Tughlaqabad Fort, Medieval fort in South East Delhi, India
Tughlaqabad Fort is a medieval fortress in the South East Delhi district of India, extending over more than six kilometers and featuring massive stone fortifications with double-storied bastions. The walls reach heights of around 15 meters and form, together with towers and gates, a sprawling defensive system built from grey stone.
Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq ordered the construction of this stronghold in 1321 to protect the new capital of his dynasty. The settlement was abandoned after about 15 years, likely due to water shortages and strategic considerations.
The mausoleum inside the grounds served as the final resting place for the founder and his relatives, combining red sandstone with marble details. Visitors can still enter this burial chamber today and observe the architectural style typical of the early Tughlaq period, with high domes and narrow windows.
The site opens daily in the morning and closes in the evening; admission costs a few rupees for Indian nationals and a higher amount for international guests. The paths within the ruins are partly uneven and require sturdy footwear, and sun protection is advisable especially in hot weather.
The entrance staircase was designed so that elephants could carry the royal family into the fortress. These wide steps still testify today to the role of animals in courtly ceremony and in transporting heavy loads.
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