The word Hauz Khas in the Urdu language is derived from the words ‘Hauz’ means ‘water tank’ and ‘Khas’ means ‘imperial’Hauz Khas Fort near Hauz Khas Village is one of the most visited tourist sites and a favorite hangout place of the Delhiites. Hauz Khas Fort was the frequent hangout spot for all the south campus students, architecture and history buffs and was a popular lover point for couples before the place came into fame and limelight in the film ‘Rockstar ‘where Ranbir Kapoor and Nargis Fakhri take a stroll and chill around as college students.

Why was Haus Khas fort built?

In the early fourteenth century, the second Khalji ruler, Alauddin founded the city of Siri, on the grassland where his armies met the Mongols in battle. In the west, outside the walls of Siri, he built a large hauz or tank, that came to be known by the name of Hauz-e-Alai, in order to supply water to the new city. Hauz Khas was used for the purpose of providing water in the fort and city of Siri. The rainwater would get collected in the monsoon season which would be used by the people.

History of Haus Khas Fort

The lake today was once upon a time named “Hauz-i-Alai” after Alauddin Khilji. However, Firoz Shah Tuqlak restored the water body in the 13th century and built the entire fort. The fort was made with a tomb, madrassas, mosques, designed in a modern structure to the fort. The Madrassa and the mosque on the first and second-floor face towards the reservoir. The madrassa has a unique L-shaped design with staircases designed towards the lake. Firoz Shah built the South Western the edge of the tank which is the ‘Madrasa-e Firuz Shahi’. Yet, it was an institution that provided higher education provided by the emperor himself.

Present-day condition of Haus Khaz

Pavilions

At the right side entry of Haus Khaz fort, one can see six pavilions between a garden. The wonderful pavilions have domes with intricate work that represent the graves, the gardens and the pavilions were historically considered to be a part of Madarassa as well.

Mosque

There is a small mosque that goes towards the northern side of the Hauz Khas Fort with a view of the lake. Likewise, the mosque also has similar dome-styled architecture.

Madrassa

There is a small staircase on the lane going towards the mosque which will take you towards the famous Madrassa. The famous Islāmic learning institution of the Delhi Sultanate, the Madrassa has an architecture worth admiring for lovers of heritage. Moreover, the lobby on the first floor is full of decorations with small arches with the lovely beauty of the lake. The lobby of the Madarsa is perfect for Instagram and photography.

Firoz Shah’s Tomb

Firoz Shah’s Tomb is a prominent landmark from the Hauz Khas Fort. Located between the L-shaped Madrassa on the first floor. Also, the tomb has four graves, one of the Firoz Shah and the other three of his sons and grandsons. In the same way, other tombs in Delhi, rubble, and plaster were built on Firoz Shah’s Tomb. Moreover, the red sandstone was also used to write some sections of inscriptions. The entry gate of the tomb showcases a blend of Indian & Islāmic architecture.

Hauz Khas Lake

The staircase from the Madrassa leading to the Hauz Khas lake is unavailable due to safety reasons. To visit the Lake, one has to exit the Hauz Khas Fort. Between the upstate café in the Hauz Khas village, is a narrow lane going towards the lake. However, the Hauz Khas lake is now officially a part of the park of the Hauz Khas village complex and has a different entry. The lake is a quiet spot with various benches available to enjoy solitude.

Graffiti Street Art

The perpendicular wall with graffiti is tricky to photograph. At least 100 feet wall you need a great photography angle or a DSLR to capture it in a single frame. Hence, it is colorful and aesthetic.

Hauz Khas has beautiful cafes, and many shops which is a paradise for foodies, cafe lovers, and shoppers. Nevertheless, it is a world of its own for all those who enjoy art and understand the Urban culture of Delhi.

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