Bhuli Bhatiyari ka Mahal: Delhi’s 14th-century palace shrouded in mystery

Some names evoke mystery. Bhuli Bhatiyari ka Mahal is one of them. It is a lesser-known 14th-century monument hidden in the Central Ridge Reserve Forest of Jhandewalan on Ridge Road in Karol Bagh, Delhi. The palace is steeped in folklore, making it one of Delhi's most intriguing historical spots.

According to the Delhi government’s Department of Archaeology, Bhuli Bhatiyari ka Mahal was built in 1354 during the reign of Firoz Shah Tughlaq (1351–1388) of the Delhi Sultanate’s Tughlaq Dynasty. Firoz Shah Tughlaq was known for constructing several palaces, forts, and public buildings during his reign, and this structure is said to have been built as a hunting lodge or a resting place for royal hunting expeditions.

The name "Bhuli Bhatiyari" is wrapped in legend. 

Some say the palace was named after a woman, Bu-Ali Bhatiyari, who was the lodge's caretaker and might have hailed from the Bhat community, a nomadic group. 

Others suggest that the name “Bhuli” (meaning forgotten) refers to a woman who lost her way and ended up in this palace. However, there are no historical records to support these stories. The monument is currently under the Archaeological Survey of India and is being restored.

Architecture

The architecture of Bhuli Bhatiyari ka Mahal is typical of the Tughlaq style, characterized by simplicity and functionality, unlike the more ornate Mughal structures that came later.

The palace has a huge, arched gateway, giving it a fortress-like appearance. This gate is flanked by high, thick walls, designed to offer protection and privacy. After entering the gate, there is an open courtyard with some rooms that would have served as places of rest or for storage. 

The structure is made using Delhi quartzite, a local stone bound by limestone mortar, and covered with limestone plaster. 

The palace's weathered look today shows the strength and lasting nature of its materials. Despite its simplicity, the palace’s isolation and desolate atmosphere, tucked amidst trees and overgrowth, add to its mysterious aura.

Visitors have reported hearing strange sounds, like whispering voices or footsteps, especially during the night. 

Because of the site’s reputation, local authorities discourage people from visiting after dark. A note at the entrance tells people not to visit this place after sunset. 

Today, Bhuli Bhatiyari ka Mahal lies in ruins, with many of its walls and structures crumbling or partially collapsed. It is relatively well-preserved considering its age but the lack of proper maintenance has allowed nature to reclaim parts of the structure. Plants can be seen growing through cracks and wildlife in the surrounding area.

The monument is not a major tourist attraction and remains lesser-known compared to other historical sites in Delhi. However, it attracts urban explorers, history enthusiasts, and curious visitors due to its mysterious reputation.

As a monument from the 14th century, Bhuli Bhatiyari ka Mahal offers insight into the lifestyle and practices of the Tughlaq rulers, particularly the hunting traditions of the time. 

Folklore

What makes Bhuli Bhatiyari ka Mahal particularly famous, however, is not its architectural or historical significance, but rather its association with ghost stories and paranormal activities. Over the years, many have claimed that the palace is haunted, with visitors reporting strange noises, eerie sensations, and inexplicable occurrences, especially after dark.

Local stories suggest that spirits, possibly of those who died in the vicinity, or the spirit of Bhuli Bhatiyari herself, still haunt the palace. 

The palace’s deserted and decaying state, combined with these stories, has earned it a reputation similar to other haunted places like Bhangarh Fort in Rajasthan.

However, no substantial evidence exists to support the claims of paranormal activity. Bhuli Bhatiyari ka Mahal remains an intriguing part of Delhi’s vast historical landscape. Although it is not as grand or well-preserved as other monuments from the same era, its association with history and folklore makes it significant. It stands as a reminder of Delhi's rich medieval past, a testament to the architectural legacy of the Tughlaq Dynasty, and a symbol of the cultural tales that have passed through generations.

For those interested in lesser-known historical sites, as well as stories of the supernatural, Bhuli Bhatiyari ka Mahal offers a unique, if eerie, experience.