Highlight the unique features of Tughlaq architecture.

Tughlaq period (1321-98 A.D.) brought a new chapter in the history of Medieval Indian Architecture. It witnessed the use of a new material of construction, the stone rubble which entailed new technique of surface decoration. Use of rubble stone required not only heavy use of lime-mortar as a binding material but also a thick veneer of lime plaster to cover the surface. Stucco and painted internal surfaces also became common. The richly carved stone facades and interiors were replaced by plain stucco, and the Quranic inscriptions rarely embellished any structure.

There were other profound changes which occurred as well. Cyclopean or tapering walls emerged as the hall-mark feature of the period. There was also a mixing of trabeate with arcuate style of architecture. Though constructed of rubble stone, the outer side of the walls are faced with dressed granite stones. In all the Tughlaq monuments, the turrets are tapered, walls are cyclopean and the bastions are sloped. Due to the use of rubble, the dome is also lowered.

The prominent architectural buildings of the Tughlaq Dynasty are the following:

The Tughlaqabad Palace Complex and Fort, Tomb of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq in Delhi, Begumpuri Masjid, Khirki Masjid, Firuzahah Kotla Fort which was built by Firuzshah Tughlaq in 1554 CE, Tomb of Khan-i-jahan Telangani built during the reign of Firuzshah.

Tughlaq rulers constructed a large number of mosques in Delhi and elsewhere, the general plan of which differed from the earlier mosques of the Sultanate period. They generally contain the following features:

1. They comprise a raised terrace of one storey height which is divided into a number of Chambers on all the four sides.

2. On the terrace, the main structure of the mosque is constructed, which is usually divided into four courtyards. Further, the covered area contains multiple domes of small size.

3. Entrance gates of the mosque are usually three- one on east, north and south. These gates are generally constructed with a combination of arch and beam.

4. The entrance gates are flanked with tapering turrets joined to it on each side.

5. The corners of the mosque contain circular bastion-like structures.

6. All the mosques in the interior contain piers in place of pillars.

7. Calligraphy and arabesque decoration is totally absent. During this period, there was beginnings of a high propylon.