Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Delhi to Devagiri
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This history question tests knowledge about an important administrative experiment carried out by Sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq during the Delhi Sultanate. He is often remembered for his ambitious and sometimes impractical schemes, and one of the most famous was his decision to shift the imperial capital from Delhi to another city in the Deccan region. Understanding this helps students connect political decisions with geography and the challenges of ruling a large medieval empire.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
To answer this, we recall key facts about Muhammad bin Tughlaq's reign. He wanted a more centrally located capital to control both north and south India. For this reason, he selected Devagiri in the Deccan, which he renamed Daulatabad. The approach is to match this historical fact with the options given and then carefully rule out other cities that do not fit the known historical event.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the ruler as Muhammad bin Tughlaq, known for shifting his capital.
Step 2: Recall that he ordered the capital to be moved from Delhi to Devagiri in the Deccan.
Step 3: Remember that Devagiri was later renamed Daulatabad by the Sultan.
Step 4: Scan the options and look for the pair that mentions Delhi to Devagiri.
Step 5: Confirm that the correct option is 'Delhi to Devagiri' and select it as the answer.
Verification / Alternative check:
Another way to verify is to connect this event with the hardship it caused. Historical accounts mention that Muhammad bin Tughlaq forced many residents of Delhi to migrate to Devagiri, which caused suffering and later led him to reverse the decision. This story is always linked with Devagiri or Daulatabad, never with Warangal, Madurai, or Vijayanagar. This cross-check confirms that Devagiri is the correct destination city.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Delhi to Warangal: Warangal was the capital of the Kakatiya rulers, not the destination of Muhammad bin Tughlaq's capital shift.
Delhi to Madurai: Madurai was a major city in south India but was never chosen as the capital of the Delhi Sultanate.
Delhi to Vijayanagar: Vijayanagar was the capital of a later south Indian empire, not of Muhammad bin Tughlaq, so this option is incorrect.
Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse Devagiri with other important south Indian cities because many powers ruled different regions at different times. Another common mistake is mixing up Muhammad bin Tughlaq with other rulers of the Delhi Sultanate, such as Alauddin Khalji, who expanded in the south but did not shift his capital. Carefully remembering the names Devagiri or Daulatabad alongside Muhammad bin Tughlaq helps avoid such confusion.
Final Answer:
The capital was transferred from Delhi to Devagiri, so the correct option is 'Delhi to Devagiri'.
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