Part of: Delhi Gk set 32

Identify the 2 cities built by Delhi Sultans

Category: Delhi Gk

Hint: Consider the historical context of the Delhi Sultanate.

Correct Answer: D) Only (A) & (B).

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The Delhi Sultanate was a significant period in Indian history, spanning from the early 13th century to the mid-16th century. During this time, several cities were constructed around Delhi, each reflecting the architectural and urban planning styles of the ruling Sultans. The question asks to identify the cities built by the Delhi Sultans, and the correct answer is Jahapanah and Siri.

Jahapanah was built by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, the founder of the Tughlaq dynasty, in the early 14th century. It was constructed as a fortified city to protect the Sultanate from Mongol invasions. Jahapanah was strategically located and designed to be a self-sufficient city with its own water supply and agricultural land. The city was built on the ruins of the earlier city of Siri and incorporated parts of it into its structure.

Siri was the first of the seven cities of Delhi built by the Delhi Sultans. It was constructed by Alauddin Khalji, the second ruler of the Khalji dynasty, in the early 14th century. Siri was built to protect the Sultanate from Mongol invasions and to serve as a royal residence. The city was fortified with massive walls and had several gates for entry and exit. It was also known for its grand palaces and mosques, including the famous Siri Fort.

Both Jahapanah and Siri were significant urban centers during the Delhi Sultanate period. They were built to serve as administrative and military centers, reflecting the strategic and architectural advancements of the time. These cities were not only important for their defensive capabilities but also for their role in the economic and cultural development of the region.

It is important to note that while other cities such as Tughlaqabad, Firozabad, and Shahjahanabad were also built during the Delhi Sultanate period, they were constructed by different rulers and at different times. Aurangabad, mentioned in the options, was not built by the Delhi Sultans but by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in the 17th century, which is outside the period of the Delhi Sultanate.

Understanding the historical context and the specific contributions of each Sultan is crucial for identifying the correct cities built during the Delhi Sultanate period. Jahapanah and Siri stand out as significant examples of urban planning and architectural development during this era.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Jahapanah is one of the cities built by the Delhi Sultans, specifically by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq in the 14th century. However, this option alone is not the complete answer.
  • Option B: Siri is another city built by the Delhi Sultans, constructed by Alauddin Khalji in the early 14th century. Like Jahapanah, this option alone is not the complete answer.
  • Option C: Aurangabad is not a city built by the Delhi Sultans. It was founded by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in the 17th century, which is outside the period of the Delhi Sultanate.
  • Option D: This option correctly identifies both Jahapanah and Siri as cities built by the Delhi Sultans. Jahapanah was built by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, and Siri was built by Alauddin Khalji. This is the correct answer.

Mnemonic: Jahapanah and Siri: J & S for Sultanate

Back to Delhi Gk set 32 – Practice all questions