Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 310

He constructed the longest road, which connected ..... the present day Bangladesh

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the historical significance of road construction in the region.

Correct Answer: B) Sonargoan

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, Civil Services

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The question pertains to the historical construction of the longest road in the Indian subcontinent, which was built during the Mughal era. The road in question is known as the Grand Trunk Road, and it was constructed by Sher Shah Suri, a significant ruler who reigned from 1540 to 1545. This road was a monumental achievement in infrastructure development and played a crucial role in facilitating trade, communication, and military movement across the vast expanse of the Mughal Empire.

The Grand Trunk Road connected Sonargoan, a city in present-day Bangladesh, to Peshawar, a city in present-day Pakistan. This road was not only the longest in the Indian subcontinent but also one of the most important trade routes of its time. It stretched over a distance of approximately 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometers), making it a significant feat of engineering and construction for the period.

The construction of this road was part of Sher Shah Suri's broader efforts to improve the infrastructure of the Mughal Empire. He recognized the importance of efficient transportation networks for the administration and economic prosperity of the empire. The road was designed to be wide and straight, with rest houses and caravanserais (inns) built along its length to provide shelter and services to travelers.

Understanding the historical context of road construction in the Indian subcontinent is essential for comprehending the significance of the Grand Trunk Road. It was not just a means of transportation but also a symbol of the Mughal Empire's power and administrative capabilities. The road facilitated the movement of goods, people, and ideas, contributing to the economic and cultural integration of the region.

It is important to note that while other cities such as Peshawar, Agra, and Chunar were significant in their own right, they were not the starting point of the longest road constructed by Sher Shah Suri. Peshawar was the endpoint of the road, while Agra and Chunar were important cities within the Mughal Empire but not directly related to the construction of the Grand Trunk Road.

In summary, the correct answer is Sonargoan because it was the starting point of the longest road constructed by Sher Shah Suri, connecting to Peshawar and spanning a vast distance across the Indian subcontinent. This road was a testament to the engineering and administrative prowess of the Mughal Empire and played a crucial role in the region's history.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Peshawar is the endpoint of the road, not the starting point. The road was constructed to connect Peshawar to Sonargoan in present-day Bangladesh.
  • Option B: Sonargoan is the correct answer. The road constructed by Sher Shah Suri connected Sonargoan to Peshawar, making it the longest road in the Indian subcontinent at the time.
  • Option C: Agra is not the starting point of the road. It was a significant city in the Mughal Empire but not relevant to this specific road construction.
  • Option D: Chunar is not the starting point of the road. It is a historical site in Uttar Pradesh but not connected to the longest road constructed by Sher Shah Suri.

Mnemonic: S - Sonargoan, longest road to Bangladesh

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