Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 284

Who shifted the capital from delhi to daulatabad

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq and his administrative reforms.

Correct Answer: A) Muhammad bin tughlaq.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The Delhi Sultanate was a series of Muslim dynasties that ruled large parts of the Indian subcontinent from the early 13th century to the early 16th century. One of the most notable rulers of the Delhi Sultanate was Muhammad bin Tughlaq, who reigned from 1325 to 1351. Muhammad bin Tughlaq was known for his ambitious and often controversial administrative reforms, one of which was the decision to shift the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad.

The capital shift from Delhi to Daulatabad was a significant event in the history of the Delhi Sultanate. Daulatabad, located in present-day Maharashtra, was chosen as the new capital in 1327. The primary reason for this move was to consolidate Muhammad bin Tughlaq's control over the Deccan region, which was crucial for the economic and military stability of his empire. The Deccan region was rich in resources and had been a source of conflict between various rulers.

However, the capital shift faced numerous challenges and was ultimately unsuccessful. The move required the relocation of a large number of people, including the royal court, officials, and soldiers. The logistics of moving such a large population over a long distance were immense, and the journey was fraught with difficulties. Many people died during the journey due to the harsh conditions and lack of proper provisions. Additionally, the new capital was not well-suited for administration, and the distance from Delhi made it difficult to maintain control over the northern parts of the empire.

Despite the failure of the capital shift, Muhammad bin Tughlaq's reign is remembered for his bold and innovative ideas. He was a learned man and had a keen interest in science, philosophy, and literature. His other reforms included the introduction of token currency, which also faced significant challenges and was eventually abandoned. The capital shift from Delhi to Daulatabad remains one of the most notable events of his reign and is a significant part of the history of the Delhi Sultanate.

It is important to note that the other rulers mentioned in the options, such as Muhammad Ghori, Mahmud Ghazni, and Alauddin Khilji, were also significant figures in the history of the Delhi Sultanate, but they did not shift the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad. Muhammad Ghori was a conqueror who laid the foundation for the Delhi Sultanate, Mahmud Ghazni was known for his raids into India, and Alauddin Khilji was a powerful ruler who expanded the empire significantly. However, none of them were responsible for the capital shift that occurred during Muhammad bin Tughlaq's reign.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is correct. Muhammad bin Tughlaq shifted the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad in 1327 as part of his administrative reforms. This move was intended to consolidate his control over the Deccan region but faced significant challenges and was ultimately unsuccessful.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. Muhammad Ghori was a ruler of the Ghurid Empire and is known for his invasions of India, but he did not shift the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad. He died in 1206, long before the capital shift occurred.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. Mahmud Ghazni was a ruler of the Ghaznavid Empire and is known for his raids into India, but he did not shift the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad. He ruled from 997 to 1030, which is well before the time of Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. Alauddin Khilji was a ruler of the Delhi Sultanate and is known for his military campaigns and administrative reforms, but he did not shift the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad. He ruled from 1296 to 1316, which is before Muhammad bin Tughlaq's reign.

Mnemonic: T-M-D: Tughlaq Moved Delhi

Back to Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 284 – Practice all questions