Part of: Delhi Gk set 3

What was built by emperor Shah Jahan when he shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi?

Category: Delhi Gk

Hint: Consider the historical context of Shah Jahan's reign and his architectural contributions.

Correct Answer: B) Red fort.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The Red Fort, also known as Lal Qila, is a significant historical monument located in the city of Delhi, India. It was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the year 1639 as the palace for his new capital, Shahjahanabad. The fort is a symbol of the Mughal Empire's architectural grandeur and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal emperor, ruled from 1628 to 1658. During his reign, he shifted the capital from Agra to Delhi, and the Red Fort was constructed to serve as the new imperial residence. The fort is known for its impressive red sandstone walls, which are up to 33 meters high and stretch for nearly 2.5 kilometers. The fort complex includes several palaces, mosques, and other structures, reflecting the architectural style of the Mughal era.

The Red Fort is not only a historical monument but also a symbol of India's struggle for independence. It was the site of the first flag hoisting ceremony by Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India, on August 15, 1947. Today, the fort is a popular tourist destination and a significant landmark in Delhi.

It is important to distinguish the Red Fort from other historical monuments in Delhi, such as the Qutub Minar, which is a tower built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak in the 12th century, and the Taj Mahal, which is a mausoleum located in Agra and was built by Shah Jahan as a memorial for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Red Fort is specifically associated with Shah Jahan's shift of the capital to Delhi and his architectural contributions to the city.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Incorrect. The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum located in Agra, not Delhi, and was built by Shah Jahan as a memorial for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is not related to the shift of the capital to Delhi.
  • Option B: Correct. The Red Fort was built by Shah Jahan when he shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi. It served as the residence of the Mughal emperors and is a significant historical monument in Delhi.
  • Option C: Incorrect. The Qutub Minar is a tower located in Delhi, but it was built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak in the 12th century, long before Shah Jahan's reign. It is not associated with the shift of the capital to Delhi by Shah Jahan.
  • Option D: Incorrect. Sanchi is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Madhya Pradesh, known for its Buddhist monuments. It is not related to Shah Jahan or the shift of the capital to Delhi.

Mnemonic: R for Red Fort, R for Royal Capital

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