Question

Name the ruler who won universal respect for constructing a large reservoir just outside Delhi-i-Kuhna?

Answer 1

Hint: A reservoir that was created outside Delhi-i-Kuhna by the ruler of the Delhi Sultanate and it became a great source of water resource for the people living in that period.

Complete answer: There was a time when it was believed that a king would rule longer when there will be plenty of rainfall and so making precious water available by constructing reservoirs and dams was highly praised and seen as an impressive decision. He won universal respect for constructing a large reservoir just outside Delhi-i-Kuhna. It was also called by the name Hauz-i- Sultani or the King’s Reservoir. It was built by Iltutmish in 1230 CE, at a place revealed by the Islamic prophet Muhammad in a dream. The reservoir covered an area of 4.9 acres. It is a double-storeyed structure made of red sandstone supported on twelve pillars. It was built by Iltutmish to mark the footprint of Muhammad’s horse. The original stone on which the footprint was printed was replaced by a new one. Given its religious significance, the water stored in the reservoir was considered sacred. Many famous emperors and saints were buried on the periphery of the reservoir.
There was also a Jharna emanating from the Hauz-i- Sultani which was identified as a significant water structure which was developed by Nawab Ghaziuddin around 1700 AD as a pleasure garden during the Mughal rule. It was a source of Tughlaqabad fort water supply.
Hauz-i-Sultani and Jharna which are in a state of deterioration have drawn the attention of Delhi high court which has now commanded the authorities to take strict action and take steps towards its restoration.

Note: Hauz-i-Sultani is also considered as one of the heritage.The reservoir was a large water reservoir which was built outside Delhi-i- Kuhna, many times these reservoirs were built as part of a mosque or temple.