Tughlakabad Fort | 23 Mar 2026

Source:IE

The Delhi High Court criticised the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for delays in conducting a court-ordered survey of encroachments at Tughlakabad Fort. 

Tughlakabad Fort 

• About: Situated in the southern part of New Delhi, the fort is built strategically along the rocky contours of the Aravalli Hills, which provided natural defensive elevations and abundant granite for construction. 
  • The fortress of Tughlaqabad was built by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, the founder of the Tughlaq Dynasty, in 1321. 
  • It is historically recognized as the third extant city of Delhi, following Lal Kot (built by the Anangpal- II of Tomar dynasty) and Siri (built by Alauddin Khalji). 
    • The primary objective behind this colossal military fortress was to consolidate imperial power and create an impenetrable defense against repeated Mongol invasions threatening the Delhi Sultanate. 
• Key Architectural Features: The fort is a monumental example of early Indo-Islamic military architecture, prioritizing rugged strength and geometry over delicate ornamentation. 
  • A defining hallmark of Tughlaq architecture is the use of thick, rubble-filled, sloped (battered) walls.  
• Three-Part Urban Layout: The roughly half-hexagonal city was systematically divided into: 
  • Citadel  
  • Palace Complex with underground chambers and escape routes 
  • Residential City Area with rainwater harvesting systems, tanks, and baolis 
• Mausoleum of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq: Located outside the fort, connected by a 600-foot causeway. The tomb is faced with red sandstone and white marble, topped with an elegant dome. 
• Rapid Abandonment: Despite its grandeur, the fort's utility was extremely short-lived.  
  • It was largely abandoned shortly after Ghiyasuddin’s death (1325 CE) when his successor, Muhammad bin Tughlaq, shifted the capital south to Daulatabad (Devagiri) and later focused on building his own adjacent fortress, Adilabad. 
  • A popular legend is also associated with Nizamuddin Auliya, who is believed to have cursed the city with the famous words, “Ya rahe ujjar, ya base gujjar” (may it remain desolate or be inhabited by herdsmen), which many link to the fort’s rapid decline and abandonment.