Delhi: First Capital of an Empire under the Rajputs

Delhi's long history as a significant political centre began much earlier than the Sultanate period. Historical records indicate that Delhi first rose to prominence as a capital city under the Rajput dynasties.

Specifically, the city of Delhi (then known as Dhillika) was founded or refounded by the Tomara Rajputs in the 8th century CE. While their kingdom might not be termed a vast 'empire' in the later Mughal sense, it was a significant regional power, establishing Delhi as a capital.

Later, the Chauhans (also Rajputs) conquered the Tomaras in the 12th century and continued to rule from Delhi, further solidifying its status as an important political and commercial hub. Prithviraj Chauhan, a famous ruler of this dynasty, controlled territories that could be considered part of an early empire based in Delhi.

Comparing Dynasties and Delhi's Capital Status

Let's look at the timeline and the dynasties mentioned in the options:

• Rajput Dynasty: (Primarily Tomaras and Chauhans) Ruled from Delhi before the arrival of the Delhi Sultanate rulers. They are credited with making Delhi an important capital and centre of power for the first time, controlling a considerable territory.
• Khilji Dynasty: (1290-1320) Part of the Delhi Sultanate. They ruled from Delhi, but this was long after it had been established as a capital by the Rajputs.
• Tughlaq Dynasty: (1320-1414) Part of the Delhi Sultanate. They also ruled from Delhi. Muhammad bin Tughlaq famously tried to move the capital to Daulatabad but eventually shifted it back to Delhi. This was well after the Rajput period.
• Lodi Dynasty: (1451-1526) The last dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate. They ruled from Delhi (though Sikandar Lodi later moved the capital briefly to Agra). This was also long after the Rajput period.

Based on historical evidence, the Rajput dynasty, particularly the Tomaras and then the Chauhans, were the first rulers to make Delhi their capital and develop it into a significant political centre, controlling a large kingdom that functioned like an early empire's base.

Therefore, Delhi became the capital of an empire (or a major kingdom serving as an imperial centre) for the first time under the Rajput dynasty.

Revision Table: Delhi's Historical Capitals

Additional Information: Delhi's Historical Importance

Delhi has served as a capital for numerous kingdoms and empires throughout its history, which is why it is often referred to as the "city of cities" or having been built and rebuilt many times. Its strategic location in northern India, controlling access to the fertile plains of the Ganges, made it a desirable administrative centre for various rulers over centuries.

The Rajput period laid the groundwork for Delhi's importance. The subsequent rule by the Delhi Sultanate dynasties (including the Khiljis, Tughlaqs, and Lodis), the Mughals, and finally becoming the capital of modern India, all built upon the foundation established when it first became a capital under the Rajput rulers.