Throughout India’s history, the capital has been placed in several cities. Several other cities served as the centre of authority for various empires and dynasties before to the current capital, Delhi. Read the entire article to learn more about the cities that have served as India’s capital throughout history.
Before Delhi, several cities served as the capital of India. Some of the notable ones include:
- Pataliputra (now Patna, Bihar) – Capital of the Mauryan Empire and later the Gupta Empire
- Kannauj – Capital of the Gurjara-Pratihara Empire
- Thanjavur – Capital of the Chola Empire
- Hampi – Capital of the Vijayanagara Empire
- Agra – Capital of the Mughal Empire during the reign of Akbar
- Lahore – Capital of the Mughal Empire during the reign of Jahangir
- Fatehpur Sikri – Capital of the Mughal Empire during the reign of Akbar
What was the Capital of India Before Delhi?
India has a lengthy and rich history, during which time numerous cities have served as the nation’s capital. Several other cities formerly enjoyed this distinction before Delhi was chosen as the nation’s capital.
Pataliputra, today known as Patna in the state of Bihar, was one of the first known capitals of India. During Emperor Ashoka’s rule in the third century BCE, this city served as the seat of the mighty Mauryan Empire. In the fourth and fifth century CE, it served as the Gupta Empire’s capital. Pataliputra was a significant trading and commercial hub famed for its opulent palaces, temples, and universities.
Kannauj, which is now in the state of Uttar Pradesh, was once another ancient capital of India. In the eighth and ninth century CE, this city served as the Gurjara-Pratihara Empire’s capital. It was a significant centre of religious and cultural growth, and Kannauj was well-known for its textiles and perfumes.
The Chola Empire had Thanjavur as its capital in the 10th and 11th century CE. It is now a part of Tamil Nadu. This city was a significant hub for study, art, and architecture, and it was well-known for its spectacular temples and palaces.
Hampi, located in present-day Karnatakas, was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th and 15th centuries CE. This city was known for its grand temples and palaces, and it was an important center of trade, culture, and learning.
Agra, located in present-day Uttar Pradesh, was the capital of the Mughal Empire during the reign of Emperor Akbar in the 16th century CE. This city was known for its magnificent monuments such as the Taj Mahal, and it was an important center of trade, art, and culture.
Lahore, located in present-day Pakistan, was the capital of the Mughal Empire during the reign of Emperor Jahangir in the 17th century CE. This city was known for its magnificent monuments such as the Lahore Fort, and it was an important center of trade, art, and culture.
The Mughal Empire’s capital was Fatehpur Sikri, which is now in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, during the reign of Emperor Akbar in the sixteenth century. This city was a significant hub for study, art, and culture, and it was well-known for its opulent palaces and temples.
Under British colonial authority, Delhi was chosen as India’s capital, and it is still the country’s capital today. Each of these capital cities contributed significantly to the development of India’s history and culture, and they are still key hubs for tourism and cultural heritage today.
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FAQs on Capital of India Before Delhi
The first capital of India was not a city, but rather the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, which existed around 2500 BCE.
The capital of India during the Mughal Empire was Agra from 1556 to 1658 and Delhi from 1638 to 1857.
The capital of India during the British Raj was Calcutta (now Kolkata) from 1772 to 1911.
The capital of India before it became New Delhi in 1911 was Calcutta (now Kolkata).
The capital of India during the Maurya Empire (321-185 BCE) was Pataliputra, which is located in present-day Patna in Bihar state.
