Part of: Delhi Gk set 23

..... was oldest of four cities of Delhi and was established by Muhammad Bin Tughluq.

Category: Delhi Gk

Hint: Consider the historical timeline of Delhi's cities and the reign of Muhammad Bin Tughluq.

Correct Answer: B) Dehli-i-Kuhna

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

Delhi, the capital of India, has a rich and complex history with several cities built over time. The city has been the seat of power for various dynasties and empires, each leaving its mark on the landscape. The four cities of Delhi, in the context of this question, refer to the historical urban centers that were established during the medieval period, particularly under the Tughluq dynasty.

One of the most significant rulers of the Tughluq dynasty was Muhammad Bin Tughluq, who reigned from 1325 to 1351. During his reign, he established several cities, including Dehli-i-Kuhna, which is considered the oldest of the four cities of Delhi. Dehli-i-Kuhna, also known as Jahanpanah, was built on the site of the earlier city of Tughlqabad, which was established by Ghiyasuddin Tughluq, the founder of the Tughluq dynasty.

The establishment of Dehli-i-Kuhna by Muhammad Bin Tughluq was part of his broader urban planning and administrative reforms. He aimed to consolidate the power of the Tughluq dynasty and create a more centralized and efficient administration. The city was strategically located and served as a fortified enclosure to protect the capital from invasions and internal revolts.

It is important to note that the historical timeline of Delhi's cities is complex, and each city has its own significance. For instance, Siri was established by Alauddin Khalji, the founder of the Khalji dynasty, and was one of the earlier cities of Delhi. Tughlqabad, established by Ghiyasuddin Tughluq, was the first city of the Tughluq dynasty but was not the oldest city established by Muhammad Bin Tughluq.

Understanding the historical context and the chronological order of the cities of Delhi is crucial for comprehending the political and administrative changes that occurred during the medieval period. Each city represents a different phase in the history of Delhi and the broader history of India.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Daulatabad is incorrect. Daulatabad was not one of the four cities of Delhi. It is located in Maharashtra and was briefly the capital of the Tughluq dynasty, but not established by Muhammad Bin Tughluq as a city of Delhi.
  • Option B: Dehli-i-Kuhna is correct. It was established by Muhammad Bin Tughluq and is considered the oldest of the four cities of Delhi. This city was built on the site of the earlier city of Tughlqabad.
  • Option C: Siri is incorrect. Siri was established by Alauddin Khalji, not Muhammad Bin Tughluq. It is one of the seven historical cities of Delhi but not the oldest established by Muhammad Bin Tughluq.
  • Option D: Tughlqabad is incorrect. Tughlqabad was established by Ghiyasuddin Tughluq, the founder of the Tughluq dynasty, not Muhammad Bin Tughluq. It is one of the seven historical cities of Delhi but not the oldest established by Muhammad Bin Tughluq.

Mnemonic: D for Dehli-i-Kuhna, D for Delhi's oldest city

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