Indian Castles: 1206-1526
by Konstantin Nossov
Published by Osprey Publishing
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Reviewed by Muhammed Hassanali
Subtitled: The Rise and Fall of the Delhi Sultanate
This book is a volume in Osprey's large series devoted to fortresses. In just over sixty pages, it amalgamates historical accuracy with appealing presentation to present a complex subject in a way that is suitable for those without prior knowledge in Indian fortifications. The book starts with a two-page introduction that succinctly summarizes the political history of the period and makes broad remarks on castle architectural styles. As there was great political instability at the time, captured military structures were only repaired where needed. Hence castles from that period have a unique blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural motifs. The introduction is followed by a map showing the location of the castles covered in the text and a chronology of events.
The first substantive chapter discusses types of castles drawing on Indian (rather than European) conventions as its basis for classification. The choice of classification helps the reader appreciate Indian castles from within their own framework rather than trying to fit their designs within a foreign framework. The chapter ends with a general discussion on the methods used for castle construction. The next chapter discusses the functional elements of castle design. In this case, they include ditches, walls, towers, gates, merlons, loopholes, and machicolations. These two chapters summarize the framework for castle design during this period.
The next chapter provides detailed descriptions of the defenses in three castles. These descriptions take into account the architectural design (walls, gates, towers, etc.), physical terrain, and access routes to the castle. The text illustrates how these castles integrate the disparate mechanisms of defense examined in earlier chapters. A chapter devoted to exploring living quarters within castle walls follows, and there is also a single-page chapter that introduces the influences of handguns and cannons on modifications in castle design and architecture.
The chapter titled "The Castles in War" provides accounts of sieges and some of the tactics used by the defenders and attackers. In places, it reads like a collection of real stories about real people. The last chapter provides a very brief (a few sentences) summary of roughly two dozen castles all of which are identified on the map earlier in the book.
Armchair Interviews says: Wonderful and interesting read for history buffs or those who love to read about architecture, etc.