Delhi [India], August 28 (ANI): Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra on Thursday visited the Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan Memorial and Qila Rai Pithora, emphasising the need for maintenance and preservation of this historically significant site.

The cultural complex, built in 2002, features a statue of Prithviraj Chauhan, a prominent Indian king who ruled over much of northwestern India in the 12th century.

Speaking to ANI, the Minister said, '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.'

The minister emphasised the importance of the memorial in Delhi's history, and assured that efforts would be made to restore the site, saying, '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.'

Further, in a post on X, Mishra reiterated the need for restoration, stating, '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.'

https://x.com/KapilMishra_IND/status/1960985298134773849

According to Delhi Tourism, the Qila Rai Pithora was created by Prithviraj Chauhan, also known as Rai Pithora, the 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.

Anangpal, a Tomar ruler, possibly created the first known regular defence work in Delhi, called Lal Kot, which Prithviraj took over and extended for his city, Qila Rai Pithora. The ruins of the fort's ramparts are still partly visible in the area around Qutab Minar, according to the site.

During the ear of Tomar and Chauhans magnificent temples were built in Delhi. It is believed that a twenty-seven Hindu temple complex existed at the site of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque and Qutub Minar. The Iron Pillar, standing at Mehrauli in utter defiance of rust and the ravages of time, tells the story of the glory and prosperity of the Rajput dynasty.

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. The remains of Rai Pithora can still be seen in the present-day Saket, Mehrauli, Kishangarh, and Vasant Kunj areas, the site stated. (ANI)