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Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2014

Capital Cities of the Deccan Sultanates

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Which of the following was the first capital of the Bahamani Kingdom?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept When the Bahmani Sultanate was founded in rebellion against Delhi, it needed a secure southern base. Gulbarga's central location in the Deccan made it the ideal starting point for the new dynasty.

Explanation Gulbarga (modern Kalaburagi in Karnataka) was the first capital of the Bahmani Kingdom, established in 1347 by the founder Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah. It served as the capital for nearly 80 years until it was later moved to Bidar in 1424.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Gulbarga contains the most important early Bahmani monuments, including the grand Jama Masjid and the tombs of the early Sultans.
Logic 2: Bidar (Option A) only became the capital much later during the reign of Ahmad Shah I, primarily for its better climate and defense.

Active Recall

Question

When and why was the capital shifted from Gulbarga?

Answer

The capital was shifted to Bidar in 1424 because Bidar was located at a higher elevation with a healthier climate and more fertile land.

Core Insight

The shift from Gulbarga to Bidar marks the transition of the Bahmani Sultanate from an insurgent state into a more settled and culturally diverse Deccan power.

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