Hauz Khas

Hauz Khas (or Royal Tank) is a 100-acre man-made water reservoir built in the 13th century by the reigning Sultan of Delhi, Alauddin Khilji (ruled 1296-1316), to supply water to his fortress-city of Siri. Decades later an educational institution and tomb were built on its banks by Firoz Shah Tughlaq (ruled 1351-88). Read more»
Map to the Hauz Khas Village indicating the monument as well as shops in the area

The Village

Today Hauz Khas is more than either a tank or a monument. Over the last couple of decades, the centuries-old, sleepy village that grew around the tank has evolved into a chic shopping destination boasting an impressive array of eateries, boutiques and souvenir shops.

Download a Guide

Though Hauz Khas may not be priority on your travel itinerary, the boutique shops in the neighbourhood may well be. Spare a half-hour for the monument and you will not be disappointed! Click here to download a free guide to Hauz Khas before you go.

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When Alauddin died in 1316 Siri was abandoned by the next king, Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, who moved his capital away to the newly-built city of Tughlaqabad. The hauz dried up and the canals that brought water to it from surrounding areas became choked with silt. It was only restored in 1352, after the third Tughlaq king, Firoz Shah, came to power.

Firoz Shah’s Tomb and Madrasa

Firoz Shah is known for his extensive building programs, chief among which were the repair of the lightning-damaged Qutub Minar and the revitalization of the hauz. He liked the Hauz so much that he established a madrasa (an Islamic educational institution) on its banks that soon became an influential centre of learning that attracted the best scholars, artists and benefactors from across the region. Firoz Shah was himself so fond of the place that he had his tomb built there as well.

An Oasis of Tranquillity

The area was – and still is – a haven for those seeking a place to get away from it all. Even the famous conqueror, Timur, encamped here while on an expedition to ransack Delhi in 1391. His journal entries indicate that he found the place ‘enchanting’ and did not leave the spot even as his armies looted the city.

Hauz Khas is truly an oasis – for the eyes as well as the soul; a spot not remembered for its power or echoes of war, but as a place that nurtured the brightest minds and finer pastimes.