Indo Islamic Heritage
The nearest metro station is Indraprastha Metro Station on the Blue Line, located just about 130 meters away, making it a short 2-minute walk to the fort. For those traveling by bus, the closest bus stand is Pragati Maidan (Bhairon Marg), merely a minute's walk from the entrance, with multiple Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses stopping there. Another nearby option is the National Stadium bus stop, which is also within a 2-minute walking distance and well-connected through several bus routes. If you're arriving by train, the nearest suburban railway station is Pragati Maidan Railway Station, around 1.2 kilometers away, which is about a 20-minute walk. For long-distance travelers, the New Delhi Railway Station is the closest major railway hub, approximately 5 kilometers from Purana Qila, and can be reached easily by metro or bus.
The Qila Kuhna Masjid (also spelled Qila-i-Kuhna Masjid) is a remarkable historical mosque located within the premises of Purana Qila (Old Fort) in Delhi, India. Built in 1541 by Sher Shah Suri, the founder of the Sur Empire, the mosque reflects a significant phase in Indo-Islamic architecture and marks a transition between the Lodi and Mughal architectural styles. Sher Shah constructed the Qila Kuhna Masjid as his private place of worship after he captured Delhi and began fortifying the Purana Qila. The name “Qila Kuhna” literally means "the old fort mosque", indicating its location within the fort complex. The mosque is made primarily of red sandstone and white marble, and it is renowned for its symmetrical layout, beautiful calligraphy, and intricate inlay work. The structure features a single large prayer hall with five arched doorways on the eastern façade, with the central arch being the tallest. Inside, the mihrab (prayer niche) is elaborately decorated with Quranic inscriptions and geometric designs. The mosque lacks minarets but includes a domed roof, reflecting the simplicity and elegance of early Islamic architecture in India. Qila Kuhna Masjid holds historical importance not only as a place of worship but also as a symbol of Sher Shah Suri’s architectural vision and his attempt to assert power through cultural and religious monuments. Despite the later Mughal dominance, the mosque remains an iconic example of pre-Mughal architecture and continues to attract historians, tourists, and architecture enthusiasts alike.
Year of Built: 16th Century
Address: Purana Quila, Purana Qila, Mathura Rd, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Country: India
State: Delhi
District: South Delhi
Pincode: 110001
Longitude: 77.2437
Latitude: 28.6096