Which Indian city was described by early Arab writers as the “City of Gold” because of its famed wealth and temples?

Introduction / Context:
Arab geographers and travellers left rich descriptions of the Indian subcontinent during the early medieval period. They sometimes gave poetic or descriptive titles to cities based on their wealth, temples and trade. One such famous title is “City of Gold.” Matching this title to the correct city helps you connect Islamic travel literature with specific locations in early Indian history and geography.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The title in question is “City of Gold,” as used by Arab writers.
• The options are Mumbai, Jaipur, Cooch Behar and Multan.
• We assume familiarity with the fact that Multan, located in present-day Pakistan, was a major centre of trade and worship in early medieval times.
• The question focuses on the historical, not modern, usage of this title.

Concept / Approach:
Multan was renowned in early medieval times for its wealth and for a famous Sun Temple that reportedly possessed vast amounts of gold and precious offerings. Arab travellers and chroniclers, impressed by this richness, referred to Multan as the “City of Gold.” Mumbai and Jaipur are important modern Indian cities, but the “City of Gold” title in this historical context specifically refers to Multan. Cooch Behar, a smaller princely state in the northeast, does not match this description in Arab sources.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the historical period when Arab geographers and travellers wrote about India, roughly between the 8th and 12th centuries. Step 2: Recall that Multan, located in the Indus region, was famous for its Sun Temple and accumulated wealth from pilgrims and traders. Step 3: Understand that this temple and the surrounding city became known for their golden idols and rich offerings. Step 4: Recognise that Mumbai (Bombay) rose to prominence much later under colonial rule and is not typically mentioned in early Arab travelogues. Step 5: Note that Jaipur, although sometimes nicknamed the “Pink City,” is not associated with the “City of Gold” epithet in these early sources. Step 6: Evaluate Cooch Behar, which was historically a small kingdom in the northeast, with no such famous Arab epithet. Step 7: Conclude that Multan best fits the title “City of Gold.”

Verification / Alternative check:
Historical summaries of Arab travel accounts to India, including works that discuss merchants and pilgrims, note that Multan was famed for its Sun Temple and wealth. These sources often mention that it was sometimes called the “City of Gold” due to the golden idol and offerings stored there. By comparison, other cities listed in the options are connected with different later nicknames (e.g., Mumbai as a financial capital, Jaipur as the Pink City), confirming that Multan is the correct choice in this context.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Mumbai: Gained prominence centuries later as a port and commercial city under European powers; not described as “City of Gold” by early Arab writers.
• Jaipur: Known for its planned architecture and pink-coloured buildings, but not for this specific Arab epithet.
• Cooch Behar: A smaller principality with limited presence in early Arab travel literature and no famous “City of Gold” reference.

Common Pitfalls:
Students might associate the phrase “City of Gold” with modern financial centres like Mumbai, or they may guess Jaipur because of its royal heritage and palaces. To answer correctly, focus on the early medieval period and Arab travel narratives. In that context, the city that stands out for its golden temple and wealth is Multan.

Final Answer:
Early Arab writers referred to Multan as the “City of Gold.”