Who shifted the capital from Agra to Delhi?
UPPCS (Mains) 2008
A. Akbar
B. Jahangir
C. Shah Jahan
D. Aurangzeb
Answer: Shah Jahan
Option c is the correct answer.
Shah Jahan shifted the capital of the Mughal Empire from Agra to Delhi in 1638. He built the Red Fort in Delhi as his new capital. The Red Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is one of the most iconic buildings in India. Shah Jahan's decision to shift the capital from Agra to Delhi was motivated by several factors. First, he wanted to be closer to the center of his empire. Second, he wanted to build a new capital that would be more impressive than Agra. Third, he wanted to be closer to his spiritual advisor, the Sufi saint Shaikh Salim Chisti. Fourth, to reduce corruption among the nobles.