is built with blocks of quartzite. The Madrasa is built in a way to allow light and air even in the darkest of the cells of the lower level through its arcaded structured rooms.