[Solved] Shahab Nahr: Restoring the Rajabwah Canal | Concept & Explanation

Which of the following Mughal period canals, was constructed by restoring the Rajabwah of Firoz Shah?

[UPPCS (Pre) 2020]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Mughal engineers often improved upon the hydraulic infrastructure of the Delhi Sultanate. Restoring older canals was a cost-effective way to boost agricultural output and supply water to newly founded imperial cities.

Authentic Source Evidence

The Shahab Nahr was created by restoring and extending the Rajabwah canal, which was originally built by Firoz Shah Tughlaq. This canal sourced water from the Yamuna and was part of a larger network designed to turn arid regions into productive farmlands during the Mughal period.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Firoz Shah Tughlaq is known as the 'father of Indian irrigation' for building multiple canals (Rajabwah and Ulughkhani).

Logic 2: The Mughals, realizing the value of these ancient works, renovated them. The Shahab Nahr specifically utilized the Tughlaq-era alignments to deliver water to regions like Jhajjar.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What was the 'Haque-i-Sharb' introduced by Firoz Shah?"

It was a water tax imposed on farmers who benefited from the state-built canal systems for their irrigation needs.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The restoration of the Rajabwah as Shahab Nahr shows the continuity of administrative priorities between the Sultanate and Mughal eras regarding agricultural stability."

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