Which one of the following cities was known as 'Shiraj of East' ?

Question

Accepted Answer

Jaunpur, known as the 'Shiraj of East,' earned this title due to its historical significance and cultural richness during the medieval period. The city was established by the Sultan of Delhi, Feroz Shah Tughlaq, in the 14th century and later flourished under the Sharqi dynasty. The rulers of the Sharqi dynasty were great patrons of art and architecture, which led to the development of Jaunpur as a center of culture and learning, much like the city of Shiraz in Persia, which was renowned for its cultural and intellectual achievements. This parallel in cultural prominence is why Jaunpur was referred to as the 'Shiraj of East.'

Now, let's examine why the other options are incorrect:

2. Agra: While Agra is famous for its Mughal architecture and historical significance, it was never referred to as the 'Shiraj of East.' Agra is more commonly associated with the Mughal era and the iconic Taj Mahal.

3. Lahore: Lahore, a city in present-day Pakistan, has its own rich history and cultural heritage, but it was not known as the 'Shiraj of East.' Lahore has been a significant cultural center in its own right but does not share the specific historical context that led to Jaunpur being called the 'Shiraj of East.'

4. Lakhnauti: Lakhnauti, also known as Gaur, was an important city in medieval Bengal. However, it was not referred to as the 'Shiraj of East.' Its historical significance lies in its role as a capital of various dynasties in Bengal, but it does not share the same cultural and architectural parallels with Shiraz as Jaunpur does.

In conclusion, Jaunpur's designation as the 'Shiraj of East' is rooted in its historical and cultural development under the Sharqi dynasty, making Option 1 the correct answer.