Feroz Shah Kotla is known for having one of the finest international cricket grounds in India. This cricket ground is the home ground of the IPL cricket team Delhi Daredevils. Apart from that, there is one thing about Feroz Shah Kotla that only some people know.
Sultan Feroz Shah And Ferozabad
Adjacent to the stadium, there is a fort built in the 14th century by Sultan Feroz Shah. The name Feroz Shah Kotla comes from there only. The idea behind this Fort was to make a new fortified city in Delhi called Ferozabad.
Fifth City of Delhi And Jami Masjid
It was the fifth city of Delhi. There is a mosque called Jami Masjid inside the fort. It is one of the largest surviving mosques in India where devotees still visit and pray. A lot of devotees also visit the fort and the mosque to get their wishes fulfilled. You can easily find a lot of wishes written on paper sticking to the walls of the Feroz Shah Kotla Fort. It is said that the wishes are fulfilled by the Jinns, who come down from heaven.
Topra Ashokan Pillar
The mosque is surrounded by an open gallery. It is typical of Tughlaq architecture. Towards the north of the Jami Masjid, within the Fort lies a 3rd BC old Ashokan Pillar. This 13-meter-long structure, which was brought from Ambala to Delhi, still stands without any rupture. The architectural skills that ensured the survival of the Ashokan pillar or Lat is really a subject of envy even for current counterparts.
The Brahmi script is engraved on this obelisk, which appeals to the future generations to follow religion and live freely.
The Baoli or Stepwell
One more thing that lies within the Fort is a circular Baoli. It is a stepwell in the northwest side of the Ashoka Pillar. The Baoli is now open only for research purposes and not for the general public due to security reasons. A magnificent and appealing large garden complex in the Fort, which was believed to be used for the royal parties during the 14th century, is also a major attraction of the Fort.
Mirrors of The Past
Feroz Shah Kotla fort complex is a great gift from the past. The fort area is massive. It is full of palatial rooms. The Fort has large boundary walls, which are fifteen meters high. It was built along the Yamuna river to solve the scarcity of water. The Fort is now up to the state of ruins, but it still provides an incredible view for photos and a mirror to the past. The best time to visit this beautiful place is in the evening.
How To Reach Feroz Shah Kotla
This Fort is looked after by the Archaeological Survey of India. One can easily reach by bus, auto, taxi, or metro. The nearest metro station to Feroz Shah Kotla fort is Pragati Maidan.
Now next time you will be watching a cricket match being played at Feroz Shah Kotla ground, you will definitely remember that there is a lot more than just a cricket ground at this place. For those of you who love exploring historical places, it is a place worth visiting.