Cities of Delhi Sultanate were primarily garrison towns. Critically examine.

Q. Cities of Delhi Sultanate were primarily garrison towns. Critically examine.

The cities of the Delhi Sultanate, which ruled much of the Indian subcontinent between the 12th and 16th centuries, have been the subject of much debate among historians, archaeologists, and urban scholars. One prominent aspect of these cities, particularly during the early phase of the Sultanate (1206–1398 CE), is their characterization as primarily garrison towns. This conception largely stems from the military origins of the Delhi Sultanate, the necessity of maintaining a strong defense against both internal and external threats, and the administrative and logistical needs of a regime that was, at least in its early centuries, foreign in its composition and governance. However, while the military aspects of these cities were undoubtedly important, it is equally essential to critically examine whether this characterization fully captures the complexity and dynamism of urban life in the Delhi Sultanate. By analyzing the historiography, physical evidence, and social, political, and economic dynamics of these urban centers, we can develop a more nuanced understanding of the extent to which these cities functioned as garrison towns, and the broader implications of this characterization for the development of urbanism in medieval India.

1. Foundations of the Delhi Sultanate and the Role of Military in Urban Development

The establishment of the Delhi Sultanate in 1206 CE, with the ascendancy of Qutb-ud-Din Aibak, marked the beginning of a new era in North India, one that was heavily influenced by Turkic and Afghan military traditions. The initial formation of the Sultanate was, to a large extent, a consequence of military conquest. The first sultans, especially Aibak and his successors like Iltutmish and Razia, were faced with the task of consolidating power in a region that had been historically dominated by Rajput kingdoms, Ghurids, and other regional powers. This military aspect of the Sultanate significantly influenced the cities they built and governed.


Delhi, under the Delhi Sultanate, became not only the political capital but also a military stronghold. The physical layout and function of its urban centers were often designed with defense, control, and surveillance in mind. Fortifications, military garrisons, and strategic locations were prioritized when planning urban settlements. The Qutb Minar, constructed during the reign of Iltutmish, stands as one of the most famous examples of architectural prowess in the early Sultanate period. Yet, beyond its architectural and cultural significance, it also served as a symbol of the military strength and authority of the Sultanate in a time of consolidation.

Similarly, the Old Delhi (or Lal Kot), the first city of Delhi constructed by Anangpal Tomar and later fortified by the Sultanate, was primarily a fortress and military stronghold. It was a center of military control, with important administrative structures set in place to govern a vast empire. The urban structure of these cities largely served the needs of a military regime that sought to establish control over an alien population, which led to the city becoming a base of operations for defense and a point of consolidation of power.

a. The Establishment of Military Control and Fortifications

As the Delhi Sultanate expanded its influence, several cities were established or fortified to serve as garrison towns, such as Lahore, Multan, Jaunpur, and Ajaigarh. Each of these cities, particularly under the military regimes of the Khilji and Tughlaq dynasties, had strong military presences. Lahore, for instance, became the site of a significant garrison, strategically placed for both defense and the surveillance of northern and northwestern territories. The presence of fortifications and military installations in these cities was integral not only to defending the Sultanate from external invasions but also to keeping a watchful eye on potential internal rebellions.


In the case of Delhi, the establishment of the Qila Rai Pithora, originally constructed by the Tomars, was repurposed and strengthened by the Sultanate rulers. The Tughlaqabad Fort, built by Ghiyas-ud-Din Tughlaq, is another example of the military importance of the city. These fortifications were not merely symbolic; they were designed to serve as centers of defense, places for the deployment of military forces, and secure locations for the Sultan’s palace and administrative functions. The military installations also facilitated the constant mobilization and movement of troops in response to the shifting political and military landscape of the Indian subcontinent.

b. The Military Presence in Urban Society

The military nature of the Delhi Sultanate cities extended beyond the construction of fortifications and garrisons. These cities were populated by soldiers, generals, and military officers who played an important role in shaping the social fabric of urban life. Many of the military elite and their followers settled in the urban areas, and these settlements were often organized around the needs of the military. Markets in garrison towns, for example, would cater to soldiers and their specific needs, including weapons, armor, and food supplies. Military service was often a means of social mobility for many, including those who were originally from different regions or ethnic backgrounds.


Additionally, the Sultanate’s reliance on military presence often meant that non-military residents, such as traders, artisans, and scholars, had to operate within an environment deeply influenced by martial governance. The Sultanate’s emphasis on military control, particularly under rulers like Ala-ud-Din Khilji and Muhammad bin Tughlaq, led to the further militarization of cities, where the administrative structure was closely linked to military authority. In Khilji's Delhi, for example, the military served as a means of enforcing the ruler's decrees, including economic policies like the market reforms and price control laws, which were tightly monitored by military officials.

