Heavy and massive in appearance, the Tomb of Feroz Shah Tughlaq stands before you. It’s a testament to a ruler who sought to leave his mark on Delhi. He ruled the Sultanate from 1351 to 1388. Firoz Shah Tughlaq was an enthusiastic patron of art and architecture.
Firoz Shah Tughlaq’s tomb is located in Hauz Khas in New Delhi. It is near the tank constructed by Alauddin Khalji. Attached to the tomb is a madrasa. Firoz Shah built it in 1352-53. Step through the courtyard. The archway of the entrance gate has a date engraved on it. It reads 1507-08, the reign of Sikandar Lodi. This suggests that he had the tomb repaired.
Notice the tomb’s square plan. It is unlike the marble on the facade of the Ghiyas tomb. The Tomb of Feroz Shah Tughlaq features plain cemented walls. The slightly pointed dome is supported by an octagonal drum. Look closely at the lower curves of the dome arches. They are decorated with intersecting colored bands. The arched pendentives contain Koranic inscriptions. The walls showcase floral designs.
Firoz Shah’s tomb differs from that of Ghiyas in construction materials. It is not built of stone. Instead, a thick layer of durable stucco is used. It was probably painted. Observe the paved verandah. It is enclosed by Buddhist stone railings of the type found in Sanchi. Why were these stone railings used here? Some believe Firoz Shah used these pre-Muslim Indian forms. He wanted to associate himself with earlier greatness.
Inside the Tomb of Firoz Shah Tughlaq, there are no inscriptions on the four graves. It is believed that the central grave is that of Firoz Shah. The two similar ones are probably those of his son and grandson. Their names are Nasir ud din Mahmud and Ala-ud-din Sikandar Shah.
Firoz Shah Tughlaq made important changes to make the administration better. He also improved the economy. He brought important changes in the military. Firoz Shah Tughlaq introduced many important reforms during his reign. During his reign, stone carving and sculpture saw creative innovations. Weaving arts flourished under him. Fine-quality carpets were produced.
He faced rebellions in his later years. There was opposition from nobles and court intrigues. This led him to exile and execute some ministers. Firoz Tughlaq died in 1388 after ruling for 37 years. His reign witnessed both successes and challenges for the Sultanate. Economic issues and internal conflicts ultimately constrained the growth of the Sultanate. Yet Firoz Tughlaq stands out as one of the major rulers of the Delhi Sultanate. The Tomb of Firoz Shah Tughlaq remains a stoic reminder of his reign.