Tughlaqabad Fort, a monumental relic from the 14th century, stands as a testament to India’s rich historical legacy and architectural prowess. Located in the heart of Delhi, this imposing fortress was constructed during the reign of Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, the founder of the Tughlaq dynasty.
During my field trip to Tughlaqabad Fort, accompanied by a local guide and a professor, the experience was enhanced by their insights into the fort’s intricate history and architecture. Together, they navigated us through the labyrinthine passages of the fort, providing context and stories behind every stone.
The fort’s distinctive shape, resembling a half hexagon, dominates the landscape with its colossal stone walls and rugged surroundings. The sheer enormity of the stone blocks forming the fort’s walls left me in awe, a testament to the monumental effort and engineering acumen invested in its creation.
A notable aspect is the southern face of the fort, which once featured a substantial artificial water reservoir, now dry. This reservoir underlines the historical water management ingenuity that was vital for the fort’s inhabitants.
Exploring the interior of the fort, I was struck by the desolation of the inner city. An expansive open plain, stretching over approximately eight kilometers in circumference, served as a poignant reminder of the passage of time and the historical events that played out within these formidable walls.
Further into the fort’s interior, a complex spatial layout unfurled before me. The central axis, marked by a broad central road flanked by pavilions, mosques, and residential areas, served as my guide for exploration. The remnants of a congregational mosque, showcasing unique Tughlaq architectural style, attested to the religious importance of the fort. Deeper within, I stumbled upon the royal citadel, a space that once held a towering structure and seemed to have been reserved for the elite. The fort’s layout, with its citadel nestled in the south-western corner, hinted at the grandeur of the complex and the significance of the structures it housed. It became evident that the fort served not just as a military stronghold but also as a significant centre of administration and culture during its prime.
Of particular note were the ruins of Tughluq’s palace and the tomb of Sultan Tughluq era.
My observations of Tughlaqabad Fort left me with a profound appreciation for its grandeur, historical significance, and its harmonious integration with the natural landscape. It serves as a tangible link to a bygone era, offering a glimpse into the past and the architectural marvels of medieval India. (Romancing delhi, pg38)
The historical significance of Tughlaqabad Fort is multifaceted, offering a window into the ambitions, challenges, and architectural innovations of its founder, Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, during his reign. Ghiyas-ud-din’s rule was characterized by a tumultuous period, marked by reduced law and order, constant external threats, and the imperative need to restore a sense of security to his subjects.
A pivotal moment in the fort’s history involves the conflict between Sultan Tughluq and Saint Nizamuddin Auliya. This dispute arose when the saint attempted to construct a stepwell for public water supply while the Sultan was focused on building Tughluqabad. The Sultan halted the well’s construction, but the saint’s miraculous abilities ensured its completion. This infuriated the Sultan, leading to the saint’s banishment and his curse on Tughluqabad, predicting its downfall due to water scarcity — a prophecy that ultimately came true, leading to the city’s abandonment.
Several key aspects contribute to the historical significance of Tughlaqabad Fort:
Defensive Structure: The fort’s construction was driven by the urgent need for a fortified structure to protect Delhi from external threats, notably the Mongol invasions. It stands as a symbol of the security concerns of the era.
Relief from Overcrowding: The decision to establish a new city, Tughluqabad, was motivated by the overcrowding of the existing Delhi. This highlights the historical significance of urban planning and efforts to manage and decongest an overly populated capital.
Innovative Architectural Styles: Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq introduced unique architectural styles during the fort’s construction. Notably, the use of sloping bastion walls, inspired by the leaning walls of Egypt, showcases the Sultan’s aesthetic and architectural vision that defied conventional design of the time.
Stone-Based Construction: Proximity to stone quarries facilitated extensive use of stone in the fort’s construction, including stone chips to reinforce fortifications. This reflects the availability of local materials and architectural innovations of the era.
Water Management Challenges: The acute water shortage in Tughluqabad underscores the historical significance of water resources in city planning. The struggle for water sources and the limitations of reservoirs and wells reveals the practical challenges faced in developing cities during that period.
