Notes on the architectural achievements of Muhammad Tughlaq

Small Fortress of Adilabad:

During the first two years of his reign, Muhammad Tughlaq founded the small Fortress of Adilabad. It was situated near Tughlaqabad. In other words we can also say that Adilabad was merely an outwork of the larger city of Tughlaqabad and was almost identical with it in style.

City of Jahan Panah:

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It is said that after transferring his capital to Daulatabad, Muhammad Tughlaq constructed a new city ‘Jahan Panah’ between Rai Pithora and Siri. In other words we can say that ‘Jahan Panah’ was made by linking up the walls of Old Delhi with those of Siri. It was in this way that the suburbs which had grown up between them were enclosed.

The fortifications were two yards in thickness and were constructed of rough rubble in lime. There was also a double-storied bridge of seven spans, with subsidiary arches and a tower at each end, which served as a regulator for drawing off the waters of a lake inside the walls.

But after successfully transferring the capital he gave up the idea of decorating this new city like his other plans, even this city was left half finished. Some of the ruins of this city can be seen even today.

Firoz Shah Tughlaq:

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Firoz Shah Tughlaq was very fond of architecture. Historians Shams-i-Siraj gives a long list of buildings of Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq. Though he is credited with constructing many buildings but he sacrificed standard for numbers. Because of being orthodox he did not take the help of Hindu Builders, still even the Muslim Artisans could not totally ignore the local style being born and brought up in that atmosphere.

During the time of Firoz Shah Tughlaq, the characteristics of Tughlaq architecture, the real reclining walls, were abandoned completely. In his time uncared stones were used in large quantity as a result of which buildings lack beauty of architecture.

The buildings of this period exhibit a vacuum of thoughts. On the stone walls a layer of granite was done which became black with the passes of time. The place of lavishness of Gayasuddin Architecture was now taken by a heavy building style in which crooked balconies, Jharoka Mandapa and Chhtaries (umbrellas) are used on a Hugh scale. However the reign of Firoz Shah Tughlaq was remarkable from the point of view of the number of buildings.

He constructed many Cities, Palaces, Madrasas, Mosques, Hospitals, Tombs, Bridges, Canals, and Baths. According to Farishta, Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq constructed 200 cities, 20 palaces, 30 schools, 30 mosques, 100 hospitals, 100 baths, 5 tombs, and 150 bridges. Though Farishta might not be 100% accurate, yet it cannot be denied that he constructed many beautiful buildings. A short description of some main buildings constructed by Firoz Shah Tughlaq is given below:

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Important Cities:

Mohammad Tughlaq constructed the cities of Firozabad, Fatehabad, Hissar, Jaunpur etc. (if) Madrasa in Hauz-i-Khas and Kotla Firozshah:

The best specimen of his buildings is the Madrasa in Hauz-i-Khas and Kotla Firozshah. The area of Firozshah Kotla is double that of Shahjananabad. (iii) Mosques: The peculiar characteristic of Firoz Shah Tughlaq’s reign was visible in the new style adopted in the construction of mosques.

Among the many mosques constructed during his reign main are: Kali Masjid, Khidki Masjid, Begumpuri Masjid, Kala Masjid etc. In the Kali Masjid there are two storeys. The courtyard of this mosque is not kept open but is divided into four parts, all connected with main gateway. Khidki Masjid and Begampuri Masjid are in Jahanpanah.

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Khidki Mosque is square in shape and to add to its strength there are four reclining ‘Burz’ in all its four corners, in Begampuri mosque there is artistic use of marble. Kala Masjid is in Shahjahanabad, famous for its strength, domed roof and four ‘Burz’ on its four corners.

Tomb of Firoz Shah Tughlaq:

Among the buildings of Firoz Shah Tughlaq his tomb is also famous. It is a square building whose walls is very strong and is decorated with various flowers, leaves etc. In it there is an artistic use of marble as well.

(v) Tomb of Wazir Khan-i-Jahan Telangani:

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During the time of Firoz Shah Tughlaq the tomb of his Wazir, Khan-i-Jahan Telangani, was also constructed to the south of the Dargah of Nizamuddin Aulia. In it also there is beautiful use of red-stones and marble.

(vi) Tomb of Kabruddin Aulia:

Towards the end of Firoz Shah Tughlaq’s reign was constructed the Tomb of Saint Kabruddin Aulia in the style of Tomb of Gayasuddin Tughlaq with emphasis being placed on decoration as well.

This tomb is locally known as ‘Lai Gumbad.’ Except above important buildings, many hunting places for Sultan were built. It has a huge and strong main gateway where probably city guards lived.