[Solved] Who built Purana Quila? Humayun and Sher Shah

Who built 'Purana Quila' of Delhi in its present form?

[UPPCS (Mains) 2016]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Architecture in Delhi often saw 'layered' construction where one ruler laid the foundations and another completed the structure after a political conquest.

Authentic Source Evidence

While Humayun originally laid the foundation for the city of Dinpanah, the Purana Quila in its 'present form' is largely the work of Sher Shah Suri. After ousting Humayun, Sher Shah demolished much of Humayun's work and built the massive stone walls and the famous Qila-i-Kuhna mosque that define the site today.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Sher Shah Suri renamed the site 'Shergarh' and added the iconic gateways and the Sher Mandal.

Logic 2: Most of the surviving structures inside the fort dates back to the short but productive reign of the Suri dynasty, reflecting their robust architectural style.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What was the 'Sher Mandal' within Purana Quila used for?"

It was an octagonal tower built by Sher Shah as a pleasure resort, later used by Humayun as a library, from where he famously fell and died.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"Purana Quila stands as a physical symbol of the intense 16th-century struggle between the Mughals and the Afghan Suri dynasty."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Qila-i-Kuhna 2 Dinpanah 2

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