Construction of Quwwat-al Islam as well as Qutubminar were started by Qutbuddin Aybak, but it was completed by-

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the timeline of Delhi Sultanate rulers and their contributions.

Correct Answer: A) Iltutmish

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Civil Services, Bank PO

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The Delhi Sultanate was a period of significant architectural development in India, particularly in the city of Delhi. The Quwwat-al Islam mosque and the Qutub Minar are two of the most notable structures from this era. The construction of these structures began under Qutbuddin Aybak, the first Sultan of Delhi, who founded the Mamluk dynasty in 1206. However, Qutbuddin Aybak did not live long enough to complete these projects.

Qutbuddin Aybak's successor, Iltutmish, continued and completed the construction of the Quwwat-al Islam mosque and the Qutub Minar. Iltutmish was a significant ruler during the Delhi Sultanate and made substantial contributions to architecture and administration. He is known for his patronage of the arts and his efforts to consolidate the Mamluk dynasty's rule over the region.

The Quwwat-al Islam mosque, which means "Might of Islam," was built on the site of a Jain temple complex. It was the first mosque to be built in Delhi and served as a model for subsequent mosque architecture in the region. The Qutub Minar, a tall tower, was built as a victory monument and a minaret for the call to prayer. It is one of the tallest brick minarets in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Understanding the historical context and the timeline of the Delhi Sultanate is crucial for correctly identifying the ruler who completed these structures. Qutbuddin Aybak initiated the construction, but it was Iltutmish who completed them, making him the correct answer to this question.

Option Analysis:

Option A: This option is correct. Iltutmish, who succeeded Qutbuddin Aybak, completed the construction of the Quwwat-al Islam mosque and the Qutub Minar. He was a significant ruler during the Delhi Sultanate and made substantial contributions to architecture and administration.
Option B: This option is incorrect. Sher Shah Suri was a later ruler who came to power in the 16th century, long after the completion of the Quwwat-al Islam mosque and the Qutub Minar. He is known for his administrative reforms and the construction of the Grand Trunk Road.
Option C: This option is incorrect. Allauddin Khilji, who ruled in the late 13th and early 14th centuries, was not involved in the completion of the Quwwat-al Islam mosque and the Qutub Minar. He is known for his military conquests and administrative reforms.
Option D: This option is incorrect. Muhammad Tughlaq, who ruled in the 14th century, was not involved in the completion of the Quwwat-al Islam mosque and the Qutub Minar. He is known for his ambitious administrative and military policies, which often led to significant changes in the Delhi Sultanate.

Mnemonic: Qutbuddin started, Iltutmish finished.

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