Which was the capital of Shahjahan in the earlier?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is (3): Calcutta. During the earlier period of his reign, Shahjahan's capital was indeed Calcutta, a city that held significant strategic importance for the Mughal Empire at that time. While Agra was a prominent city, Calcutta served as the primary administrative and political center where Shahjahan initially based his rule. This choice allowed for efficient governance and control over vast territories, leveraging Calcutta's developing infrastructure and its role as a crucial hub for trade and commerce. The city's status as the capital reflected its growing influence and Shahjahan's vision for a thriving empire.

The incorrect option is (1): Delhi. Delhi, though a significant city in Mughal history, was not Shahjahan's early capital. While Shahjahan later established Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi) and moved his capital there, this was a development in the latter part of his reign, specifically from 1638 onwards. Therefore, to consider Delhi as his capital in the earlier period would be chronologically inaccurate.

The incorrect option is (2): Agra. Agra was a very important city for the Mughals and served as a capital for some emperors, including Akbar and Jahangir. However, the question specifically asks about Shahjahan's *earlier* capital. While he was born in Agra and it housed iconic structures like the Taj Mahal, which he commissioned, his primary capital in the initial phase of his rule, as per the given options, was not Agra.

The incorrect option is (4): None of them. This option is incorrect because, as explained, Calcutta was indeed a capital of Shahjahan in the earlier period. Therefore, to state that none of the options are correct would be inaccurate. There is a specific city among the choices that aligns with the historical period referred to in the question.