Slave Dynasty's Lal Mahal or Kushaki Lal built by Ghiyasuddin Balban in 1245 demolished

13th-century monument razed  1 Nov 2008, 0040 hrs IST, Richi Verma, TNN  Print   Email   Discuss  Share  Save  Comment    Single page view Text: NEW DELHI: A priceless relic of Delhi's medieval past has fallen to the greed of builders. Parts of a 13th century monument, built by Ghiyasuddin  Kushaki Lal or Lal Mahal was built by Ghiyasuddin Balban in 1245. Arabtraveller Ibn Batuta lived in it in. (TOI Photo) Balban, that once gave shelter to Arab traveller Ibn Batuta in the 14th century, have been demolished by private builders to make way for a multi-storey complex. The 1245 AD structure, called Lal Mahal or Kushaki Lal, is located in Nizamuddin and was declared a heritage structure by the government and civic agencies. It was built by the Slave Dynasty ruler during the reign of Sultan Nasiruddin Mahmud Shah, before Balban ascended the throne. On Friday, this structure was found partially demolished. Its prominent chhatris and red sandstone structure is said to have been pulled down. Residents said the demolition started late Thursday night. When alerted, Archaeological Survey of India filed an FIR with Nizamuddin police station on Friday.   more