From the ..... th century onwards it Delhi gained a lot of Importance

Category: Delhi Gk

Hint: Consider the major historical events and rulers that established Delhi as a significant city.

Correct Answer: C) 12

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The historical significance of Delhi as a major political and cultural center in India began to grow significantly in the 12th century. This period is marked by two major events: the reign of Prithviraj Chauhan and the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate by Qutb-ud-din Aibak.

Prithviraj Chauhan, a Rajput king, ruled over Delhi and the surrounding areas in the late 12th century. He is known for his military prowess and his efforts to consolidate power in the region. His reign marked the beginning of Delhi's rise as a significant political center in northern India.

Following the defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan by Muhammad Ghori in the Second Battle of Tarain in 1192, Qutb-ud-din Aibak, a general in Ghori's army, established the Delhi Sultanate in 1206. This marked the beginning of Muslim rule in Delhi and the establishment of a powerful political entity that would dominate the region for centuries. The Delhi Sultanate was the first of several Muslim dynasties that would rule from Delhi, including the Mamluks, Khaljis, Tughlaqs, Sayyids, and Lodis.

The establishment of the Delhi Sultanate brought significant changes to the city. It became a center of Islamic culture and architecture, with the construction of iconic structures such as the Qutb Minar and the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque. The city also became a hub of trade and commerce, attracting merchants and scholars from across the region.

While earlier centuries saw some development in Delhi, it was the 12th century that marked the beginning of its rise as a major political and cultural center. The reign of Prithviraj Chauhan and the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate by Qutb-ud-din Aibak were pivotal events that set the stage for Delhi's future prominence in Indian history.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect. The 10th century is too early for Delhi to have gained significant importance. Delhi's prominence began to rise in the 12th century with the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate.
Option B: Incorrect. While the 11th century saw some developments in Delhi, it was not until the 12th century that the city gained substantial importance with the reign of Prithviraj Chauhan and the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate.
Option C: Correct. The 12th century marks the period when Delhi began to gain significant importance, with the reign of Prithviraj Chauhan and the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate by Qutb-ud-din Aibak.
Option D: Incorrect. The 13th century is too late; Delhi had already gained considerable importance by the 12th century with the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate.

Mnemonic: Delhi's rise: 12th century, Prithviraj and Qutb

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