Qila Rai Pithora, also called Lal Kot and Rai Pithora’s Fort, was a fort city. It was constructed in the 12th century by Prithviraj Chauhan, who was the king of the Chauhan Rajputs. They had seized Delhi city from Tomar Rajputs. The fort also housed citadel of Lal Kot, which was the much older fort constructed by the Tomar Rajput ruler of the 8th century.

The Persian word “Qila” means “fort” or “castle.”  The Tomars, the Chauhans, and the Salve Dynasty reigned over Delhi from this fort from the 12th to the 13th century. Lal Kot is the first fort in Delhi to be built of red stone.

Today, remnants of this fort’s walls are scattered across South Delhi. They are visible in Mehrauli, Saket, Kishangarh, Qutub Complex, and Vasant Kunj areas of the city.

Architecture

Today, structure of Qila Rai Pithora is in crumbles. Yet, it still exhibits grandeur of the olden times. The fort has a path made of red sand. Tourists can find the fort left with a collapsing wall and fortress of Lal Kot.

The top of the fort wall offers a spectacular view. As tourists climb a few stone and earthen steps, they can admire the sight of Adam Khan Tomb, Qutub Minar, and Sajay Van. Along the Mehrauli-Qutub road the fort wall runs parallel and has an opening to it. The remains of Lal Kot fortress can be seen from Badarpur-Qutub road.

It is believed that 27 Hindu temples were present at the site of Qutub Minar and Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque. An Iron Pillar covered with rust stands at Mehrauli. It speaks about the prosperity and glory of the Rajput Dynasty. According to historians, the pillar was not at the Qutub complex originally. It seems that Anangpal-II, the Tomer ruler, from Udaygiri in Central India, transported the pillar to its present site.

Best Time to Visit

Tourists can visit Qila Rai Pithora any time of the year.

How to Reach

Delhi is connected to main cities of India by rail, road, and air. There are metro trains, buses, cabs, and auto rickshaws that can take tourists to Qila Rai Pithora.

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