Abstract
India was comprised of many villages before the arrival of Muslims. Those Muslim invaders,
who conquered India and established their rule, essentially belonged to the urban ruling classes.
In early Turkish Empire (1206 – 1266), ruling classes have developed numerous urban centers in
town across India. In Muslims period, Iqta system provided opportunities to Turko – Afghan
communities to have luxurious life style which provoked skill workers, artesian and architect to
migrate garrison. These towns also emerge as cultural centers with the passage of time. Early
cities like Daultabad, Fatehpur Sikri and Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi) were royal capital cities.
Some of the major cities like Kabul, Agra, Allahabad, Lahore, Attock and Multan were
developed near major road (Grand Trunk Road). Many towns like Dholpur, Jodhpur, Sirohi,
Asirgarh and Ajmer were inhabited near nonmetal led roads . Many of the Mughal cities and
towns still exist in spite of many natural disasters. Many European travelers narrated the glory
and significance of these cities and towns in their account. They compared Indian cities with
Europe, like Fatehpur Sikri was larger than London and Delhi was not less urbanized than Paris.
These urban centers were not only the administrative units but also considered as cultural centers
in Mughal State. Emperors sometimes generated the economic activities in these urban centers.
Abul Fazal mentioned many factories in Delhi, Agra and Fatehpur Sikri supplied many precious
articles in the King’s wardrobe. Capital cities always had the excess of fruit and food for the
Royal kitchen. People brought their master pieces in the capital city just to get the
acknowledgement of kings and nobles. This paper analyzes the development of major urban
centers in Mughals (most illustrated dynasty of the Muslim civilization). It also highlights the
cultural transformation of Muslims under the influence of native one.
Rukhsana Iftikhar. (2018) Urban Formation and Culture Transformation in Mughal India, South Asian Studies, Volume 33, Issue 1.
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