An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v2.c38.96

v2.c38.96

The exposed stretches of the hitherto concealed wall show that overlying the bed-rock and provided with a 1·52 m wide stones apron the original wall was built of rubble stones to a height of 2·45 m. Its width varied between 2·48 and 3·05 m. Later the height was raised by the superimposition of kiln-burnt bricks, 30 courses of which still survive. A flight of steps, built of stones up to the original rubble-built height, and of bricks to the height of brick courses, led to the top of the wall. On the exterior face the wall was first provided by a brick revetment which survived in parts. Later, when the brick revetment had been robbed or had become dilapidated, a facing of neatly dressed quartzite stones, tied with iron dowels, was given to the ramparts. Integral with the original construction are semicircular bastions at irregular intervals. To the e. of the Qutub-Minar where Delhi-Gurgaon bye-pass runs over the Lal-Kot walls, the quartzite facing is largely robbed. Some further clearance in this area carried out later has exposed a barbican with gateway.