About The Event
From Indraprastha to Partition: The Many Lives of Purana Qila
Discover the extraordinary story of Purana Qila, where mythology, archaeology, empires, and modern history come together. This immersive heritage walk explores its legendary link to Indraprastha, the rise and fall of Humayun and Sher Shah Suri, and its poignant role as one of Delhi largest refugee camps during the Partition of 1947. Journey through centuries of history at one of Delhi most fascinating landmarks.
From Indraprastha to Partition: The Many Lives of Purana Qila
Purana Qila is far more than a sixteenth-century fort it is a landscape where mythology, imperial ambition, archaeology, and modern history converge.
This three-hour immersive heritage walk traces the remarkable journey of the site across thousands of years. We begin by exploring the enduring association of Purana Qila with the legendary city of Indraprastha, the capital of the Pandavas in the Mahabharata. Through literary traditions, archaeological discoveries, and historical debates, we examine why this site has remained central to the narrative of Delhi earliest past, including its connection to the five villages demanded by the Pandavas before the Kurukshetra war.
As we move through the fort, we witness the transformation of medieval architecture under the Mughals and the Sur Empire. The story of Humayun and Sher Shah Suri unfolds through monumental gateways, mosques, palaces, and water structures, revealing how political rivalry shaped the architecture we see today.
Our journey concludes in the twentieth century, when Purana Qila became one of the largest refugee camps during the Partition of India in 1947. The fort, once home to emperors, became a place of hope, uncertainty, and new beginnings for thousands of displaced families.
By the end of the walk, you will discover how a single site encapsulates layers of history from epic traditions and archaeological evidence to imperial politics and one of the most defining events of modern India.
meeting point : Ticket Counter, Purana Qila Fort
Important Notice:
Please carry a valid ID and your confirmed e ticket for entry.
30 minutes before the scheduled heritage walk.
Entry ticket to be bought by the participants.
Outside food and beverages are not allowed.
Tickets are non refundable & non transferable unless the event is cancelled by the organizer.
