Part of: Delhi Gk set 9

Which city is know was old Delhi during Mughal rule?

Category: Delhi Gk

Hint: Consider the city established by Shah Jahan as the capital of the Mughal Empire.

Correct Answer: C) Shahjahanabad

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Civil Services, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The question asks about the city known as Old Delhi during the Mughal rule. To understand this, we need to delve into the history of the Mughal Empire and its capital cities. The Mughal Empire, which ruled much of the Indian subcontinent from the 16th to the 19th century, had several capitals throughout its history. Each emperor chose a city to serve as the seat of power, and these cities often reflected the architectural and urban planning styles of their time.

Shahjahanabad, the correct answer, was established by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1639. It was designed to be a grand capital city, reflecting the opulence and power of the Mughal Empire. The city was built on the banks of the Yamuna River and included several important structures such as the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and numerous bazaars and markets. Shahjahanabad was the capital of the Mughal Empire until the mid-19th century, when the British shifted the capital to Calcutta (now Kolkata).

The city of Shahjahanabad is now known as Old Delhi, and it retains much of its historical charm and architecture. It is a significant part of Delhi's cultural and historical heritage, with many of its monuments and structures still standing today. The urban layout of Shahjahanabad is characterized by its grid-like pattern of streets and the presence of several important landmarks that are visited by tourists and locals alike.

Understanding the historical context of Shahjahanabad is crucial for comprehending the development of Delhi as a city and its significance in the Mughal Empire. The city's architecture and urban planning reflect the cultural and political aspirations of the Mughal rulers, making it a key site for historical and cultural studies.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Tughlaqabad was a city built by Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq in the 14th century, but it was not the capital during the Mughal rule. It is located in the southern part of present-day Delhi and was abandoned after a short period.
  • Option B: Fatehpur Sikri was the capital of the Mughal Empire under Akbar in the late 16th century, but it is not located in Delhi. It is a historical city in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, known for its architectural grandeur.
  • Option C: Shahjahanabad is the correct answer. It was established by Emperor Shah Jahan in the mid-17th century and served as the capital of the Mughal Empire. It is now known as Old Delhi and is famous for its historical monuments and urban layout.
  • Option D: Daulatabad is a historical city in Maharashtra, not in Delhi. It was briefly the capital of the Tughlaq dynasty in the 14th century but was not associated with the Mughal rule in Delhi.

Mnemonic: SHA: Shahjahanabad, Historical Area

Back to Delhi Gk set 9 – Practice all questions