Siri Fort

Delhi, India

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Siri Fort in Delhi was constructed between 1297 and 1307 by Alauddin Khilji, the second ruler of the Khilji dynasty.

It was built as part of the city of Siri, the second of the seven medieval cities of Delhi, mainly to defend against repeated Mongol invasions. The fort was strategically located northeast of the Qutub Minar and was constructed with strong oval-shaped stone walls, tall ramparts, and bastions to provide security.

The name "Siri" is believed to originate from the severed heads (called "sir" in Hindi) of thousands of defeated Mongol soldiers reportedly embedded in the fort's walls as a warning to invaders. Siri Fort housed Alauddin Khilji’s palace, military barracks, and granaries designed to withstand sieges. Despite being mostly in ruins today, parts of the fort and one of its original gates survive, and the surrounding area now includes a cultural auditorium, parks, and a sports complex, reflecting the site's historical significance and continued cultural use.

The fort's architecture drew influence from Afghan-Seljuk styles, with notable craftsmanship contributed by artisans of that period. Siri Fort stands as a testament to the military prowess and architectural ambition of Alauddin Khilji's reign during medieval Delhi's history.