SIRI
Built By: Ala-Ud-Din Khalji
Built In: 1303
Historical Significance: Second City Of Delhi.
From the southern tip of Hauz Khas Enclave, around 13-km
from Delhi or from Panch Sheel Road, a road leads east to Siri, the second
city of Delhi, built by Ala-ud-Din Khalji, around 1303.
The eastern portion of Siri is cut across by the wide road connecting
Moolchand Hospital and Chiragh-Delhi.
Its
rubble-built high city-wall is roughly oval on plain. It has survived only
in stretches, mostly on the west and south, with remains of some bastions,
loopholes for arrows and 'flame' shaped battlements, which appear to have
been introduced here for the first time.
Over other portions the alignment of the city-wall is marked by the earth
and debris. It is said to have possessed seven gates, one of which,
towards the southeast, may be seen even now.
No remains of palaces have come to light here. There are, however, some
derelict structures in the village of Shahpur-Jat situated inside it on
the west. Within or outside the city are, however, the remains of several
mosques and tombs, among which the mosque known
as 'Tohfewala-Gumbad' of the Khalji period, survived only by its domed
central compartment and Muhammadwali and Makhdum-Sahib's mosques, both of
the Lodi period, are well-known.
