From Lal Kot to Lal Qila, the journey of Delhi is indeed a long one, spanning many centuries; and through which, one witnesses the emergence and abandonment of several capitals. It reveals not just ten fortifications, known to us as Lal Kot, Qila Rai Pithora, Siri, Tughlaqabad, Jahanpanah, Adilabad, Firuz Shah Kotla, Purana Qila, Salimgarh and Lal Qila; but innumerable, diverse buildings that mirror the distinct art styles of the city?s multi-dynastic regimes before the proliferation of the European styled architecture during British rule. These regimes were formed by the Tomars, the Chauhans, the Mamluks, the Khaljis, the Tughlaqs, the Sayyids, the Lodis, the Surs and the Mughals. Delhi?s history is speckled with the deeds of its great kings like Anangpal, Prithviraj Chauhan, Alauddin Khalji, Muhammad bin Tughlaq, Sher Shah Suri and Shahjahan, to name just a few. More significantly, their built heritage still mystify us. Each of the monuments has a story to tell that is charming enough to make one ponder about their existence in the present day. Lal Kot to Lal Qila ? The Architectural Heritage of Delhi tries to recount the significance of these structures, the various possibilities of the reasons, as also the absence of any logic sometimes behind their construction, which make the study of Delhi?s tumultuous history all the more captivating.
