Public works of Firoz Shah Tughlaq

Public works of Firoz Shah Tughlaq : Public Works of Firoz Shah Tughlaq (1351–1388 CE)

Firoz Shah Tughlaq’s reign (1351–1388) is distinctively marked by an extensive program of public works, infrastructure development, and welfare measures, setting him apart as the greatest builder of the Tughlaq dynasty. His contributions spanned urban planning, agriculture, welfare, and the restoration of historical monuments.

The primary sources for his reign, particularly detailing his reforms and public works, include Shams-i-Siraj Afif’s Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi, the Sultan’s own memoir, Futuhat-i-Firuz Shahi, and the anonymous work Sirat-i-Firuz Shahi.

I. Architectural and Urban Development

Firoz Shah Tughlaq was an enthusiastic patron of art and architecture. He is credited with establishing a Public Works Department in the Sultanate to oversee development and construction works.

A. New Cities and Forts

Firoz Shah founded several major cities and fortified complexes during his 37-year rule:

Firozabad (The Fifth City of Delhi): He constructed an entirely new city near Delhi named Firozabad (also called Firoz Shah Kotla). This massive fort complex housed the capital city. The fort is known for its massive walls and gateways.
Firoz Shah Kotla: This complex includes the Khirki Masjid, which is known for its unusual enclosed, quadrilateral plan. It also features a large Baoli (step-well) and a mosque.
Other Cities: He founded new cities including Jaunpur, Hissar (or Hissar Firuza), Fatehabad, and Firozpur.
Tughlaq Architecture: His architecture reflects the Tughlaq style—austere, functional, and massive structures utilizing rubble masonry.

B. Restoration and Monumental Works

Firoz Shah Tughlaq undertook the crucial task of repairing and restoring older monuments.

Restoration: He restored old buildings like the Qutub Minar.
Ashoka Pillars: He famously brought two Ashoka Pillars (from Topra, near Radaur, and Meerut) to Delhi. He re-erected one of them on the roof of his palace at Firoz Shah Kotla. The Tughlaq dynasty is remembered for its architectural patronage, such as the construction of Firoz Shah Kotla, which reused old Buddhist pillars.
Tombs and Madrasas: His tomb is located in the Hauz Khas Complex (New Delhi), near the tank constructed by Alauddin Khalji, with an attached madrasa built by Firuz Shah Tughlaq in 1352–53.
Other Structures: He commissioned many public buildings in Delhi, including forts, bridges, and caravanserais.

II. Infrastructure and Agricultural Development

Firoz Shah Tughlaq placed a strong focus on agricultural development and is famously known as “The Canal Builder”.

A. Irrigation Network

Firoz Shah Tughlaq commissioned the biggest network of canals in India until the 19th century.

Canal Construction: He constructed and improved several canals for irrigation, which increased agriculture and revenue.
Major Canals: He cut five major canals:
1. The first canal was from Sutlej to Ghaggar.
2. The second carried the waters of Yamuna to the city of Hissar. This included the restoration of the ancient West Yamuna Canal (originally built by Prithviraj Chauhan).
3. A third canal started from the neighborhood of Mandhavi and Sirmour Hills and connected with Hansi.
4. A fourth canal flowed from the Ghaggar up to the village of Hiram-Khera.
5. His most notable achievement was the Sultanpur canal, a 120-kilometer channel connecting the Yamuna and Sutlej rivers.
Related Infrastructure: He also built numerous dams, reservoirs, and waterwheels to ensure efficient water utilization.
Impact: The canal network increased agricultural production, which led to greater food security and revenue for the empire.
Irrigation Tax: Firoz Shah Tughlaq was the first Sultan to impose Sharb (irrigation tax), also known as haqq-i sharb, taken from cultivators who irrigated their land from the state-constructed canals.

B. Agricultural Promotion

Orchards: He laid down 1,200 orchards in the vicinity of Delhi to grow seven varieties of grapes. This effort appears to have made grapes so abundant that, according to Afif, their prices fell.
Cultivation: His canal projects brought more land under cultivation for growing grain and fruit.

III. Social Welfare and Humanitarian Projects

Firoz Shah Tughlaq implemented welfare measures aimed at improving the material condition of his people and providing financial relief.

Public Works Department: He is credited for establishing a Public Works Department in the Sultanate to oversee construction.
Hospitals (Dar-ul-shifa): He set up hospitals in Delhi, described variously as Dar-ul-shifa, Bimaristan, and Shifa Khana, for the free treatment of the poor. He also encouraged physicians in the development of Unani medicine.
Marriage Bureau: He created the Diwan-i-Khairat (Department of Charity) to provide money for the marriage of girls belonging to poor families.
Slaves Department: He established the Diwan-i-Bandagan (Department for slaves). Firoz Shah Tughlaq had a special liking for slaves and employed them in royal factories (karkhanas) and as bodyguards.
Taxes and Fees Abolished: He abolished many unjust or controversial agrarian cesses (like ghari and charai). He claims to have abolished twenty-three cesses.
Rest Houses and Gardens: He commissioned many rest houses (sarai) and gardens.

IV. Patronage of Learning and Arts

Firoz Shah Tughlaq also devoted resources to education, literature, and architectural ornamentation.

Education: He opened a number of madrasas (Islamic religious schools) to encourage the religious education of Muslims.
Translation and Libraries: He encouraged education by commissioning the translation of Hindu religious works from Sanskrit into Persian and Arabic. He maintained a large personal library of manuscripts in various languages.
Ornamental Arts: His reign saw developments in ornamental art forms, including the manufacturing of artistic tiles, painted illustrations in manuscripts, and intricate inlay work in stone and marble.
Technology and Science: A water-clock is mentioned in Afif’s Tarikh-i Firuz Shahi, which relates the installation of a tasgharial (bowl and gong mechanism) by Sultan Firuz Shah Tughlaq at Firozabad during his reign.