The Feroz Shah Kotla Fort, also known as the home of the djinns, was built in ______.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer (Option 2) is 1354.
Here are some important historical facts related to the Feroz Shah Kotla Fort that are useful from an examination perspective:
Feroz Shah Kotla Fort: Key Points:-
• Construction: This fort was constructed by Sultan Feroz Shah Tughlaq of the Tughlaq dynasty in 1354.
• Purpose: The Sultan built it to serve as a citadel for his new capital, 'Firozabad' (the fifth city of Delhi).
• Ashoka Pillar: The most prominent feature of this fort is the Ashoka Pillar located within its complex. Feroz Shah Tughlaq brought it to Delhi from Ambala (Topra). Seven edicts of Emperor Ashoka are inscribed upon it.
• Architecture: There is also a Jama Masjid located inside the fort. It is believed that in 1398, when Timur Lang (Tamerlane) invaded Delhi, he was so impressed by the beauty of this mosque that he had a similar mosque built in his own capital, Samarkand.
• Popular Belief: Locally, it is also referred to as the 'House of Djinns' (Jinns), where people offer prayers to have their wishes fulfilled.
Brief Analysis of Other Options:-
• 1321: Around this year, Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq laid the foundation of the city of 'Tughlaqabad'.
• 1267: This period corresponds to the reign of Ghiyasuddin Balban (of the Slave Dynasty).
• 1492: At this time, Delhi was under the rule of the Lodi dynasty (Sikandar Lodi).
Other Important Questions Related to Feroz Shah Tughlaq:
1. Establishment of Cities: He founded several cities, such as Hisar, Fatehabad, Jaunpur, and Firozpur.
2. Formation of Departments: He established the *Diwan-e-Bandagan* (Department for Slaves) and the *Diwan-e-Khairat* (Department for Charity).
3. Canal Construction: He is known for expanding the network of canals in India.