From the beginning of the 2nd millennium AD northern India began to fall under the sway of a number of Muslim-Turkic rulers who, at the start of the 13th century, founded the series of dynasties known to history as the Delhi Sultanate. For three centuries these sultans expanded their territory, which led to a dramatic rise in the number of fortifications throughout the subcontinent. This period is the defining age of the Indian castle and the combined influence of the Islamic and Hindu architectural tradition lends these fortifications a unique style. This book covers all the major sites of the period - including the fabled seven medieval cities on the site of the present-day city of Delhi.

Konstantin Nossov is a researcher and advisor on ancient and medieval arms, armour and warfare, as well as the author of numerous books and articles on the subject. His particular areas of interest include the history of weapons, fortifications and siege warfare. He has lived all his life in Moscow and has travelled extensively in Europe, North Africa, South Asia, Asia Minor and the Far East.

Brian Delf began his career working in a London art studio producing artwork for advertising and commercial publications. Since 1972, he has worked as a freelance illustrator on a variety of subjects including natural history, architecture and technical cutaways. Some of his recently illustrated books have been published in over thirty countries. Brian lives and works in Oxfordshire.