Tughlaqabad Fort Delhi

New Delhi, India

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Tughlaqabad Fort in Delhi was built between 1321 and 1325 by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, the founder of the Tughlaq dynasty, as a fortified capital and defense against Mongol invasions.

The fort is massive, covering around 6.5 kilometers and featuring thick, sloping rubble-filled stone walls between 10 and 15 meters high with double-storied bastions that enhanced its defense. It consists of three main sections: the fortified city area laid out in a rectangular grid, the citadel with the prominent Bijai-Mandal tower, and an adjacent palace area housing royal residences.

The fort's architecture is known for its rugged simplicity, robust construction, and advanced military design, with numerous gateways—originally up to 52, though only some remain today. The walls are made from quartzite stone with architectural features such as battlemented parapets and loopholes for defense. The fort also includes large rainwater tanks and an underground passage system.

Despite its grandeur, the fort was abandoned within a few years, partly due to local legends of a saint’s curse and political rivalries. Today, much of the fort lies in ruins but remains an important historical and architectural landmark reflecting medieval Delhi's strategic and urban planning under the Tughlaq dynasty.