The Delhi High Court recently criticised the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for delays in conducting a court-ordered survey of encroachments at Tughlaqabad Fort.
Location and Historical Background
Tughlaqabad Fort is located in the southern part of New Delhi, strategically built along the rocky contours of the Aravalli Hills, which provided natural defense and abundant building material like granite.
The fort was constructed in 1321 CE by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, the founder of the Tughlaq dynasty. It is historically recognised as the third city of Delhi, after Lal Kot (built by Anangpal II of the Tomar dynasty) and Siri (built by Alauddin Khalji).
Purpose and Strategic Importance
The primary aim behind building this massive fortress was to strengthen imperial authority and defend the Delhi Sultanate against repeated Mongol invasions. Its design reflects a strong military orientation, prioritizing security over aesthetics.
Architectural Features
Tughlaqabad Fort is a striking example of early Indo-Islamic military architecture, characterized by its massive scale and rugged construction style.
A defining feature of Tughlaq architecture is the use of thick, sloping (battered) walls filled with rubble, which enhanced structural strength and defensive capability. The fort’s design emphasizes geometry, durability, and strategic planning rather than ornate decoration.
Three-Part Urban Layout
The fort city, roughly half-hexagonal in shape, was systematically divided into three main sections:
-
Citadel – The fortified core for defense and administration.
-
Palace Complex – Included royal residences, underground chambers, and escape routes.
-
Residential Area – Designed for inhabitants, with advanced features like rainwater harvesting systems, tanks, and baolis.
This layout reflects a well-planned urban settlement integrated with military strategy.
Mausoleum of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
Located outside the main fort and connected by a 600-foot causeway, the tomb of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq is an architectural highlight. It is built using red sandstone and white marble, and is crowned with a graceful dome, showcasing a blend of strength and elegance.
Rapid Decline and Abandonment
Despite its grandeur, Tughlaqabad Fort had a very short period of active use. After the death of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq in 1325 CE, his successor Muhammad bin Tughlaq shifted the capital to Daulatabad (Devagiri) and later focused on constructing a new city, Adilabad.
A popular legend associated with Nizamuddin Auliya suggests that he cursed the city with the words:
“Ya rahe ujjar, ya base gujjar” (may it remain desolate or be inhabited by herdsmen).
This folklore is often linked to the fort’s swift abandonment and decline.
Conclusion
Tughlaqabad Fort stands today as a powerful symbol of medieval military architecture and urban planning, reflecting both the ambition and challenges of the Delhi Sultanate. However, issues like encroachment and delayed conservation efforts underline the urgent need for effective heritage protection and management