Part of: Maharashtra Gk set 51

During Muhammad Bin Tughlaq's reign the residents of the old city were sent to the new capital .....

Category: Maharashtra Gk

Hint: Consider the major administrative decisions made by Muhammad Bin Tughlaq.

Correct Answer: A) Daulatabad

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

During the reign of Muhammad Bin Tughlaq, one of the most significant administrative decisions was the relocation of the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad. This decision was made in the year 1327 CE and was intended to better control the Deccan region, which was crucial for the stability and expansion of the Tughlaq Empire. Daulatabad, located in present-day Maharashtra, was chosen as the new capital due to its strategic location and fortifications.

The move was part of a broader set of administrative reforms aimed at centralizing power and improving the efficiency of the empire. However, the relocation faced numerous challenges. The logistics of moving the entire court and administration from Delhi to Daulatabad were immense, and the move disrupted the economic and administrative functions of the empire. Additionally, the residents of the old city of Delhi were forcibly relocated to Daulatabad, leading to widespread discontent and resistance.

Despite the initial intentions, the move to Daulatabad was not successful. The logistical difficulties, the resistance from the relocated population, and the lack of adequate resources in Daulatabad led to the abandonment of the new capital. Muhammad Bin Tughlaq eventually returned the capital to Delhi, recognizing the impracticality of maintaining Daulatabad as the seat of power.

Understanding this historical event is crucial for comprehending the administrative challenges faced by medieval Indian rulers and the impact of such decisions on the stability and governance of the empire. The failure of this relocation underscores the importance of practical considerations in administrative decisions and the potential consequences of overambitious reforms.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This is the correct answer. Muhammad Bin Tughlaq moved the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad in an attempt to better control the Deccan region. This decision was part of his broader administrative reforms but ultimately failed due to logistical challenges.
  • Option B: Incorrect. Siri was an earlier capital of the Tughlaq dynasty, built by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, Muhammad Bin Tughlaq's father. It was not the new capital during Muhammad Bin Tughlaq's reign.
  • Option C: Incorrect. Devnagri is not a historical city associated with Muhammad Bin Tughlaq's reign. It is a script used in India and is unrelated to the relocation of the capital.
  • Option D: Incorrect. Delhi-i-Kunha refers to the old city of Delhi, which was the capital before Muhammad Bin Tughlaq's decision to move it to Daulatabad. It was not the new capital during his reign.

Mnemonic: D for Daulatabad, D for Delhi (old capital)

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