Khilji Fortifications Alauddin Khilji’s Walls of Defense & Ambition
Prabhuling jiroli
The Khilji Fortifications are among the earliest large-scale military defense systems in Delhi, commissioned by Alauddin Khilji (r. 1296–1316 CE), the most expansionist ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. These defensive walls, bastions, and gates were part of a vision to protect and expand the newly founded city of Siri, and to showcase power after repeated Mongol invasions.
Though many parts of the fortifications lie in ruins today, they still narrate a compelling story of medieval military architecture, urban planning, and power consolidation.
🕰️ Historical Timeline
| Period | Key Event |
|---|---|
| 1296 CE | Alauddin Khilji becomes Sultan of Delhi |
| 1303 CE | Successful Mongol invasion attempt triggers defense planning |
| 1304–1316 CE | Fortifications of Siri, including walls, gates, moats, bastions |
| Post 1316 CE | Abandoned and unmaintained by successors |
| Present Day | Ruins visible in areas like Siri Fort Road, Shahpur Jat, and Mehrauli Archaeological Park |
🏗️ Architecture and Fort Design
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Fort Type | Defensive urban wall |
| Construction | Rubble masonry, lime mortar, laterite stone |
| Wall Thickness | 2.5–3 meters |
| Fort Length | Estimated 5–7 km circumference (Siri city) |
| Key Additions | Bastions every 200–250 meters; gates with arched tops |
Key Architectural Elements:
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Siri Wall (near Shahpur Jat)
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Northern Fort wall segment near Kamla Nehru Ridge
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Sunken bastions near Siri Fort Stadium
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Ruins behind AIIMS and August Kranti Marg
🧭 How to Reach Key Sites
| Site | Location | Nearest Metro |
|---|---|---|
| Siri Wall | Shahpur Jat / Siri Fort Road | Green Park / Hauz Khas |
| Bastions | Near Khel Gaon Marg, behind AIIMS | AIIMS / INA |
| Alai Wall trail | Mehrauli Archaeological Park | Qutub Minar |
🥾 Trekking & Heritage Walk Routes
The Khilji Fortifications are not a singular site, but a network of ruins. Ideal for heritage treks, not conventional fort treks.
🔁 Recommended Route 1: Siri Fort Trail (3–4 km)
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Start at Shahpur Jat
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Move towards Siri Fort Auditorium Wall
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Explore trail around Khel Gaon
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Finish at Hauz Khas Deer Park ruins
🧭 Route 2: Mehrauli Extension (2.5 km)
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Begin at Mehrauli Archaeological Park
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Walk along Alai Wall toward Balban’s Tomb
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Explore Jamali Kamali and Rajon ki Baoli
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Trek Length | 3–5 km |
| Difficulty | Easy–Moderate |
| Terrain | Mostly flat; some rocky forest paths |
| Ideal Duration | 2–3 hours |
| Guided Tours | Recommended (INTACH/Delhi Walks) |
📍 Major Sites to Explore
| Site Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Siri Fort Wall | Best preserved section near Shahpur Jat |
| Alai Wall | Ruins extend from Qutub Complex to Mehrauli |
| Bastion near AIIMS | Largely hidden, under ASI protection |
| Deer Park Bastion | Scenic spot with wall merges into forest |
| Alai Darwaza | Best example of Khilji-era Indo-Islamic art |
🎒 What to Carry
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Water bottle 💧
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Trekking shoes 👟
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Cap or scarf 🧢
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ID proof 🪪
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Camera 📷
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Flashlight (for shaded ruins) 🔦
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Mosquito repellent 🦟
❌ What Not to Do
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❌ Climb fragile stone structures
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❌ Venture into isolated overgrown zones alone
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❌ Litter or damage ASI zones
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❌ Disregard signboards or no-entry areas
🚫 Who Should Avoid
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Tourists seeking grand forts like Red Fort
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People with mobility issues (due to uneven terrain)
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Visitors expecting facilities (cafes, washrooms, signage)
🌦️ Best Time to Visit
| Season | Notes |
|---|---|
| Oct–Feb | Perfect for heritage walks & photography |
| Mar–May | Manageable in early mornings |
| Jun–Sep | Avoid due to overgrowth and mud trails |
📊 Summary Table
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Built By | Alauddin Khilji |
| Time Period | 1303–1316 CE |
| Purpose | Defense against Mongols |
| Present Status | Scattered ruins across South Delhi |
| Ideal For | Historians, photographers, heritage walkers |
| Entry Fee | Free (unless inside ASI-managed areas) |
📅 Entry & Access Info
| Item | Info |
|---|---|
| Timings | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Days Open | All days |
| Guided Tours | Recommended for historical context |
| Entry Fee | Free for outdoor sections; ASI ticket applies inside Qutub Complex or monuments |
📸 Photo Spots & Hidden Highlights
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📷 Sunrise shot from Deer Park wall rampart
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📸 Panoramic view from Siri Fort Ridge segment
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📷 Alai Wall merging into Jamali Kamali trail
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❤️ Final Thoughts
The Khilji Fortifications aren’t just crumbling walls—they are India’s earliest response to large-scale invasion threats, built with urgency, vision, and ambition. A visit here connects you with Delhi’s layered urban past, where ruins become records and each stone speaks of forgotten wars and unfulfilled dreams.