The Hidden Past of Great Cities – Some cities that once ruled empires, shaped economies, and commanded global attention now exist quietly, overshadowed by newer power centres. Whether in India or beyond, these places once held the keys to administration, culture, and history, but over time, many lost their title as capital cities.
Here’s a closer look at 13 such cities, what made them great, and why their chapter as world capitals eventually ended.
Ancient Indian Capitals That Lost Their Central Role
1. Pataliputra (Now Patna, Bihar)
Once the heart of empires like the Maurya and Gupta dynasties, Pataliputra thrived as a seat of learning, politics, and trade around the 3rd century BCE. With the Ganga River aiding commerce and connectivity, it reached unmatched heights under rulers like Chandragupta and Ashoka.
Over time, invasions, natural disasters like frequent flooding, and decentralisation of power led to its decline. Today, Patna serves as Bihar’s capital but doesn’t reflect its once unmatched global stature.
2. Kannauj (Uttar Pradesh)
Between the 7th and 10th centuries, Kannauj was a highly contested political centre. Rulers like Harshavardhana and later the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty turned it into a prized capital. At its peak, Kannauj symbolised northern Indian strength.
As invasions grew and Delhi’s importance rose, Kannauj faded. Now it’s a modest town known more for attar (perfume) than power.
3. Vijayanagara (Hampi, Karnataka)
Founded in the 14th century, Vijayanagara became a massive metropolis, combining military strength with temple architecture and international trade. But in 1565, the Battle of Talikota saw its destruction at the hands of a coalition of Deccan Sultanates.
Its ruins remain a UNESCO heritage site today, but the vibrant city once larger than Paris is no more.
Indian Cities That Once Served as Colonial or Administrative Capitals
4. Murshidabad (West Bengal)
In the early 18th century, Murshidabad was the capital of the Nawabs of Bengal, and briefly, the richest city in India. Its economy was driven by silk, muslin, and European trade.
After the British victory at the Battle of Plassey in 1757, the capital shifted to Calcutta. Murshidabad’s decline was swift and irreversible. It remains an important heritage site but far from its past influence.
5. Calcutta (Now Kolkata, West Bengal)
The British declared Calcutta the capital of British India in 1772. It grew rapidly through port trade, colonial architecture, and administrative might.
In 1911, fearing unrest and needing a more centrally located city, the British moved the capital to Delhi. Kolkata remains an influential cultural and economic hub, but its political significance diminished.
6. Allahabad (Now Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh)
During the British Raj, Allahabad hosted the High Court and became an important seat of legal and political activity. Several freedom movement leaders had their roots here, and it served briefly as a provincial capital.
Post-Independence, administrative centres moved elsewhere, and Prayagraj’s political relevance declined. It remains known for Kumbh Mela and religious tourism.
Global Cities That Once Led Empires
7. Nanjing (China)
Nanjing served as the capital during several dynasties, most notably the early Ming and the Republic of China (before 1949). Its location near the Yangtze River gave it both strategic and economic clout.
After civil unrest and war, Beijing was chosen as the capital due to its strategic military advantage. Nanjing still thrives as an educational and commercial centre.
8. Istanbul (Turkey)
Historically known as Constantinople, it was the capital of the Byzantine Empire and later the Ottoman Empire for over 1,500 years.
In 1923, after the formation of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk moved the capital to Ankara to break from Ottoman legacy and promote development in Anatolia. Istanbul continues to be the cultural and financial heartbeat of Turkey.
9. Kyoto (Japan)
Kyoto served as Japan’s imperial capital for over 1,000 years, known for its temples, rituals, and court culture.
In 1868, the Meiji Restoration moved the capital to Tokyo as part of modernisation reforms. Kyoto remains a major cultural city but not a political one.
10. Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
From 1763 to 1960, Rio was Brazil’s capital, even serving as the Portuguese royal capital in exile during the Napoleonic wars.
To decentralise growth and promote the interior region, Brazil built Brasília from scratch and shifted its capital there. Rio continues as a cultural magnet but no longer hosts the federal government.
Cities With Interrupted or Disputed Capital Roles
11. Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh)
Ayodhya was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Kosala and is deeply rooted in religious texts.
As administrative power moved to Faizabad and later to Lucknow, Ayodhya lost political relevance. In recent years, spiritual revival has brought renewed attention, but it hasn’t reclaimed any capital status.
12. Tenochtitlan (Now Mexico City, Mexico)
The Aztec Empire’s capital Tenochtitlan was a marvel of engineering and culture until Spanish conquistadors destroyed it in 1521.
Remarkably, the modern city of Mexico City now sits atop the ruins. It has reclaimed capital status and remains one of the largest cities in the world, a rare example of a city being rebuilt as a capital.
Once Seasonal, Now Symbolic
13. Shimla (Himachal Pradesh)
During British rule, Shimla was declared the summer capital of India due to its cool climate. Key government decisions were often made there between April and October.
After 1947, Delhi remained the sole capital, and Shimla returned to being a seasonal escape. Today, it serves as the capital of Himachal Pradesh and a reminder of colonial bureaucracy.
Summary – Shifting Capitals Show a Pattern
When you track the rise and fall of capital cities, you see patterns, geography, economics, invasions, and strategic shifts play key roles. Some cities never recover after losing capital status, while others reinvent themselves in new ways, as spiritual centres, tech hubs, or heritage towns.
What these examples show is simple: capital status may be temporary, but the legacy of a city can last far longer.
Expand full references
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- Allahabad High Court. (2025). History. Retrieved from https://www.allahabadhighcourt.in
