Satpula, Medieval dam in South Delhi, India
Satpula is a medieval dam structure in South Delhi built from stone masonry with eleven sluice gates arranged across multiple levels. These gates were designed to regulate water flow and served both water management and defensive purposes for the city.
The structure was built in 1343 by Sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq of the Tughlaq dynasty as both a defense system and water management facility. It was part of the fortifications that protected the city and controlled its water resources.
The name Satpula means 'seven bridges' in Hindi, referring to the seven arches that form this medieval structure. Today it stands as a quiet place where visitors can observe how water management and defense were built together.
The monument is located near Saket along Press Enclave Road and is easily accessible by the local road network. When visiting, plan to explore it as part of a broader tour of medieval sites in the area since several other historical structures are nearby.
The structure contained pavilions for weapon storage and had special openings for archers to defend the border. These defensive features show that it functioned as an armed fortress as much as a water control system.
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