Many forts of historic Delhi

• Delhi, often referred to as the city of tombs, is a city rich in history and monumental architecture.
• Despite repeated destructions, Delhi’s resilience is attributed to its people and the formidable forts that protected the city. 
• Major Forts of Delhi –

• Red Fort (Lal Qila):
• Completed in 1648 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Architects were Ustad Hira and Ustad Hamid. Initially considered Raisina Hills but shifted to the banks of the Yamuna River.
• Historical Names: Urdu-i-Mualla (Original name upon completion) and Qila-i-Mu’alla (Renamed during Akbar II‘s reign)
• Historical Events here include its inauguration where Shah Jahan entered with a grand procession and Prince Dara Shikoh scattered gold and silver. Khizr Gate was the gate through which the emperor entered.
• Purana Qila (Old Fort): Believed to be the site of the ancient city of Indraprastha from the Mahabharata. Anangpal Tomar built the original Lal Kot, the oldest city wall and Prithviraj Chauhan extended Lal Kot to form Qila Rai Pithora while Sher Shah Suri rebuilt and expanded the fort in the 16th century.
• Tughlaqabad Fort: Built by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, founder of the Tughlaq Dynasty (1321-1325). Built as a defensive structure against Mongol invasions. It had massive stone fortifications with high walls.
• Siri Fort: Built by Alauddin Khilji, second ruler of the Khilji Dynasty in early 14th century to defend against Mongol invasions and serve as a new capital.
• Feroz Shah Kotla: Built by Feroz Shah Tughlaq in 1354. It houses the Ashokan Pillar brought from Topra, Haryana. It served as the capital of the Tughlaq dynasty.
• Najafgarh Fort: Built by Mirza Najaf Khan, an 18th-century Mughal general. Mirza Najaf Khan was appointed as Amir-ul-Umra by Shah Alam II. Built to protect the city outskirts from attacks.

Dig Deeper: Read about Delhi Sultanate and its contributions in terms of architecture