Jahanpanah – Refuge of the World

IMG_9903WHAT: Jahanpanah was the 4th medieval city in Delhi established in 1326–1327 by Mohammad Bin Tughlaq, the ‘mad’ Sultan who is best remembered for having shifted the capital of Hindoostan from Dilli to Daulatabad near Aurangabad in Maharashtra. But what happened to the city that he built and lived in Delhi before moving to Daulatabad? Where is it now? Travellers like Ibn Batutta mention in their travelogues about ‘Hazaar Sutoon Mahal’ or the Palace of a Thousand Pillars, clearly demarcated areas for the residents of the old city of Mehrauli to flourish, Tughlaqabad fort being used as the administrative center for the empire and fortified walls that were to run between the older cities of Siri, Mehrauli and Tughlaqabad. This last being an impressive yet ill-implemented attempt of the monarch to connect the already existing cities of Mehrauli and Siri with the intention to fortify all cities of Delhi and protect them from Mongolian invasions.

ATTRACTIONS: Jahanpanah, meaning in Persian ‘Refuge of the World,’ has neither survived the ravages of time nor the city survived the temperamental Sultan’s rule. What has survived are remnants and stories which speak of the ancient glory of the ‘Mad’ sultan’s reign. We will explore one of the few existing monuments from the 14th Century, including a unique Mosque whose domes, pillars and layout make it an Architect and Photographer’s delight! Experience the wisdom of town and water planning methods of 700 yrs ago with a visit to the earliest Barrages used to control inflow of water into the city, take the  blessings at the Dargah of the 4th and even 5th city’s resident Sufi Saint, Roshan Nasiruddin Chirag-e-Dehlvi, the spiritual successor and last of the 3 major Chisti Sufi Saints who lived, taught & died in Delhi. See how the city has grown around the Saint’s Khanqa’h and Dargah.

BEST TIMES TO VISIT: Morning 7:30 AM onwards

DURATION & TOTAL WALKING DISTANCE: 3.5 Hours, 3 Kms in a loop.

STARTING POINT: Entry Gate of Select City Mall, Press Enclave Rd. Saket

BEST WAY TO REACH: Adequate parking available in Khirki Village end. Nearest Metro Stn is Malviya Nagar, on Yellow Line and then take an Auto-rickshaw (Rs20-30). DTC buses ply on Saket/Malviya Nagar and Press Enclave Road with regular frequency.

ESSENTIALS TO WEAR & CARRY:

1- Do wear a good pair of walking shoes since we have a fair amount of walking on this heritage trail

2- Sun-shades/Rain-shades depending upon weather

INCLUSIONS:

1- Bi-Lingual exploration leaders and facilitators.

To book customised versions of this chapter of Delhi’s story, mail us at explore@delhibyfoot.in/ramit@delhibyfoot.in  OR call us on 9871181775  OR send an online query here

To view other walks, click here

For more pictures click here!

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