Sultanate Civic Works

First PWD in India | Firuz Shah Tughlaq

Firuz Shah Tughlaq established the first Public Works Department in the Delhi Sultanate, earning the title of the 'Sultan of Constructions'.

Primary Reference: NCERT Class VII - Our Pasts II

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Public Works Department was primarily established by-

[U.P.P.C.S. Pre 2000]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept


Firuz Shah Tughlaq's reign was dedicated to building civil infrastructure. He was the first Sultan to create a formal department to manage large-scale construction projects for public use.

Authentic Source Evidence


Contemporary sources like Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi describe his establishment of the Public Works Department, which oversaw the construction of 300 cities, 50 dams, 150 bridges, and numerous canals.

Analytical Breakdown


  • Logic 1: Known as the 'Sultan of Constructions', Firuz Shah viewed building as an act of piety and a way to generate employment.

  • Logic 2: His department prioritized welfare infrastructure over the purely military fortifications of earlier rulers like Balban or Alauddin.
  • Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

    "Which major cities were founded by Firuz Shah Tughlaq's PWD?"

    He founded several prominent cities, including Firozabad, Fatehabad, Jaunpur, and Hissar.

    Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

    "The creation of a dedicated PWD shows Firuz Shah's transition from a military ruler to a 'welfare monarch' focused on long-term development."

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