Allauddin Khilji's Capital City: Identifying the Name

The question asks about the name of the capital city that Sultan Allauddin Khilji constructed during his reign in the Delhi Sultanate. Allauddin Khilji was a powerful ruler of the Khilji dynasty known for his administrative reforms, market regulations, and military campaigns.

During his rule, the Delhi Sultanate faced repeated invasions from the Mongols. To counter this threat and to provide better security for the capital, Allauddin Khilji decided to build a new city. This new city was designed to be a military stronghold and also served as his capital for a significant period.

Analyzing the Options for Allauddin Khilji's Capital

Let's look at the provided options and evaluate them:

• Khijrabad: This was the name given to the fort of Chittor after Allauddin Khilji conquered it in 1303 CE and renamed it in honour of his son, Khizr Khan. It was not his primary capital city.
• Siri: Historical sources confirm that Allauddin Khilji ordered the construction of the city of Siri in 1303 CE. This city was built to defend Delhi from the Mongol invasions and eventually served as his capital.
• Dinpanah: This city, meaning "Refuge of Faith," was built by the Mughal emperor Humayun in Delhi much later, in the 16th century. It is not associated with Allauddin Khilji.
• Raj Pithora: This refers to the old fortress city of Delhi, originally built by Prithviraj Chauhan. While Allauddin Khilji ruled from Delhi, which included parts of the old city, Siri was a distinct new city he constructed as his capital and a military hub.

The Construction and Significance of Siri

The construction of Siri was a direct response to the Mongol incursions that threatened the existing city of Delhi. Allauddin Khilji recognised the need for a fortified city specifically designed for defence. Siri was built with strong walls and fortifications, and its strategic location helped protect the heartland of the Delhi Sultanate.

The city of Siri grew in importance and became the residential and administrative centre for Allauddin Khilji. It was part of the larger area known as Delhi and contributed significantly to the urban landscape of the region during the Sultanate period. Today, the remnants of Siri Fort are located in South Delhi.

Conclusion on Allauddin Khilji's Capital

Based on historical evidence, the city built by Allauddin Khilji to serve as his capital and military base was Siri.

Revision Table: Allauddin Khilji and Capitals

Additional Information: The Khilji Dynasty

The Khilji dynasty ruled the Delhi Sultanate from 1290 to 1320 CE. Allauddin Khilji (reigned 1296–1316 CE) is considered the most prominent ruler of this dynasty. Apart from building Siri, his reign is notable for:

• Introduction of market control regulations to fix prices of goods.
• Establishment of a large standing army.
• Significant military campaigns, including conquests in Deccan India.
• Administrative reforms, including land revenue policies.

Siri was one of the prominent cities that made up the area known as Delhi during the Sultanate period, alongside the older cities like Mehrauli (Lal Kot/Qila Rai Pithora).