Delhi Sultanate and Historic Delhi Flashcards

Vocabulary practice flashcards based on the lecture notes regarding the historical sites and terms associated with Delhi, the Mughal Empire, and surrounding landmarks like the Red Fort and Chandni Chowk.

Lal Qila (Red Fort)

One of the largest old monuments in Delhi, its construction was started by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in $1638$ and completed in $1648$. It served as the capital of the Mughals until $1857$.

Diwan-i-Aam

A hall within the Red Fort used for public audience.

Diwan-i-Khas

A hall within the Red Fort built entirely with white marble, used as a place for special audience for favoured courtiers.

Lahore Gate

The entrance of the Red Fort, named because it faces Lahore (now in Pakistan), which leads to Chandni Chowk.

Peacock Throne

Ordered by Shah Jahan, it was the grand seat of the Mughal emperors covered in pearls and jewels, featuring the image of two dancing peacocks in metal on the back.

Moti Masjid

A mosque within the Red Fort site that was added by Aurangzeb.

Chandni Chowk

One of Delhi's oldest markets; 'Chandni' means moon and 'chowk' refers to an open market area at the junction of two roads.

Jama Masjid

A massive $17\text{th}$ century mosque located in the Chandni Chowk area.

Shahjahanabad

A city built according to the architectural principles of Vaastu Shastra, shaped like a bow and fronted by the river.

Vaastu Shastra

A treatise on traditional Indian architecture.

Ahmed Shah Abdali

An Afghan king who invaded Hindustan eight times starting from $1748$.

Marathas

Warriors from the Deccan plateau who rose to power in the $17\text{th}$ century under the rule of Shivaji.

Maze

A system of paths or passages in which it is difficult to find one's way.

Kuchas

Lanes or small streets with houses whose owners had similar occupations.

Katras

Courtyards with quarters around them that serve as both markets and residences.

Laid to waste

A common idiom meaning 'was completely destroyed'.