Emperor Shahjahan and the Rebuilding of Delhi

Emperor Shahjahan, also known as Shah Jahan, was the fifth Mughal Emperor of India who ruled from 1628 to 1658. He is widely recognized for his architectural achievements, including the construction of the Taj Mahal. In addition to the Taj Mahal, Shahjahan also made significant contributions to the city of Delhi, rebuilding it in the seventeenth century.

Rebuilding Delhi

During Shahjahan's reign, the city of Delhi faced numerous challenges, including the destruction caused by previous invasions and the need for a more organized and grand capital. To address these issues, Shahjahan decided to rebuild Delhi and create a new capital that reflected the glory and power of the Mughal Empire.

Shahjahanabad - The New Delhi

Shahjahan commissioned the construction of a new city in Delhi, which he named Shahjahanabad after himself. The construction of Shahjahanabad began in 1639 and took several years to complete. The new city was built on the banks of the Yamuna River and was surrounded by high walls and gates for protection. It was designed to be a fortified city with wide streets, grand palaces, gardens, and markets.

Features of Shahjahanabad

Shahjahanabad was designed with careful planning and attention to detail. Some of its key features include:

1. Red Fort: The centerpiece of Shahjahanabad was the magnificent Red Fort (Lal Qila). Built using red sandstone, the fort served as the residence of the Mughal Emperor and housed various administrative and ceremonial buildings.

2. Chandni Chowk: One of the most famous markets in India, Chandni Chowk was a bustling street lined with shops and bazaars. It served as the economic and commercial hub of Shahjahanabad.

3. Jama Masjid: Shahjahanabad is also home to the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. It was built by Shahjahan and can accommodate thousands of worshippers.

4. Gardens and Palaces: Shahjahanabad featured several beautiful gardens and palaces, including the Shalimar Bagh and the Rang Mahal.

Legacy

Shahjahanabad remained the capital of the Mughal Empire until the British East India Company took control of Delhi in 1803. Despite the subsequent changes and developments in the city, Shahjahanabad's architectural and cultural influence can still be seen today. The Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and other structures from Shahjahan's time continue to be important landmarks in modern-day Delhi.

In conclusion, Emperor Shahjahan rebuilt Delhi in the seventeenth century and named it Shahjahanabad. This new city became the capital of the Mughal Empire and showcased the grandeur and power of the empire through its impressive architecture and urban planning.

Shahjahanbad was the name of Delhi in the seventeenth century because that time Shahjan ruled the city and it's name was named after him.