Long before the British gained control of Delhi and the rest of India, Delhi was ruled by a series of dynasties that followed each other as the destiny of India was being shaped. The first major turn in the history of Delhi, and of India as a whole, came in the 12th century AD, when the last local resistance to the army of Mohammad of Ghur was overcome, and Delhi came under the control of the first Islamic rulers of India. Qutb-ud-din Aibak was the first ruler to have ruled from Delhi. The success of his and his successors ensured the permanent triumph of Islam in India. Many other dynasties followed, including the Khiljis, Tughluqs, Lodhis, and the mighty Mughuls. They built many forts, palaces, mosques, and other monuments, some of which still stand today, providing evidence of the glory of medieval Delhi. The forts and other historical monuments are among the major attractions of tourism in New Delhi. Among these, the Old Fort is among the best known tourist destinations of Delhi. The fort has seen a lot of dramatic events over its long history.

The old Fort in Delhi was part of the city called �Dinpanah� built by Mughul Emperor Humayun in early16th century. The fort is no match to the grandeur of the Agra Fort and the Red Fort in Delhi, subsequently built by his successors. Humayun had a troubled reign lost control of the fort to his arch-rival Sher Shah Suri. Sher Shah rebuilt the fort according to his requirements. The octagonal structure known as Humayun�s library is said to have been built by him and was called Sher Mandal. Humayun recaptured the fort in 1555, and was about to consolidate his reign when his life was cut short by an accident, believed to be fall from the stairs of the library.

The fort is located close to Humayun�s tomb on the Mathura road towards the east of India Gate. The site of the fort, also known as Purana Qila, seems to have been inhabited during prehistoric times. Excavations have revealed artifacts pointing towards this. Some experts also have reasons to believe that the city of Indraprastha, mentioned in the legend Mahabharata, was located here. The ruins may be concealed by the mound of the fort.

The once mighty fort has three entrances through three imposing gates, namely, Talaqi darwaza, Humayun darwaza, and Bara darwaza. The gates are topped by richly adorned kiosks, or chatris. The red sandstone gates are among the prominent features of the old fort in Delhi. The present day entrance is through the Bara darwaza, while the Humayun�s tomb can be seen through the Humayun darwaza. Some prominent buildings, most of them built by Sher Shah, are among the other attractions of the Old fort. Among these, the Qila-i-Kuhna mosque and the Sher mandal are most famous. The architecture of the fort reflects a transition from the earlier Indo-Islamic style to the Mughul style that would sweep the country in the years to come. The fort is one of the most popular tourist attractions of New Delhi and must be visited by tourists during their tours of the city.

Touristplacesinindia.com offers online information about Old Fort in New Delhi, and the other tourist places in India.