Talus
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The Tughlaqabad Fort has a talus as part of its extensive defensive network. |
The term 'talus' describes sloped fortifications at the base of certain types of military structures. The talus is typically larger than a batter, which is another form of sloped defensive wall.
The talus is often thicker than the top portion of the wall, which protects the structure by making it difficult to damage. Its angled construction makes it difficult for attackers to scale with ladders.
This wall strengthening approach was sometimes used around medieval castles to enhance their defenses. It is believed that defenders would intentionally throw stones onto the talus to increase the chance of damage caused by shrapnel-like projectiles.
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