Part of: Delhi Gk set 11

Consider the following statements regarding Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque: i. This was the first of congregational mosque built by Delhi Sultan. ii. The minar of this mosque was built by Alauddin Khalji. Choose the correct option from the codes given below:

Category: Delhi Gk

Hint: Consider the historical context of the Delhi Sultanate and the construction timeline of the mosque

Correct Answer: A) 1 only.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Civil Services, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque is a significant historical structure located in Delhi, India, and is closely associated with the early Islamic architecture in the region. It was built during the Delhi Sultanate period, which was a series of Muslim dynasties that ruled large parts of the Indian subcontinent from the early 13th to the early 16th century.

The Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque was constructed by Qutbuddin Aibak, the first ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, in the early 13th century. It is considered the first congregational mosque in Delhi and is a testament to the early Islamic architectural influence in the region. The mosque is located near the Qutb Minar, a famous minaret that is also a significant historical monument.

The Qutb Minar, which is often associated with the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, was not built by Alauddin Khalji, as some might believe. The construction of the Qutb Minar was initiated by Qutbuddin Aibak, the same ruler who built the mosque. However, the minaret was later extended by Iltutmish, who was the successor to Qutbuddin Aibak. Alauddin Khalji, who ruled later, did not contribute to the construction of the minaret.

Understanding the historical context and the timeline of construction is crucial for correctly identifying the contributions of different rulers to the architectural heritage of Delhi. The Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque stands as a symbol of the early Islamic influence in the region and is an important landmark in the history of Delhi and India.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is correct. The Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque was indeed the first congregational mosque built by the Delhi Sultanate. It was constructed by Qutbuddin Aibak, the first ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, in the early 13th century. The minaret, however, was not built by Alauddin Khalji.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. The minaret of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, known as the Qutb Minar, was not built by Alauddin Khalji. The Qutb Minar was initiated by Qutbuddin Aibak and later extended by his successor, Iltutmish. Alauddin Khalji did not contribute to the construction of the minaret.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. While the first statement is true, the second statement is false. The minaret of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque was not built by Alauddin Khalji, so both statements cannot be true simultaneously.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. The first statement is true, as the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque was indeed the first congregational mosque built by the Delhi Sultanate. Therefore, it is not the case that none of the statements are correct.

Mnemonic: QI: Quwwat-ul-Islam is the first, not the minaret.

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