Jahanpanah - The Fourth City of Delhi

I find myself pondering if there exists another city or town in India that boasts such an enduring legacy as Delhi. Disregarding the Mahabharata period and other prehistoric eras, Delhi stands out as 'The City of Seven Cities' when we consider historical records alone. Jahanpanah, the fourth city, is the focus of this article.

History

Anangpal Tomar, believed to be Delhi's founder, remains shrouded in mystery, with scant details available about his era. Hailing from the Tomar Rajputs dynasty, they likely served as vassals to the Gurjara-Pratihara rulers before establishing themselves in the Aravalli hills south of Delhi around the 10th century CE. Anangpal Tomar is credited with constructing Lal Kot, the nucleus of Delhi's first city.

King Vigraharaja IV, also known as Visaladeva or Bisaldeo, of the Chauhan dynasty seized Delhi from the Tomars in the latter half of the 12th century CE. His grandson, Prithviraj Chauhan III, the popular historical figure and the hero of Hindu resistance against the Muslim invaders, extended Lal Kot by erecting another fort known as Qila Rai Pithora.

Muhammad bin Sam of Ghur invaded Qila Rai Pithora, defeating Prithviraj in his second attempt and establishing Qutbud-Din Aibak as the Viceroy of Delhi. Aibak later declared himself Sultan of Delhi in 1206 CE, marking the beginning of the slave dynasty's rule.

The Slave Dynasty ruled Delhi till 1290 CE. Firuz Shah of the Khalji tribe captured the throne in 1290 CE and thus started the Khalji Dynasty's rule in Delhi. Alaud-Din of Khalji Dynasty laid the foundation of Siri, which was the second city of Delhi. 

In 1321 CE, the Tughlaq Dynasty started their rule in Delhi. Among the eleven rulers of Tughlaq Dynasty which ruled Delhi till 1414 CE, only the first three were interested in architecture. Interestingly, each one of them added a new city in Delhi. 

Ghiyathud-Din Tughlaq erected Tughlaqabad, the third city, followed by Muhammad bin Tughlaq, who built Jahanpanah, the fourth city.

Monument

Jahanpanah was originally erected as a fortified enclosure between Qila Rai Pithora and Siri to safeguard its inhabitants. Constructed by Tughlaq Emperor Muhammad bin Tughlaq in 1326-27 CE, the walled city now lies in ruins. Its ramparts can be seen in Delhi-Mehrauli road, near IIT, to the north of Chiragh Delhi and few other places. Malviya Nagar park is a better site to get glimpse on its ramparts. 

Happy travelling.