The Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan Memorial at Qila Rai Pithora in Mehrauli is an important reminder of India’s rich historical past and warriors who resisted foreign invasions.
Built in 2002, it features a statue of Indian king Prithviraj Chauhan, but bears a dilapidated look. During a visit to the memorial on Thursday, Delhi minister Kapil Mishra said there is a “great need for maintenance and preservation of this historically significant site”, which his government will work upon.
“A cultural complex was constructed at Mehrauli's Qila Rai Pithora for Emperor Prithviraj Chauhan. It was built in 2002. Today, we can see that although the building is there, there is no other activity. There is a great need for maintenance here...I have come here today for a visit,” he told reporters.
Emphasising upon the importance of the memorial, Mishra said his government will make efforts to restore the site.
"We believe that this is a very important place in the history of India and Delhi... and we will certainly take it forward in this direction."
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Later, the minister also posted on X, saying, "In Mehrauli's Kila Rai Pithora, a cultural complex was constructed in 2002 in the name of Emperor Prithviraj Chauhan ji. However, there is only a building here, with no activities. There is a need for reconstruction and other programs here; the Delhi government is committed to the preservation of such historical buildings."
According to Delhi Tourism’s website, Qila Rai Pithora was founded by Prithviraj Chauhan, also known as Rai Pithora, a popular hero of stories of Hindu resistance against Muslim invaders. Prithviraj's ancestors captured Delhi from the Tomar Rajputs, who have been credited with founding Delhi.
The ruins of the fort's ramparts are still partly visible in the area around Qutab Minar, according to the site.
During the reign of Tomar and Chauhans, magnificent temples were built in Delhi. The Iron Pillar, standing at Mehrauli, defies rust and the ravages of time to tell the story of the past glory.
The Iron Pillar, however, was not originally located in the Qutub Complex, and it appears that it was transported to its current location, possibly by the Tomar ruler Anangpal-II, from Udayagiri in Central India.
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