Which of the following was known as "Shiraz-e-Hind" during the later Sultanate Period ?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 3:

The city known as "Shiraz-e-Hind" (Shiraz of India) during the later Sultanate Period was **Jaunpur**. This epithet was bestowed upon Jaunpur under the rule of the Sharqi dynasty, which became independent of the Delhi Sultanate in the late 14th century. The Sharqi sultans, particularly Ibrahim Shah Sharqi, were magnificent patrons of art, architecture, and learning. Under their reign, Jaunpur flourished as a major center for Islamic theology, law, and various branches of science and literature. Its numerous mosques, such as the Atala Masjid, reflect a distinct and impressive architectural style (the Sharqi style). This intellectual and cultural prosperity made it comparable to Shiraz in Persia, which was renowned worldwide for its literary and academic brilliance.

The incorrect option is 1: Delhi
Delhi was the capital of the central Delhi Sultanate for most of its history and, while a major intellectual center, it was known by names like Dar-ul-Khilafat or Hazrat-e-Delhi, but not specifically "Shiraz-e-Hind." Its reputation suffered frequent setbacks due to invasions, unlike Jaunpur's stable golden age under the Sharqis.

The incorrect option is 2: Agra
Agra rose to prominence mainly during the Lodi dynasty (a later Sultanate period) and flourished as the capital under the Mughals, becoming famous for its architecture, notably the Taj Mahal. While important, it was not the cultural hub designated by the specific title "Shiraz-e-Hind."

The incorrect option is 4: Banaras
Banaras (Varanasi) has always been India’s oldest continuous center of Hindu learning and spirituality. While it existed geographically close to Jaunpur, its religious and cultural identity during the Sultanate Period was distinct, and it was not known by the Persian title "Shiraz-e-Hind," which refers to an Islamic center of learning and culture.