Concept notes: The Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque is a significant historical mosque located in Delhi, India. It was the first congregational mosque built by the Delhi Sultanate and is associated with the Qutb Minar complex. The mosque was initially constructed by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the first Sultan of Delhi, and later expanded by his successors. The Qutb Minar, a famous minaret, is part of the complex but was not built as part of the mosque itself.
Explanation: The Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque is a significant historical landmark located in Delhi, India, and is closely associated with the early history of the Delhi Sultanate. It was constructed by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the first Sultan of Delhi, and is considered the first congregational mosque built by the Delhi Sultanate. The mosque is part of the Qutb Minar complex, which includes the famous Qutb Minar, a towering minaret that is a symbol of Delhi's rich architectural heritage.
The construction of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque began in the early 12th century and was completed in stages. Qutb-ud-din Aibak initiated the construction, and his successor, Iltutmish, continued and expanded the mosque. The mosque is notable for its architectural style, which blends elements of Hindu and Islamic architecture, reflecting the cultural synthesis of the time.
The Qutb Minar, a prominent feature of the complex, was not built as part of the mosque but as a separate structure. The minar was initiated by Qutb-ud-din Aibak and completed by Iltutmish. Alauddin Khalji, who ruled in the late 13th and early 14th centuries, made additions to the complex, including the Alai Darwaza, but he did not build the Qutb Minar.
Understanding the historical context and the timeline of construction is crucial to correctly identifying the facts about the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque and the Qutb Minar. The first statement is correct because the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque was indeed the first congregational mosque built by the Delhi Sultanate. The second statement is incorrect because the Qutb Minar was not built by Alauddin Khalji.
In summary, the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque is a significant historical site that marks the beginning of Islamic architectural influence in Delhi. Its construction and the subsequent additions to the complex reflect the evolving architectural styles and the historical developments of the Delhi Sultanate. The correct answer is (A) 1 only, as the first statement is true, while the second statement is false.