One of these is exemplified by the idiosyncratic rule of Mohammed bin Tughlaq, who inexplicably decreed the capital to be moved to Daulatabad in the Deccan, only to return to Delhi soon after.

The mystery of the city's precincts (complex) has unfolded over the years with later day excavations revealing a large number of monuments in the villages and residential colonies of South Delhi.

[4][5][6] Jahanpanah's etymology consists of two Persian words, جهان ‘Jahan’, "the world", and پناه ‘panah’,"shelter", thus "Refuge of the World" Mohammed bin Tughlaq, the son of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq who ordered the establishment of Tughlaqabad, constructed the new city of Jahanpanah between 1326 and 1327 by encircling and hemming the earlier cities of Siri and Lal Kot with 13 gates.

[7] But what remains of the city and Adilabad fort are largely ruins, which leave much ambiguity and conjecture regarding its physical status as to why and when it was built by Tughlaq.

[5][8] Ibn Batuta reasoned that Muhammad Shah wished to see a unified city comprising Lal Kot, Siri, Jahanpanah and Tughlaqabad with one contiguous fortification encompassing them but cost considerations compelled him to abandon the plan halfway.

Tughalqabad continued to act as Tughlaq’s centre of government until, for strange and inexplicable reasons, he shifted his capital to Daulatabad, however, he returned after a short period.

Adilabad, a fort of modest size, built on the hills to the south of Tughlaqabad, was provided with protective massive ramparts on its boundary around the city of Jahanpanah.

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in its evaluation of the status of the fort for conservation has recorded that two gates, "…one with barbicans between two bastions on the south-east and another on the south-west.

Similar structures had also been built at Tughlaqabad and Delhi in Hauz Khas Complex, thus covering the water supply needs of entire population of Jahanpanah.

One view is that it was built by Khan-i-Jahan Maqbul Tilangani, prime minister during Feroz Shah Tughlaq’s rule, who was also a builder of six more masjids (two of them in the close vicinity).

The eastern gate approach is from the road level up a flight of steps to negotiate the raised plinth on which this unique mosque has been built with a four-iwan layout.

The process of ushering people into the presence of the Sultan was labyrinthine and formal, involving entry through semi–public places to private chambers to the audience hall.

The debate over whether the Hazara Sultan Palace mentioned as existing during Alauddin Khalji's reign was the same structure present during the Tughlaq period remains inconclusive.

[4][5][13] Within the close precincts of Bijay Mandal stands a conspicuous domed building, distinguished by a unique architectural façade featuring two openings on each of its three sides.

[5] Kalu Sarai Masjid, situated 500 metres (1,600 ft) north of Bijay Mandal, is in a severely dilapidated condition and urgently requires restoration due to its status as a heritage monument.

Originally constructed with rubble masonry and plastered surfaces, the mosque featured a frontage of seven arched openings, three bays in depth, and was crowned by a series of low domes, exemplifying the typical Tughlaqi architectural style.

A bit further from this structure is the tomb of Shaikh Farid Murtaza Khan, who during Emperor Akbar’s period, was credited with building a number of serais, a mosque, and Faridabad village, which is now the present–day large city in Haryana.

[17] The tomb building, elevated on twelve columns with perforated screens on the façade, features a large dome set on a sixteen-faced drum.

The ASI undertook conservation efforts for the wall, including the installation of railings, environmental improvements, and enhanced lighting, at a cost of ₹15 lakhs (US$30,000) in preparation for the 2010 Commonwealth Games.