Why did the Mughals leave Agra and make Delhi their capital? 5 major reasons

Whenever Indian history is discussed, the Mughal period is invariably mentioned. The Mughal period in India is known for its grandeur and splendor. When the Mughals began their rule in the country, they established Agra as their capital. 

Akbar then moved it to Fatehpur Sikri and, for a time, to Lahore. Finally, Shah Jahan made Delhi the capital, marking the end of Mughal rule. Let's explore five reasons why the Mughals moved their capital from Agra to Delhi.

It was the year 1526. At the invitation of the Governor of Punjab, Babur arrived in India, and the First Battle of Panipat took place. Ibrahim Lodi, the ruler of Delhi, was killed, and Babur laid the foundation of the Mughal Empire in India. Babur also established Agra as his capital, primarily because it was located in the Gangetic plains. 

The city was then considered the gateway to Central India and Rajasthan. Founded by Sikandar Lodi in 1504, Agra already had fortifications and was an important source of revenue and treasury.

Akbar made Fatehpur Sikri his capital in 1571. At the shrine of Sheikh Salim Chishti near the village of Sikri, Akbar had received a prophecy that he would have a son. 

Therefore, he made Sikri his capital. However, due to a water shortage in Sikri, he later shifted his capital to Lahore in 1585. Lahore remained the Mughal capital for a short time, and Agra was re-established as the Mughal capital. Subsequently, Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi in 1638.

Red Fort History And Name

1- Crowds increased in Agra, streets became narrower

One of the main reasons why Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan decided to move the capital from Agra was congestion. It is said that due to the opulence of the Mughal era, Agra was becoming increasingly crowded. 

Due to the continuous settlement, Agra's streets had become narrower and the width of the roads had become less. This created difficulties for royal processions and other processions. 

Consequently, Shah Jahan decided to move the capital to a location where wide roads were available or could be built. There was open space.

2- Desire for a new city

Shah Jahan wanted to establish a new city of his own design. There was no space available in and around Agra. This prompted Shah Jahan to search for a location where he could build a new city. 

His search ended in Delhi. He made Delhi his capital and established a new city from scratch. Construction of the capital, begun in 1638, was completed in 1648. It was renamed Shahjahanabad, which is now known as Old Delhi.

Shahjahan wanted to establish a new city according to his own wishes.

3- Love for architecture

Shah Jahan had a great love for architecture. Therefore, he wanted to reflect his vision of architecture in the city he would build. Since Agra lacked the space to do so, he commissioned a new city, where the buildings still display the unique architectural beauty of the Mughal period. Whether it's the Chandni Chowk market, the Jama Masjid, or the Red Fort, all are unique examples of Mughal architecture.

4- Political and strategic importance

Over time, Delhi began to be considered more strategically important than Agra. Agra was then deemed in need of a new level of fortifications for security. Continuous expansion also increased the need for fortifications. 

Therefore, Shah Jahan needed a capital that could be fortified for security. Therefore, he relocated his capital and built a new fort in Shahjahanabad, the Qila-e-Mubarak, known today as the Red Fort. 

Furthermore, Delhi held political importance. It had previously served as the capital of several empires. Establishing a new city near Delhi was also feasible.

Red Fort Built By Shah Jahan

The real name of Red Fort is Qila-e-Mubarak.

5- Centrally located city

During the Mughal period, Agra was not central to the country's expansion. It served only as a gateway to Rajasthan and Central India, but was not well-suited to oversee the vast empire. 

This necessitated a city that could oversee the entire Mughal Empire. Therefore, Shah Jahan made Delhi his capital. Located in the center of the country, Delhi was a convenient location for governing all of North and South India.

The same situation later arose before the British and due to its location in the centre of the country, they also shifted their capital from Calcutta (now Kolkata) to Delhi.