Mughal Provincial Capitals Identification

The Mughal Empire was divided into administrative units known as 'Subahs' or provinces. Each Subah had a designated capital city.

Analyzing Provincial Capitals

The question asks to identify the city that did NOT serve as a Mughal provincial capital from the given options:

• Lahore: Served as a significant provincial capital (Subah) for the Mughal Empire, particularly in the early and middle periods.
• Allahabad: Became the capital of the Ilahabad Subah, an important province established during Emperor Akbar's reign.
• Ajmer: Was the capital city of the Ajmer Subah, a key province in the western part of the empire.
• Bidar: Primarily known as the capital of the Bahmani Sultanate. Although Bidar was eventually conquered by the Mughals in 1657, it was not a historically established or prominent Mughal provincial capital like the other cities listed. Its main historical significance predates Mughal provincial administration.

Conclusion

Comparing the historical roles of the cities, Lahore, Allahabad, and Ajmer were established Mughal provincial capitals. Bidar's primary identity was linked to the Bahmani Sultanate, not as a core Mughal provincial headquarters.

Thus, Bidar was NOT a Mughal provincial capital among the choices provided.