Understanding Delhi's Capital Status in History

Delhi has a long and rich history, serving as a political and commercial center for centuries. However, it was not always a capital city. The transformation of Delhi into a major capital occurred at a specific point in history under the rule of a particular dynasty. Understanding this transition is key to answering the question about which rulers first made Delhi their capital.

The Role of Tomar Rajputs in Making Delhi a Capital

Historical sources indicate that the region where Delhi now stands was first developed significantly as a political centre by the Tomar Rajputs. The Tomars were a dynasty that ruled parts of North India, including the Delhi region, between the 8th and 12th centuries.

• According to historical texts, the city of Delhi (or Dhillika, as it was known then) was founded or re-established by the Tomars.
• They are credited with being the first rulers to establish a capital city at this location.
• A prominent ruler associated with early Delhi is Anangpal Tomar. While there might be different Anangpals in history, the Tomar king of this name is often linked to the development of the early city of Delhi.

Therefore, the Tomar Rajputs played a foundational role in making Delhi a capital city for the first time.

Considering Other Rulers of Delhi

Let's look at the other options provided to understand why they are not considered the first to make Delhi a capital:

• Chauhans of Ajmer: The Chauhans, particularly the Chahamana dynasty of Ajmer, conquered Delhi from the Tomars in the mid-12th century. They ruled Delhi after the Tomars. So, while Delhi was an important city under their rule, they were not the ones who first established it as a capital; they took it over from the Tomars who already had it as a capital.
• Iltutmish Dynasty: Iltutmish was a prominent ruler of the Delhi Sultanate (specifically, the Mamluk or Slave dynasty). He ruled in the 13th century, significantly later than the Tomars and Chauhans. By the time Iltutmish came to power, Delhi was already a well-established capital, inheriting its status from the earlier Rajput dynasties. Iltutmish consolidated the Delhi Sultanate and made Delhi his powerful seat of government, but he did not originate its status as a capital.
• Khilji Dynasty: The Khilji dynasty followed the Mamluk dynasty in ruling the Delhi Sultanate, coming to power in the late 13th century. Like Iltutmish, the Khilji rulers ruled from Delhi when it was already the established capital of a large empire. They did not make Delhi a capital for the first time.

Summary Table of Delhi Rulers and Capital Status

Here is a brief overview of the rulers and their connection to Delhi's status as a capital:

Based on historical evidence, the Tomar Rajputs were the first rulers under whom Delhi became a capital city.

Revision Table: Delhi History Milestones

Additional Information on Early Delhi

The exact origins and early history of Delhi are subjects of ongoing historical and archaeological research. However, the conventional understanding, supported by inscriptions and historical texts like the Prithviraj Raso, attributes the founding or significant development of early Delhi (Dhillika) and its establishment as a capital to the Tomars. The Iron Pillar near the Qutub Minar, originally erected by the Gupta emperor Chandragupta II, was brought to its current location perhaps by the Tomars or Chauhans, indicating the site's significance even before it became a major capital under the Delhi Sultanate.

The rule of the Tomars and then the Chauhans laid the groundwork for Delhi's future prominence as a major political centre, which it maintained throughout the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal periods, and continues to hold today as the capital of modern India.