Malcha Mahal gets tourist boost, but lies in ruins

The monument is dilapidated, with several parts suffering heavy damage through years of neglect. Bits of the ceiling have fallen off, and deep cracks run across its pillars

- Sadia Akhtar

Built as a hunting lodge during the reign of the Tughlaqs, Malcha Mahal near New Delhi's Chanakyapuri was occupied by the self-proclaimed royal family of Oudh for around three decades starting in the 1980s. The severely territorial family kept the monument out of bounds for common residents, unless they were specifically invited.

The last of the family died in 2017, leaving behind a dilapidated structure that came to be associated with ghosts, djinns, and other supernatural beings.

The Delhi government has tried to capitalise on the monument's eerie atmosphere, launching "haunted" heritage walks in the complex from May 7.

These spine-chilling excursions may boost tourist footfall at the Mahal, but nearly a year after the state in July 2022 announced plans to give the structure a facelift, it is yet to take concrete steps to conserve the crumbling site.

Built by Firoz Shah Tughlaq, the ruler of Delhi Sultanate, in the 14th century, the imposing structure is located deep inside the south Delhi Ridge forest, where it stands atop a mound. However, there is no plaque or inscription bearing any information about the structure, which is under the jurisdiction of the Delhi government's department of archaeology.

During the day, the monument is usually ensconced in silence. However, at night, the quietude is broken by thrillseekers, curious college students, and other visitors with a more nefarious design.