Tughlaq Dynasty

Tughlaq Dynasty reigned from AD 1320 to 1414. Its Sultanate style brought some unique characteristics of using rubble and mortar in construction. Pointed arches for doorways, adaptation/adoption of domes and pointed vaults were also introduced.

As one of the Muslim builders, Tughlaq developed a more control over the surface ornament than the previous Muslim builders. The surface, more geometric with vegetal and epigraphic ornaments (not the native figural decoration) was articulated around the architectural elements such as doors and windows. The incorporating indigenous elements as pillars, beams, and brackets and the Islamic architecture, such as arches, vaults, and domes together are shown in their buildings.

One of its most famous styles is the use of straight or sloping vertically inward solid walls with the apertures, which are defined by the arch. This gives the feeling of inflexibility and heaviness. Small niches, usually in base or high relief, sometimes helped also to convey the characteristic austerity and solidity of the façades that were often decorated with calligraphic carving in relief and the occasional floral motif.

One of the Tughlaq’s buildings that we have visited is the tomb of Ghiyas-ud_Din, the first ruler of this dynasty. There is a use of sloping walls and also shows the attempt of combining the two architectures by using both arches and lintel. Each doorway displays a combination of arcuate and trabeate traditions. The bracketed lintel reinforces the arch at its spring. A single dome built of white marble is crowed by a ribbed finial, which consists of a fruit and water pot motif of Hinduism symbolizing the meaning of fertility and good fortune. When looking from its exterior, the tomb, located on the rich green grass, surrounded by the simple colored stone, looks outstanding with its rich red sandstone and pure white marble. The leaning walls make the building looks almost like it keeps stretching towards the sky, growing taller and endless. That kind of space perhaps was meant to emphasize the importance of the rulers, making them memorable and intimidating to viewers.

Another Tughlabad’s place we have visited was Tughlaqabad. Its was perhaps the best example of Tughlaq’s introduction to the use of rubble and mortar. The sloping rubble-filled walls in reality look nothing like pictures. Its enormousness drew me in with amazement. It creates a whole entire new sphere I could not have imagined. The underground tunnel was stunning and also the gigantic reservoir. Though the city has almost nothing left, I believe that everyone could feel its power and the remaining spirituality (: