MEHRAULI CITY (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Art and Culture)

Context: Delhi's historic Mehrauli area hosts numerous monuments, including the famous Qutub Minar, as well as many lesser-known or hidden structures scattered throughout its nooks and crevices.

Mehrauli City

• About: It is one of the seven important cities that make up Delhi apart from Siri, Tughlaqabad, Jahanpanah and Shahjahanabad.
• Associated with: Tomar Dynasty, Delhi Sultanate, Mughals and British.
• Mehrauli Archaeological Park: It is spread over 200 acres and features 55 historic structures from various rulers, including the Khaljis, Tughlaqs, Lodhis, Mughals, and the British. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site recently revamped for the G-20 summit.
• Adham Khan's Tomb: Built in the 16th century, it is an octagonal Mughal-era structure located north of Qutub Minar. Known as ‘Bhool-Bhulaiya’ for its maze-like passages, it has served multiple purposes over time, including as a residence and police station.
• Zafar Mahal: Built by Akbar Shah II in 1820 and renovated by Bahadur Shah Zafar II, Zafar Mahal is adjacent to the dargah of Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki and houses the tombs of three generations of Mughal emperors.
• Alauddin Masud Shah’s Tomb: The tomb of Masud Shah (1242-46) in the palace complex is made of grey sandstone and is a relic from the Sultanate era.
• Balban's Tomb: The tomb of Ghiyas-ud-din Balban, located in Dar-ul Amaan, is notable for being the first site in India to feature a true arch and dome.
• Iltutmish’s Tomb: Built by Shamsuddin Iltutmish in 1235 CE, this tomb features a cenotaph in white marble with elaborately carved arched entrances and indigenous decorative motifs.