The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c23.s4.94

v4.c23.s4.94

The Afghān ruler’s first act was, however, destructive, as he razed to the ground Humāyūn’s city of Dīnpanāh, founded so auspiciously a few years previously, and in its place, on the site of Indarpat, began to build a new walled capital containing within it a strong citadel for his own accommodation. Owing to his untimely death the city itself was never finished—only two gateways remain—but the citadel known as the Purānā Qil‘a, although now little more than a shell, is still intact, and its walls and gateways, together with one building in its interior, form an important landmark in the architectural development of the period. Its bastioned ramparts, massively constructed of rubble masonry, are marvels of strength, while the bold battlements protect a wide parapet walk, underneath which is a spacious double arcade carried around its entire circuit. On their outer side these plain rugged walls are relieved by ornamental machicolations at frequent and regular intervals, with an occasional balcony projected on brackets. As a contrast to the severely practical nature of these defences, and also to their rough rubble construction, are the gateways built of fine sandstone ashlar decorated with white marble inlay and coloured glaze. In the design and execution of these gateways we seem to see the beginnings of a more refined and artistically ornate type of edifice than had prevailed for some time. That a development of this kind was taking place is proved by the character of the only building of any note now left within the walls.