Tughlaqabad

Tughlaqabad is a ruined fortress city in Delhi, India. It was founded by Ghiyas-ud-din-Tughlaq, the founder of the Tughlaq dynasty, in 1321. The city was intended to be the new capital of the Delhi Sultanate and was built on a rocky outcrop, strategically chosen for its defensive advantages. The construction was remarkably rapid, completed within just four years.

The fortress complex is vast, encompassing palaces, mosques, audience halls, and a massive citadel. Key structures include the Qila-i-Atiq, the older part of the fort, and the more imposing citadel area. The city's design featured a unique irrigation system and a large water reservoir. However, Tughlaqabad was inhabited for a very short period. Legend has it that the city was abandoned due to a curse, possibly related to a Sufi saint named Nizamuddin Auliya, who was displaced by the construction.

Another theory for its abandonment suggests a severe water shortage, as the fort relied heavily on a nearby reservoir that may have dried up. The city was eventually deserted by 1327, and its inhabitants were moved to Daulatabad in the Deccan. Despite its short lifespan as a capital, Tughlaqabad remains a significant historical site, offering a glimpse into the architectural and strategic ambitions of the Tughlaq rulers. The ruins are spread over a large area and are a popular destination for archaeologists and history enthusiasts.