The Diwan-i-Aam referred to

The Diwan-i-Aam referred to

a collection of popular poetry
the hall of public audience
the senior most citizen
a rank in the Mughal Government
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2019
The Diwan-i-Aam referred to the hall of public audience in Mughal palaces.
– The term ‘Diwan’ in Mughal administration generally refers to a hall or court. ‘Aam’ means ‘public’ or ‘common’.
– The Diwan-i-Aam was a large hall or courtyard within Mughal palaces where the emperor would hold public audiences. In this hall, the emperor would meet common people, hear their petitions, and dispense justice.
– This architectural feature was a standard part of Mughal palaces built during the reigns of emperors like Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan, seen in forts like Agra Fort and Red Fort, Delhi.
In contrast to the Diwan-i-Aam, the Diwan-i-Khas was the hall of private audience, where the emperor would meet with ministers, nobles, and selected visitors for important discussions. Both were significant parts of the ceremonial and administrative structure of the Mughal court.