Battered walls are a distinctive feature of the architecture of the .......................... .

The correct answer is - Tughlaqs

Key Points

• Battered walls
  • In architecture, battered walls refer to walls that slope inward as they rise, providing structural stability and a distinctive aesthetic.
  • The use of such walls was a hallmark of the Tughlaq dynasty, particularly in their fortifications and public buildings.
• Tughlaq dynasty
  • The Tughlaqs ruled the Delhi Sultanate from 1320 to 1414 CE.
  • Their architecture is characterized by simplicity, functionality, and strength, which is evident in the use of battered walls to make structures more resistant to attacks and natural calamities.
• Examples
  • Key examples of Tughlaq architecture with battered walls include the Tughlaqabad Fort and the Adilabad Fort.

Additional Information

• Architectural features of the Tughlaqs
  • Fortifications: The Tughlaqs heavily focused on building forts with massive, sloping walls for protection.
  • Simplicity: Unlike their predecessors, the Tughlaqs emphasized austere designs, avoiding intricate ornamentation.
  • Material usage: They often used rubble masonry, which was economical and durable.
• Comparison with other dynasties
  • Sayyids and Lodis: These dynasties focused more on tomb architecture and garden layouts, rather than the fortified style of the Tughlaqs.
  • Jaunpur architecture: The Sharqi rulers of Jaunpur are known for their mosques, featuring wide arches and domes, rather than battered walls.
• Legacy of Tughlaq architecture
  • The Tughlaq style influenced subsequent architectural developments in India, particularly in fort and mosque construction.
  • It laid the foundation for combining functionality with aesthetics in medieval Indian architecture.