2. Beyond the Garrison: The Social, Economic, and Cultural Functions of the Delhi Sultanate Cities

While the military aspect of Delhi Sultanate cities is an important part of their identity, it is essential to explore the broader aspects of urban life that were not solely defined by martial presence. These urban centres were also cultural and economic hubs, with flourishing marketplaces, educational institutions, and centers for art and architecture. Over time, the Sultanate cities became more than just military strongholds; they evolved into complex urban spaces that combined military functions with thriving economies and vibrant cultural practices.

a. Commercial and Economic Growth

The cities of the Delhi Sultanate saw considerable economic growth, with vibrant trade networks both within the subcontinent and with external regions such as Central Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Delhi, in particular, became a central node in these networks, functioning as a hub for the movement of goods, people, and ideas. The Sarai (rest houses) and bazaars that sprung up in and around these cities were not only essential to sustaining military life but also supported a growing merchant class. These markets sold everything from spices and textiles to metals and luxury goods. The Jama Masjid in Delhi, for instance, stands not only as a religious monument but also as a central gathering point for merchants and traders from diverse parts of the empire.


The economic vitality of these cities was supported by agriculture, as the Sultanate controlled vast agricultural lands that were taxed to fund military and administrative expenditures. The tithe system (known as khud-khushi) and the land revenue systems put in place by the early sultans played a role in stabilizing the economy of these urban centres. Despite the military dominance of the Sultanate, these policies allowed for a flourishing urban economy that supported diverse occupations, including the craft industry, intellectual pursuits, and trade.

b. Cultural and Intellectual Flourishing

Another important dimension of the cities of the Delhi Sultanate was their role as cultural and intellectual centers. While the cities were primarily associated with military governance and defense, they were also home to scholars, poets, artists, and architects who contributed to the cultural landscape of medieval India. The Sultanate rulers were patrons of Persian literature, Islamic architecture, and art, and many of these artistic and intellectual practices became integral to the identity of these urban spaces.

The Arabic and Persian language and literature flourished in these cities, particularly under rulers such as Ala-ud-Din Khilji and Muhammad bin Tughlaq, who sought to create a cosmopolitan environment in Delhi. The intellectual life of Delhi was also shaped by the presence of scholars and religious leaders, including Sufi mystics, whose teachings contributed to the religious and philosophical diversity of the Sultanate cities. The development of Persian literature and history under the Delhi Sultanate, as well as the construction of monuments like the Qutb Minar, was a reflection of the cultural investment made by these rulers, seeking to promote their power and legitimize their rule.

c. Urban Architecture and Monumental Construction

The architectural character of the cities of the Delhi Sultanate also provides evidence that these were not just garrison towns. The monumental construction of mosques, madrasas (educational institutions), and tombs indicated that the Sultanate cities were also intended to demonstrate the grandeur of the Sultan's reign and his piety. The Qutb Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands as one of the most recognizable symbols of Delhi’s architectural legacy. This minaret, part of the Qutb complex, was constructed by Qutb-ud-Din Aibak and later expanded by his successors. The intricate carvings and architectural style of the minaret showcase the fusion of Central Asian and Indian architectural traditions, making it a symbol of both the military and cultural accomplishments of the Sultanate.

Additionally, the tombs of the sultans, such as Iltutmish's tomb and the Tughlaqabad Fort, show how these urban spaces were developed to combine military, administrative, and religious purposes, creating a hybrid urban environment where martial authority and cultural achievements were deeply intertwined.

3. Critical Evaluation: Garrison Towns or Multi-dimensional Urban Centres?

While the characterization of the cities of the Delhi Sultanate as garrison towns is not without basis, it is clear that this view does not fully encompass the complexities of urban life in these cities. The cities were indeed created and governed with a strong military ethos, particularly in the early phases of the Sultanate, but as time passed, the cities began to evolve into multi-dimensional urban centers. The social, economic, cultural, and architectural developments that occurred in these cities contributed to a more nuanced understanding of their function in medieval India.

The idea of the Sultanate cities solely as military strongholds underestimates the role of these urban centers as cultural, intellectual, and commercial hubs. They were not only sites of garrisoning and military organization but also places of commerce, governance, learning, and architectural innovation. Thus, while the military function of these cities was significant, it was balanced by other crucial elements, including economic activities, intellectual life, and cultural patronage.

In conclusion, the cities of the Delhi Sultanate, while undoubtedly shaped by military imperatives, were much more than mere garrison towns. They were vibrant, multi-faceted urban centers that played a key role in shaping the political, social, economic, and cultural landscape of medieval India. The military presence in these cities was just one aspect of their dynamic nature, and a more comprehensive understanding of these cities requires considering their diverse functions and contributions to Indian history.


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