Sultan’s Residence and Court: Tughluqabad seemed to function as a separate complex for the Sultan’s residence and court. While not intended to replace the old city of Delhi entirely, it provides insights into the administrative and courtly life of the time.
Architectural and Archaeological Legacy: Today, the remnants of the fort, characterized by its Egyptian-style leaning walls and triple-storied towers, stand as a compelling architectural and archaeological legacy. The grandeur and charm of the fort’s architecture and the intact city walls are evidence of the historical importance of this site.
In summary, Tughlaqabad Fort bears historical significance as a defensive structure, a response to overcrowding, an example of innovative architectural styles and material utilization, a reflection of water management challenges, and a glimpse into the courtly life of the period. This historical landmark stands as a testament to the ambitions and achievements of the Tughlaq dynasty in medieval India, preserving its rich history and culture. (Romancing Delhi pg50)
UNDERSTANDING THE IDEA OF A CAPITAL AND A CITY, THEN AND NOW
Tughlaqabad Fort, an imposing medieval fortress located in Delhi, India, offers a fascinating lens through which to explore the evolution of the concept of a capital city over time. Built by the founder of the Tughlaq dynasty, Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, in the 14th century, this architectural marvel provides insights into the historical, political, and urban development of a capital city, comparing the then and now.
During its heyday, Tughlaqabad was the capital of the Tughlaq dynasty, a prominent empire of the time. The fort was not just a military stronghold but also served as a symbol of the power and authority of the ruling monarch. Its immense size and strategic location showcased the ruler’s might. The city around it was a hub of administrative, economic, and cultural activities, attracting a diverse population. This example from the past illustrates the integral role that a fortified capital played in governance and the consolidation of authority.
In contrast, today’s understanding of a capital city has evolved significantly. Modern capitals are not merely military strongholds but also political, economic, and cultural centres. They represent the governance of an entire nation, and their significance transcends their physical boundaries. Capitals today are hubs of global diplomacy, commerce, and innovation, influencing not just a nation but the world at large.
Tughlaqabad Fort’s ruins, now an archaeological site, symbolize a transition from an era where a capital city’s essence was tightly linked to its fortifications to the contemporary concept of a capital as a dynamic, cosmopolitan metropolis. Today’s capitals represent the amalgamation of diverse cultures, ideas, and functions, embodying the spirit of the nation in a much broader sense.
In essence, Tughlaqabad Fort provides a historical backdrop to comprehend how the idea of a capital city has evolved from a formidable fortress to a multifaceted, interconnected hub, reflecting the transformation of governance, societal values, and urban dynamics through the ages. By exploring the ruins of this once-mighty citadel, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the ever-changing nature of capitals and cities, from medieval Delhi to today’s global metropolises.
The Meena Bazaar nestled within the precincts of the Tughlaqabad Fort has proven to be the most captivating facet of the fort’s vicinity. Its allure lies in its unique historical narrative and its reflection of evolving ideas about capitals and cities. This medieval marketplace, strategically integrated into the fort’s architectural layout, exemplifies the vitality of economic activities within a capital during the Tughlaq dynasty. It speaks to the idea that a capital was not solely a political and administrative hub but also a bustling centre of commerce, trade, and cultural exchange. What’s most intriguing is the juxtaposition of a vibrant marketplace with the sturdy fortifications, emphasizing the integration of various city functions in the past. The association of the Meena Bazaar with the royal court further underscores the interconnectedness of political and economic life in medieval capitals. In the present day, where urban planning often emphasizes the separation of functions within cities, this historical marketplace provides a glimpse into the more integrated nature of capitals of the past. It helps us appreciate how our understanding of cities and their functions has evolved, making the Meena Bazaar a fascinating historical lens through which to view the transformation of cities over time.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1) Romancing Delhi: From Lal-Kot to Shahjahanabad by Urmila Varma
2) Delhi through ages