Forts in India
Stone was the primary material for building fortifications in medieval India, with three construction methods: earthen ramparts, earth mixed with rubble, and mortar. Earthen ramparts allowed for higher and steeper walls, but the earthen core could accumulate water, requiring drainage channels. The third method involved using mortar, which was strong and long-lasting. In medieval India, burying humans in fort walls was believed to keep evil spirits away. The Sri Qila in Delhi buried 8,000 Mughal skulls, and Purandar Fort one had a first-born son and wife buried in the foundation. Other fortifications included rock cut water cisterns, ponds, wells, and lakes. Parapets with merlons and loopholes were unique in Indian fortifications, with merlons being semicircular and pointed at the top. Loopholes were made in both merlons and crenels, either looking forward or downward. The shape of loopholes and merlons varied across the castle.