Location - Situated at Longitude 28.6205° N, 77.2500° E Latitude of excavated site.
Ancient Boundaries: During the Mahabharata Itihasa era, it spread across a vast area of five regions of present-day National Capital Region of Delhi (NCR Delhi). The Kingdom of Indraprastha comprised of Khandavprastha (capital area Indraprastha), Sonprastha (Sonipat- artisan’s area), Tilparasth (Tilpat agriculture area), Panprastha (Panipat traders’ area) Baghprasth/ Varnavat (spiritual/intellectuals area).
Current Boundaries:
The main city palace of the Pandavas was at the current Purana Pandav or Indrapath Qila region, on Mathura road, which was also the heart of the colonial Imperial City region of New Delhi, and also notified and preserved as Indraprastha District. The larger Indraprastha has merged with the border-states and some parts are part of India’s Capital Territory of Delhi. It shares its borders with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
Significance/Itihasa- Important Events
Indraprastha is the city-state of the Pandavas. Mahabharata Itihasa tells us that this is the place where they ruled from, with their rule lasting for almost 30 generations. The city has been described as ‘Swarga Nagari’, a beautiful place, as splendid as Amrawati. It is believed to be the first planned capital city with blessings of Sri Krisna and technical help from Maya Danav Vishwakarma, the Naga clan’s architect.
The Kingdom or Mahajanpada of Indrapratha was carved out of the Kuru Kingdom, when Kuru King Dhritrashtra divided the kingdom between his sons and the sons of his deceased brother Pandu.
The sacred text gives details of its making, and then also how Yudhishthira performs Yajna and organises a Rajyabhishek ceremony where he is crowned king in the presence of people of great power and eminence. It is said there were almost 100 kings and great celebrations. Pandava cousin Duryodhana and his uncle Sakuni too, participated in this ceremony. The splendor, affluence and respect shown towards Pandavas made him jealous and hatched a number of plans to have power over Indraprastha. It is believed that after the dice game at Hastinapur the Pandavas lose their Indraprastha Kingdom and are exiled for 13 years, but regain it after winning the Dharam Yudha on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.
Places of Interest
Most significant is Purana Qila itself, which has been written about as Pandav Kila in ancient medieval and colonial texts. The Site Museum within Purana Qila reveals how excavations link the cultural remains found at Hastinapur and Indraprastha to Dwapar era. There is a Kunti Mandir within Purana Qila, its authenticity proved by the two important temple inscriptions (recorded in 1925-26 ASI Report), unearthed during the 1913-14 demolition of concrete habitation of Indraprasth city by the British.
Other places are Rajghat area where Rajsuyi Yajna was organised. Here, one can locate Nigambodh Ghat and Nili Chhatri Mandir that had been renovated by Rajput kings. In South Delhi’s Mehrauli area is ancient Yogmaya Temple, linked to sister of Sri Krishna, and the Vishnugiri Stambh or Iron Pillar. An incident linked to Iron Pillar and rule of Raja Dhellu of Panchala region, tells us how the name ‘Dehli’ evolved. The 27 Nakshatra Vidya Mandir, linked to astronomer Varahamira (now called the Qutub complex), is also located here. The city also has ancient Kalka Devi Temple, Lalkot Fort of rulers Anangpal, Raipithor Garh of Prithviraj Chauhan and Bhairon Temples. Newly built temples include the Bahai Lotus Temple and the Akshardham Temple showing Bharat Darshan via boatride. Indraprastha has the National Museum on Janpath Road showcasing archaeology, art, epigraphy, numismatics and many thematic museums across the city. The ‘Chhat Puja’ is celebrated on the banks of the Yamuna every year. Near Purana Qila is the Indraprastha Park and metro station for ease of access.
Connectivity Air, Road
Most places of interest within Indraprastha are well connected with metro rail, bus and taxi.
Air – All international and national flights touch Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Road – Major highways link this capital area to all states and even internationally.
Rail – Well connected by trains to all states main railway stations being New Delhi Railway Station, Anand Vihar, Ajmeri Gate, Nizamuddin and Cantt Railway Stations.
