Commemorative Architecture of Mughals

Why was Buland Darwaza Built? Gujarat Victory

The Buland Darwaza was built by Emperor Akbar to commemorate his decisive military victory over Gujarat in 1573. It is a massive gateway located in the capital city of Fatehpur Sikri.

Primary Reference: NCERT Class XII: Themes in Indian History - Part II

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Consider the following statements: Assertion (A): Akbar constructed 'Buland Darwaza' at Fatehpur Sikri. Reason (R): Akbar built this monument to commemorate the birth of his son Jahangir.

[U.P. Lower Sub. Pre 1998]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept


Imperial monuments in the Mughal era served as physical markers of history. The Buland Darwaza (High Gateway) was a 'Victory Arch' built on a massive scale to celebrate a crucial territorial expansion.

Authentic Source Evidence


Assertion (A) is true: Akbar built the Buland Darwaza in 1575 at Fatehpur Sikri.
Reason (R) is false: It was built to commemorate his victory over Gujarat in 1573, not the birth of Jahangir (who was born in 1569). Akbar actually built the Hiran Minar and the Sikri city itself to honor the saint who blessed him with a son.

Analytical Breakdown


  • Logic 1: 'Buland' means 'Great' or 'Victor,' and the gate was specifically designed as the grand 'Door of Victory.'

  • Logic 2: It is one of the highest gateways in the world (54 meters), showcasing the engineering heights of the Mughal Empire after the conquest of India's richest maritime province.
  • Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

    "Why was the Gujarat victory so important to Akbar?"

    It gave the Mughal Empire direct access to international sea trade and the wealth of the Gujarati port cities like Surat.

    Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

    "The Buland Darwaza is more than a gate; it is a monument to the Mughal Empire's transition into a global commercial power."

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