📚 Part of: Indus Valley Civilization & Colonial History Mcqs

Why did Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq transfer his capital from Delhi to Devagiri?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Correct Answer: D) To control the whole empire from the centre.

Exam Relevance: UPSC Civil Services, State PSC Exams, History Olympiads

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes:

Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq, a Sultan of the Tughlaq dynasty, transferred his capital from Delhi to Devagiri (modern-day Daulatabad) in 1327. This move was intended to better control the vast empire by centralizing administration and improving communication and control over the southern regions.

Common Mistakes:
  • Students may confuse the reasons for the capital transfer with other administrative measures taken by Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq.
  • Some might think the transfer was primarily for economic reasons, such as tax collection.
  • Others might believe it was a defensive move against external threats like the Mongols.
Explanation:

Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq, the second ruler of the Tughlaq dynasty, ruled over a vast empire that stretched across much of the Indian subcontinent. One of his significant administrative decisions was the transfer of his capital from Delhi to Devagiri (modern-day Daulatabad) in 1327. This decision was driven by the need to centralize control over the empire, particularly to manage the southern regions more effectively.

The Tughlaq dynasty faced several challenges, including the vastness of the empire and the difficulty in maintaining control over distant territories. The capital at Delhi was far from the southern regions, making it challenging to govern and collect taxes efficiently. By moving the capital to Devagiri, Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq aimed to centralize his administration and improve communication and control over the entire empire.

Devagiri was strategically located in the Deccan region, which was a prosperous and culturally rich area. The city was also well-fortified, providing a secure base for the Sultan. The transfer was intended to make it easier to manage the southern regions, which were crucial for the empire's economic and political stability.

However, the move was not without its challenges. The transfer of the capital required significant resources and manpower, and it was not well-received by the people. Many officials and citizens were reluctant to move, and the logistics of relocating the entire administration were complex. Despite these difficulties, the primary motivation behind the transfer was to centralize control and improve the efficiency of the empire's administration.

In summary, Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq's decision to transfer his capital to Devagiri was a strategic move aimed at centralizing control over the empire. This decision reflects the challenges of governing a vast and diverse territory and the need for effective administrative strategies to maintain control and stability.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Incorrect. Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq did not transfer his capital to check corrupt officials. While corruption was a concern, the primary reason was to improve control over the empire. The move to Devagiri was more about strategic positioning than addressing internal corruption.
  • Option B: Incorrect. The transfer was not primarily motivated by the desire to earn more taxes. Although Devagiri was a prosperous region, the main objective was to centralize control over the empire, making it easier to manage and govern from a central location.
  • Option C: Incorrect. Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq did not move to Devagiri to run away from the Mongols. The Mongol threat was a concern, but the primary reason for the capital transfer was to better control the empire, especially the southern regions, from a central location.
  • Option D: Correct. Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq transferred his capital to Devagiri to control the whole empire from the centre. This move was intended to improve administrative efficiency and control over the vast territories, particularly the southern regions, which were difficult to manage from Delhi.

Mnemonic: D-C: Devagiri for Central Control

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