HERITAGE magazine | Page 9

#ChorMinar Chor Minar or ‘Tower of Thieves’ is a 13th-century min- aret with 225 holes, situated just off Aurobindo Marg in the Hauz Khas area, in New Delhi. It was built un- der the rule of Alauddin Khalji, of the Khilji dynasty (1290–1320) in the thirteenth century. It was a ‘tower of beheading’, where the severed heads of thieves were displayed on spear through its 225 holes, to act as a deterrent to thieves. Others also state that Ala- ud-din Khilji slaughtered numerous Mughals in their current settlements to stop them from joining other Mughal settlements, which is known today as ‘Mon- golpuri’ existing in Delhi and displayed their heads on this Tower. Many believe that this Pillar exudes a very creepy vibe that still reeks with the blood of those nu- merous dead heads and is a sure treat and curious site for those seeking lost ghost tales.