SeeHistoric siteOld Delhi

Feroz Shah Kotla

Feroz Shah Kotla is the fifth citadel of Delhi and was built by Feroz Shah Tughlaq in 1354. The previous citadels of Delhi were abandoned due to lack of water, so Feroz Shah Kotla was built right next to the Yamuna River. Today the ruins of Feroz Shah Kotla lie nestled between the cricket stadium, of the same name, and the Ring Road. The ruins of the Feroze Shah Kotla are said to be the abode of friendly djinns (spirit) and every Thursday hordes of devotees, irrespective of religion, visit the ruins of Feroz Shah Kotla with photocopies of letters, citing their problems. They stick the letters on different strategic spots of the citadel and offer prayers to the Djinns. Feroz Shah Kotla still houses several interesting ruins. Although minimalist in nature, they still reveal the former glory and splendor of the ancient citadel. The ruins of the citadel are scattered over a large area and consist of a handful of prominent structures like the Hawa Mahal, Jami Masjid and Circular Stepwell.

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Listing from Wikivoyage: Delhi/Old Delhi, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Updated 28 Sept 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.

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SeeRuins
Kotla Firoz Shah Palace
SeeRuinsOld Delhi
Circular Baoli
A circular stepwell
Just in front of the step pyramid of Hawa Mahal lies the circular stepwell. Delhi has a number of stepwell but the one at Feroz Shah Kotla is unique as it is the only circular stepwell in Delhi. Sadly the stepwell is kept under lock and key and interiors are not accessible.
SeeAttractionOld Delhi
Hawa Mahal
A three stage steeped pyramid with the Ashokan Pillar at the top
Hawa Mahal or Kushk-i-Shikar lies on the northern end of the citadel and is crowned with the Ashokan Pillar (Minar-e-Zarreen). It is built with a central solid core and vaulted cells around it. Stairs at the corners lead to the uppermost terrace where the Ashokan pillar is planted. The pillar was originally from Topar in Ambala. It was shifted to the present location by Feroz Shah Tughlaq. The pillar has inscription in the Prakrit language. Stairs lead to the very top of the stepped pyramid providing close views of the inscription of the pillar along with a bird's eye view of the entire complex and beyond.
SeeOld Delhi
Jami Masjid
Main Mosque of the citadel
The Jami Masjid, or the Main Mosque, lies just south of the Hawa Mahal. It is a gigantic mosque and approached by a long flight of stairs. During the time of construction it was the largest mosque of Delhi and was an inspiration for the Jama Masjid, the present largest Mosque in Delhi. The mosque is built of quartzite stone. It rests on a series of cells on the ground floor. Entrance is through a domed pavilion on the north, the pavilion in turn is approached by a long flight of steps. The roof of the mosque has long collapsed; apart from the side wall, a few pillars are all that is left of the grand prayer hall. Strangely the Jami Masjid is still an active mosque and attracts thousand of devotees during the time of Eid. Even on normal days large groups of local Muslims along with Muslim office staff from nearby offices drop in for there daily namaz.