Lal Kot or Quila Rai Pithora

Although Delhi had been a thriving city for several centuries, the first city' of the dating to 11th century gets its recognition due to the availability of recorded historical facts. Qila Rai Pithora was created by Prithviraj Chauhan, also known as Rai Pithora, the popular hero of the stories of Hindu resistance against Muslim invaders. Prithviraj’s ancestors captured Delhi from the Tomar Rajputs who have been credited with founding Delhi. Anangpal, a Tomer ruler possibly created the first known regular defense- work in Delhi called Lal Kot- which Prithviraj took over and extended for his city Qila Rai Pithora. The ruins of the fort ramparts are still partly visible in the area around Qutab Minar. During the ear of Tomar and Chauhans magnificent temples were built in Delhi. It is believed that twenty seven Hindu temples complex existed at the site of Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque and Qutub Minar. The Iron Pillar standing at Mehrauli in utter defiance of rust and ravages of time tells the glory and prosperity of the Rajput dynasty. The Iron Pillar however was not originally in the Qutub Complex and it would appear that it was transported to its current location, perhaps by the Tomer ruler, Anangpal-II from Udayagiri in Central India. The remains of Rai Pithora can still be seen in the present Saket, Mehrauli, Kishangarh and Vasant Kunj area.