The Ancient Mughal Mahal Is Sitting Pretty In The Intriguing Ruins Of Mehrauli

Delhi is a treasure trove of magnificent monuments. There’s the iconic Qutub Minar, the majestic Hauz Khas Fort and the oh-so-famous India Gate. But, here’s 1 lesser-known monument that you guys might not know about, but why worry when we’re here to tell you folks about it?

Peek Into The Ancient Stories Of The Mahal

Picture Credits: daastaan_aur_afsaane

Located in Mehrauli village in the southern part of the city, Zafar Mahal was built in 1842, in the fading years on the Mughal era, a ruined summer palace of the last Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar II. It has two major components, the palace which was constructed by Akbar Shah II in the 18th century and the entrance gate which was re-erected in the 19th century by Bahadur Shah Zafar. The sad part of the story is that Bahadur Shah Zafar wished to be buried within the periphery of the mahal and the Dargah of Khwaja Qutubuddin Bakhtiar Kaki in Mehrauli, however, was eventually deported to Rangoon by the British after World War I in 1857, where he eventually died.

A Little Insight Into Its Making

Picture Credits: vinod_kaligiti

This magnificent structure was raised by Akbar Shah II, located 300 m to the west of Ajmeri Gate, has a huge and stupendous entrance gate called the Hathi Gate which is 50 feet wide. It has three storeys and is done up in red sandstone adorned with marble. The arch with a broad chhajja is the striking feature of the mahal amongst several others. Apart from that, there is a Moti Masjid built by Bahadur Shah I which was the private mosque of the royal family and has now been incorporated in the premises of the mahal. Did you know that Bahadur Shah Zafar used to visit the mosque each year to hunt during the monsoon season aside from being honoured at the palace during the Phool Walon Ki Sair Festival in February? 

This beautiful palace has proudly stood the test of time and is the perfect example of the bygone eras. 

Where | Zafar Mahal - Mehrauli Village Market, 818, Kalka Das Marg, Badiwala Kua, Mehrauli
Entry | Free
Timings | 10 AM - 6 PM