Anang Tal Lake, Location, History, Monument of National Importance

Anang Tal Lake is a millennium old water reservoir located in Mehrauli, South Delhi. It is linked with the foundation of early Delhi by Anangpal Tomar II in the 11th century. Recently, the Ministry of Culture declared it a monument of national importance through a gazette notification under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958. The lake is considered one of the earliest surviving water structures connected with the origins of medieval Delhi and the Tomar dynasty’s rule.

Anang Tal Lake Features

Anang Tal Lake is historically important for Delhi’s early urban development, Tomar dynasty rule, medieval architecture and heritage conservation under the Archaeological Survey of India.

• Location: Anang Tal Lake is situated in Mehrauli in South Delhi, north of Jog Maya Temple and around 500 metres northwest of the Qutub Complex near the Delhi Ridge, an extension of the ancient Aravalli Range.
• Construction History: The mini lake was constructed around 1052-1060 AD by Tomar ruler Anangpal II, also called Anangpal Tomar, who is credited with establishing and repopulating early Delhi known as Dhillikapuri.
• Connection with Lal Kot: Tradition associates the lake with Anangpal II, the builder of Lal Kot fort, regarded as Delhi’s earliest fortified city and later expanded into Rai Pithora during Chauhan rule.
• National Importance Status: The Central Government declared Anang Tal Lake a monument of national importance under Section 4 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958 through a Ministry of Culture gazette notification.
• Medieval Usage: Historical accounts mention that Alauddin Khalji used water from Anang Tal between 1296 and 1316 AD during the construction works around Qutub Minar and the extension of the Quwwat ul Islam Mosque.
• Tomar Dynasty Link: The Tomar dynasty ruled parts of present day Delhi and Haryana between the 8th and 12th centuries and inscriptions and coins provide evidence of their administration and political authority.
• Historical Significance: Anang Tal is considered a symbol of Delhi’s beginning, while evidence from Persian annals, inscriptions and the nearby iron pillar reflects the city’s transformation from Indraprastha to medieval Delhi.
• Present Condition: Earlier described as a public resort and water source, the lake later dried up and parts of the area began to be used for cultivation activities in the surrounding region.

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