42nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1997

High Mughal Urbanism

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Who made the Red Fort in Delhi?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: D

Concept The Red Fort was the crowning achievement of Shah Jahan's urban planning, serving as the imperial palace for his newly established capital, Shahjahanabad.

Explanation Shah Jahan commissioned the Red Fort (Lal Qila) in 1638 when he shifted the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi. Completed in 1648, it utilized red sandstone and was designed to house the Emperor's palace, administrative halls (Diwan-i-Am), and private audience chambers (Diwan-i-Khas).

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Shah Jahan's reign is synonymous with the highest refinement of Mughal architecture (The Golden Age).
Logic 2: While Akbar and Jahangir built massive forts in Agra and Lahore, the Delhi Red Fort is uniquely a product of Shah Jahan's vision for a planned city.

Active Recall

Question

What was the capital city founded by Shah Jahan called?

Answer

Shahjahanabad (modern-day Old Delhi).

Core Insight

The Red Fort represents the synthesis of palace life and defensive fortification, reflecting the absolute authority of the Mughal sovereign.