The Anang Tal lake in South Delhi, believed to have been built a thousand years ago, has been declared a monument of national importance through a gazette notification by the Ministry of Culture.
Key highlights
- It has been declared a monument of national importance under the sub-section (1) of section 4 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (24 of 1958), the central government hereby gives notice of its intention to declare the said ancient site and remains to be of national importance.
- As per the website of National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities, a government agency, Anang Tal is situated “to the north of Jog Maya temple and approximately 500 metres to the northwest of Qutub Complex”, and dates back to 1,060 AD.
- Tradition ascribes this tank to a Tomar King, Anangpal II, the builder of Lal Kot. It is said to have been a place of a general resort but now it is dried up and used for cultivation.
- Once declared to be of national importance, the site would be protected by the ASI and incur restrictions on construction activity in its vicinity.
- According to the notification, the total area of the site was 10.599 acre that was primarily owned by the Delhi government. Located near the Qutub Minar complex and Sanjay Van, the protected area would be 42,894 square metres.
Ancient Monuments
- According to the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, an “Ancient Monument means any structure, erection or monument, or any tumulus or place of interment, or any cave, rock-sculpture, inscription or monolith which is of historical, archaeological or artistic interest and which has been in existence for not less than 100 years.”
About Anang Tal Lake
- Anang Tal lake was built by Tomar King, Anangpal II, the builder of Lal Kot.
- It is said to have been a place of a general resort but now it is dried up and used for cultivation.
- It is also said Alauddin Khalji, in 1296-1316 AD, utilised the water of this tank when he built (Qutub) minar and extended the Qutub-ul-Islam mosque.
- Anang Tal has a strong Rajasthan connection as Maharaja Anang Pal is known as nana (maternal grandfather) of Prithviraj Chauhan whose fort Rai Pithora is on the list of the ASI.
- Anang Tal is situated to the north of Jog Maya temple and approximately 500 metres to the northwest of Qutub Complex and dates back to 1,060 AD.
About Anangapala II
- Anangapala II belonged to the Tomar dynasty, which ruled Kannauj after the downfall of the Pratiharas from 10th century onwards.
- As per the National Monumental Authority, Anangapala II ruled Delhi which was then known as Dhilli or Dhillika.
- The inscription on Mehrauli iron pillar clearly mentions Anangapala (Angapala) and connects his rule in Samvat 1109 (1051 CE) with re-establishment of the nail of earth (Killi-dhilli) Kathanaka which is famous in the tradition of Delhi.
- Cunningham quotes the dynastic lists and the fort of Delhi (Lalkot) was built in Samvat 1117 or 1060 CE.
- There are monuments like Anangpur fort, Anangpur dam, Anangtal, and Lal Kot believed to have constructed by Anangpal.