Indo Islamic Heritage
Approach: Approximately 2.2 km north-west of Qutub Minar Metro Station and 350 meters north-east of Mehrauli Bus Stand Airport: Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport Railway Station: Nizamuddin Railway Station Bus Stand: Mehrauli Bus Stand
The tank is traditionally attributed to Anang Pal II, a Tomar king and the founder of Lal Kot. Historically, it was a popular gathering spot, but it has since dried up and is now used for cultivation. It is believed that Alauddin Khalji (reigned 1296–1316 AD) utilized the water from this tank during the construction of the minar and the extension of the Qutub-ul-Islam mosque. The architectural style of the site is medieval. Recent excavations have revealed that the reservoir is very deep, with steps leading down to the tank bed. A stone dam built across a narrow ravine was used to collect rainwater, and the dam's openings were designed for irrigation purposes. As per Zafar Hasan's account and Cunningham's measurements from 1862, the tank spans 51 meters from north to south, 55.5 meters from east to west, and is 12.2 meters deep. The structure is built using rubble masonry and locally available stone. There are no specific local or traditional descriptions associated with the site.
Year of Built: 11th - 12th Century
Address: To the north of Jog Maya temple and Approx. 500 m to the north-west of Qutub Complex
Country: India
State: Delhi
District: South Delhi
Pincode: 110030
Longitude: 77 10 53
Latitude: 28 31 31