Purana Qila: A journey of Myths, Archaeological Search and a History of Empires!
What if the history of a place is also the story of everything people have imagined about it? Often associated with the legendary city of Indraprastha, the capital of the Pandavas in the Mahabharata, Purana Qila is a fascinating landscape where mythology, archaeology and recorded history intersect. Beyond its imposing walls and Mughal-era structures lie centuries of stories, unanswered questions and fragments of the past waiting to be pieced together.This walk explores Purana Qila through poetry, mythology, archaeological discoveries and architectural history, tracing its journey from the imagined city of the Pandavas to its transformation during the Mughal era and, eventually, its role as a refugee camp during the Partition of 1947.Together, we will explore the boundaries between fact and fiction, examining what we know, what we believe and what remains a mystery about one of Delhi's most intriguing historical sites.Walk HighlightsA City in Poetry: Begin with poetry and explore how Purana Qila has found its way into literature, memory and imagination.In Search of Indraprastha: Discover the Mahabharata's connection with Delhi, the legendary city of the Pandavas, and the stories of its characters, battles and forgotten landscapes.Digging into the Past: Explore archaeological excavations at Purana Qila, Painted Grey Ware pottery and other material discoveries. Understand what archaeology can establish about the past and where the evidence leaves room for speculation.Reading the Architecture: Decode the fort's architectural vocabulary, construction techniques, materials and regional influences, moving beyond simplistic religious classifications of architecture.The Mughals, Humayun and Sher Shah Suri: Trace the early Mughal presence in Delhi, Humayun's turbulent reign and exile, Sher Shah Suri's architectural legacy, and the eventual restoration of Mughal power.An Unfinished Mughal Story: Revisit Humayun's return to Delhi and his untimely death, while leaving the story of Akbar for another walk!Purana Qila and Partition: Discover the fort's transformation into a refugee camp in 1947, exploring the human stories of displacement, migration and a city forever changed by Partition.As we walk through its gateways, ruins and layered histories, we will return to one central question: How do we reconstruct the past from the fragments it leaves behind?Walk presentation will be done in a mix of Hindi & English!!Limited spots available so book now. DAY | DATE | TIME: Sunday | 15th Nov 2026 | 9:00 AM OnwardsCHARGES: Rs 650/- per personFOR QUERIES CALL: 9871181775Note: By attending you agree to being filmed at the venue and content may be used for marketing purposes of Team TBT-DBF.
