We explored the historic Fort of Tughlaqabad in Delhi last weekend. It’s one of the best forts in Delhi, India. While exploring the fort in the whimsical city of Tughlaqabad (the third historic city of Delhi), I felt nostalgically attracted to the crumbling ruins.
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Fort of Tughlaqabad in Delhi
The place (Fort of Tughlaqabad) attracted my attention many times before while going toward Faridabad, but I couldn’t get a chance to visit it. Yes, the mark of the Tuglaq dynasty’s power is in ruins now.
Tughlaqabad Fort, or Tughlakabad Fort in Delhi, was built by Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, the founder of the Tughlaq dynasty.
Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq was a soldier in Sultan Ala-ud-din Khilji’s army. Ghiyas-ud-din’s hard work and perseverance helped him to grab the chance to govern Dipalpur and get the position of Warden of Marches of the combined armies of Ala-ud-din Khilji.
Ghiyas-ud-din became one of the first-rank generals of Ala-ud-din’s armies. He continued to retain his position during the rule of Qutb-ud-din Mubarak Shah, Ala-ud-din’s son.
Once, while traveling to Delhi, Qutb-ud-din Mubarak and Ghiyas-ud-din were passing through the area where the Tughlaqabad fortress now stands; fascinated by the rocky terrain, which was ideal for defense, Ghiyas-ud-din suggested building the fortress there.
The Khilji made fun of him, proposing that he build his fortress here when he becomes a king.
Being a weak and amorphous sultan, Mubarak was soon killed by his own prime minister, Hasan, who became the Sultan of Delhi as Nasir-ud-din Khusro Shah.
Ghiyas-ud-din later defeated and crucified Hasan and became the sultan of Delhi under the title of Ghazi (murderer of enemies).
That’s when he built the mighty Tughlaqabad fortress!
The fortified city of Tughlaqabad is said to have had around 52 gates, but only 13 remain.
The ruins echo the forgotten might and majesty of the Tughlaq Dynasty. The deserted, rugged, and dusty fort still looks imposing in all its ruins.
Read More: Best Places to Visit in India
Legends of Tughlaqabad Fort
There are interesting legends behind the abandoned fortified city. Let’s know the history of Tughlaqabad Fort. It’s believed to be a cursed city. Ghiyas-ud-din’s capital city and Hazrat Nizamuddin’s baoli (step-well) were under construction at the same time.
Ghiyas-ud-din ordered that all the laborers in Delhi would only work on the fortress, or else they would be punished.
Out of fear, the laborers began work on the fortress, but because of their respect and devotion to the Sufi saint, they continued construction of the baoli during off-hours.
The king raised oil prices to stop the work at Baoli; the saint retaliated by uttering a prophecy, “Ya rahe usar, ya base Gujjar” (Either it remains barren or be inhabited by nomads).
Ghiyas-ud-din was out then, but as soon as he heard about the prophecy of the saint, he swore to punish him after coming to Delhi.
Hearing this, the Sufi saint cursed the king, saying, “Hunuz Dilli dur ast” (Delhi is yet far away).
The saint’s prophecies came true, and the sultan was killed on his way back to Delhi. His son, Muhammad Tughlaq, was a devotee of Hazrat Nizamuddin, and it’s believed that he himself was responsible for the death of his father.
Muhammad Tughlaq relinquished Tughlaqabad, as it was cursed, and built his bastions, Muhammadabad earlier and Adilabad (Abode of the just) later.
Adilabad is quite similar in architecture to Tughlaqabad, though smaller. Tughlaqabad remained abandoned, and Gujjars inhabited the surrounding area.
The Quila gives off a completely abandoned, haunted look, especially at night, but lovers have turned this defensive structure into a lovers’ point. You’ll encounter many in the hushed corners while traversing the massive fort.
Surprisingly, it was brimming with people, as I thought it would be cloistered, maybe because it was a Sunday!
It’s not possible to explore the ruins of the entire city because thorny shrubs and wild vegetation have engulfed the areas.
Are you a history lover like us? You’d love to read about the Safdarjung Tomb in Delhi.
Tomb of Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq
The southerly side of the fort has an artery (causeway) that takes one across the tomb of Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq.
Ghiyas-ud-din himself built the tomb on an archipelago in the lake. The lake has dried out, but the causeway still prevails.
Inside the tomb complex, there are three graves: the Middle one is that of Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, and the other two are believed to be those of his wife and son.
The mausoleum’s architecture, especially the lotus-carved ceiling, draws one’s attention; however, the poignant and deafening silence is perplexing.
In the same tomb complex, there’s another tomb, similar to Ghiyas-ud-din’s in architecture and design but relatively more minor, believed to belong to Zafar Khan, a General in Ghiyas-ud-din’s army.
Related Read: Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi
Adilabad Fort
Near Adilabad is a third fortress, known as “Nai ka Kot” (Barber’s fort), which served as Muhammad Tughlaq’s residence while Adilabad was under construction.
Due to the constant threat of the Mongols, Mohammed Tughlaq built the fourth city of Delhi, called Jahanpanah, encompassing the former towns of Siri and Lal Kot, with 13 gates.
Neither the city nor the fort remained. Ibn Battuta’s chronicles imply that Muhammad Shah hoped to see a consolidated city comprising Old Delhi, Siri, Jahanpanah, and Tughlaqabad, with a single adjoining fortification enveloping them. Still, financial constraints prevented him from realizing his wish.
Delhi has a history and culture embedded in its soul. Age-old forts and tombs stand firm here, echoing the days of yore.
Tughlaqabad fort is one of the famous forts in Delhi and thus, a must-visit.
Essentials
Entrance Fee
- Indians (Above 15 years) – Rs. 5
- Children (Under 15 years) – Free
- Foreigners Rs. 100
Tughlaqabad Fort Timings
7 am – 5 pm
The fort is open every day of the week.
Duration of Visit/ Time Required
2 to 3 hours
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Tughlaqabad Fort, or for that matter, any attraction in Delhi, is the winter season (October – March).
How to Reach
Tughlaqabad Fort is situated on Mehrauli-Badarpur Road in Delhi. The best way to reach here is in your own vehicle. There’s ample parking space available.
The fort can be reached by metro and bus as well. Located on the Violet Line, the Govindpuri metro station is the nearest (5 km) to the Tughlakabad metro station.
DTC bus numbers 525, 511, 34, 717, and 544 stop at the Tughlakabad bus stand, which is about 5 km from the fort.
One can take an autorickshaw or taxi from the metro station or bus stand to reach the fort. Check the official website of Delhi Metro and DTC for more info.
If you’re traveling to Delhi with kids, do stop by Shankar’s International Dolls Museum.
Tips to Visit Tughlaqabad Fort
- Early morning is the best time to visit, be it summer or winter.
- Please wear comfortable shoes, as the area is full of thorny shrubs and wild vegetation.
- There are not many food options near the fort. Carry your snacks and water.
- Views from the top are lovely, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Bequeathed with panoramic beauty, imposing stone structures, and just a minimal amount of time to explore this vast place, hiding the fragments of our glorious history, makes the fortress a must-visit.
Read our ultimate travel guide to Delhi that answers all your questions about traveling to Delhi: how to get around, where to stay, what to eat, and places to visit in Delhi.
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nice information .. thanks for sharing….
Well written blog on Tughlaqabd fort. I really appreciate the information. Thanks, a lot Anjali Chawla for offering this information in this great way.