Kushak Mahal

Kushak Mahal

Nearest Airport - IGI Airport Nearest Bus Stand - PM Sangrahalaya Nearest Metro Station - Udyog Bhawan 22 min walk Nearest Railway station - New Delhi Railway Station or Sarojini Nagar Kushak Mahal, located within the grounds of Teen Murti Bhawan, derives its name from the word "Kushak," meaning "King." Built during the reign of Firoz Shah Tughlaq between 1351-1388 AD, this structure likely served as a hunting lodge or "Shikar Ghar" for the Sultan. Constructed from rubble and sand, the building features three arched openings that lead into three separate compartments. It stands on a 5-meter-high terrace, providing a commanding view of the surrounding area. Historically, it is believed to have been aligned with an embankment that once stored rainwater, though this reservoir no longer exists today.

Kushak Mahal, also known as Shikargah, was built in the 14th century by Firoz Shah Tughlaq, a prominent ruler of the Tughlaq dynasty in Delhi. It served as a hunting lodge (Shikargah), where the sultan and his entourage could rest during hunting expeditions. Located within the grounds of Teen Murti Bhavan, now a museum dedicated to India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, the Kushak Mahal is also close to the Nehru Planetarium. The structure is a typical example of Tughlaq-era architecture, known for its simplicity and strength. The hunting lodge is a near square-shaped structure, featuring three open bays, with each bay divided into three compartments. The building is constructed in local stone, and its architectural style reflects the military and functional nature of Tughlaq buildings, which often combined practicality with a sense of grandeur. Today, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protects this monument as part of India's cultural heritage. The lodge's placement in the peaceful surroundings of Teen Murti Bhavan grounds adds a historical dimension to a location associated with modern Indian history. Kushak Mahal's function as a hunting retreat gives insight into the recreational practices of the Tughlaq court and serves as a reminder of Delhi's rich medieval past, blending with the city's later historical layers.


Address:

TEEN MURTI BHAVAN, Teen Murti Marg Area, New Delhi, Delhi 110011

Type:

Monuments

Country:

India

State:

Delhi

District:

Central Delhi

Year Built:

Approx around 14 century

Own By:

ASI