Delhi to Daulatabad, who has shifted his capital?

Question

Vedantu Content Team · Accepted Answer

Answer: Mohamad Bin Tugluk

Explanation:

Mohammad bin Tughluq was the second ruler of the Tughluq dynasty who ruled the Delhi Sultanate from 1325 to 1351 CE. He is remembered in history for making several ambitious but often impractical decisions, and one of his most famous experiments was the shifting of his capital from Delhi to Daulatabad.

In 1327 CE, Mohammad bin Tughluq decided to transfer his capital from Delhi to Daulatabad in the Deccan (present-day Maharashtra). Daulatabad was previously known as Devagiri and was located in a more central position in his empire. The Sultan believed this move would help him better control both the northern and southern parts of his vast kingdom.

The decision to shift the capital was not just about moving the royal court. Mohammad bin Tughluq ordered the entire population of Delhi to move to Daulatabad, which was approximately 1,100 kilometers away. This mass migration caused immense hardship to the people, as they had to abandon their homes, businesses, and familiar surroundings to undertake this long and difficult journey.

However, this experiment proved to be a complete failure. The new capital faced several problems including inadequate water supply, administrative difficulties, and resistance from the local population. The forced migration also created economic chaos and led to widespread discontent among the people. Realizing his mistake, Mohammad bin Tughluq was forced to abandon Daulatabad and shift the capital back to Delhi in 1335 CE, just eight years after the original move.

This episode is often cited as an example of Mohammad bin Tughluq's ambitious but impractical policies. While he was known to be an educated and intelligent ruler, his decisions often lacked practical consideration for their implementation and consequences. The capital transfer experiment significantly weakened his empire and contributed to rebellions in various parts of his kingdom, ultimately leading to the decline of the Tughluq dynasty.