Which one of the following statements about Fatehpur Sikri is NOT correct?
In 1585, the capital of the Mughal emperor shifted from Fatehpur Sikri to Delhi
Understanding Fatehpur Sikri Facts
The question asks us to identify the statement that is NOT correct about the historical city of Fatehpur Sikri, built by Mughal emperor Akbar.
Let's examine each statement carefully based on historical knowledge about Fatehpur Sikri.
Analysis of Fatehpur Sikri Statements
-
Statement 1: It was located on the direct road to Ajmer.
Historical sources confirm that Fatehpur Sikri was strategically located on the imperial highway leading to Ajmer. This route was important for pilgrimage to the shrine of Sheikh Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer, a place Akbar frequently visited. Thus, this statement is correct regarding the location of Fatehpur Sikri.
-
Statement 2: Akbar commissioned the building of a marble tomb for Sheikh Salim Chisti next to the Friday mosque at Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri was built primarily to honour the Sufi saint Sheikh Salim Chishti, who lived in a cave in the village of Sikri. After his death, Akbar built a beautiful marble tomb for him within the complex of the Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque) at Fatehpur Sikri. This statement is historically accurate.
-
Statement 3: The arched gateway or Bulund Darwaza was meant to remind visitors of the Mughal victory in Gujarat.
The majestic Buland Darwaza (meaning 'High Gate') is one of the most prominent structures at Fatehpur Sikri. It was erected by Akbar in 1601-02 to commemorate his significant victory in the Gujarat campaign of 1572-73. This statement is correct about the purpose of the Buland Darwaza.
-
Statement 4: In 1585, the capital of the Mughal emperor shifted from Fatehpur Sikri to Delhi.
Akbar did abandon Fatehpur Sikri as his capital around 1585. However, the capital was shifted to Lahore in present-day Pakistan, not Delhi. This shift was primarily due to the need to control the north-western frontier and respond to the threat from Abdullah Khan Uzbek. Delhi became the capital much later under Shah Jahan. Therefore, this statement about Fatehpur Sikri is incorrect.
Conclusion
Based on the analysis, the statement that is NOT correct about Fatehpur Sikri is that the capital shifted from Fatehpur Sikri to Delhi in 1585. The shift was to Lahore.
Revision Table: Key Fatehpur Sikri Facts
| Feature / Event | Description / Fact |
|---|---|
| Location | On the route to Ajmer |
| Sheikh Salim Chishti's Tomb | Marble tomb near Jama Masjid, built by Akbar |
| Buland Darwaza | Commemorates victory in Gujarat |
| Capital Shift (c. 1585) | From Fatehpur Sikri to Lahore (NOT Delhi) |
Additional Information on Fatehpur Sikri and Mughal Capitals
Fatehpur Sikri served as the Mughal capital for about 15 years (c. 1571-1585). Its construction was a massive undertaking, showcasing a unique blend of Indian, Persian, and Central Asian architectural styles. Despite its grandeur, it was eventually abandoned, reportedly due to water scarcity or political reasons related to the north-western frontier.
The sequence of major Mughal capitals under different emperors is important for understanding the empire's administration and priorities:
- Agra: Served as a primary capital for extended periods under Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan.
- Fatehpur Sikri: Akbar's capital for a relatively short duration.
- Lahore: Capital under Akbar from 1585 to 1598.
- Delhi: Became the official capital under Shah Jahan with the construction of Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi) and the Red Fort.
Understanding these capital shifts helps contextualize the political and strategic considerations of the Mughal emperors.
Important Questions from Medieval History
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists:
List-I
(System / Category)
List-II
(Description)
A. Upari 1. Peasants directly responsible for the payment of revenue B. Pattadar 2. Category of tenancy tenure held under the Marathas C. Mirasidar 3. Gifts of land or land revenue D. Inam lands 4. Co-parcenary title holder and designated revenue payer in southern India Name the calligrapher in Akbar’s court who was honoured with the title “Zarrin Kalam” or Golden Pen.
Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched?
Bhakti Saint
Philosophy
(a)
Shankara
:
Avadhuta
(b)
Ramananda
:
Kevala Advaita
(c)
Ramanuja
:
Vishishtadvaita
(d)
Chaitanya
:
Advaita
Consider the following statements related to the Virashaiva tradition in Karnataka:
1) The Virashaiva movement was led by a Brahmana named Basavanna, a minister in the court of the Kalachuri ruler in the twelfth century.
2) The Virashaivas encouraged practices, approved by the Dharmashastras, like post-puberty marriages and remarriage of widows.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?The ruins of Vijayanagara (Hampi) were brought to public light in the year 1800 by the following British surveyor and engineer:
