The Qutub Minar was built by Qutub-ud-din Aibak in the ..... century.

Category: Delhi Gk

Hint: Consider the period of the Delhi Sultanate.

Correct Answer: C) Twelfth

Exam Relevance: CBSE History, UPSC Prelims, SSC CGL

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The Qutub Minar, located in Delhi, India, is a significant historical monument that stands as a testament to the architectural and cultural heritage of the Delhi Sultanate. The construction of the Qutub Minar was initiated by Qutub-ud-din Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate, in the 12th century, specifically around 1192 CE. This period marks the beginning of the Delhi Sultanate's rule in India, which lasted from the early 13th century to the mid-16th century.

Qutub-ud-din Aibak, a Turkish slave who rose to become the first Sultan of Delhi, laid the foundation of the Qutub Minar to celebrate his victory over the last Hindu kingdom in the region. The minaret was intended to serve as a symbol of Islamic dominance and a call to prayer. The construction of the Qutub Minar was a monumental task that spanned several decades and involved multiple rulers of the Delhi Sultanate.

The Qutub Minar is not only a significant historical monument but also an important example of Indo-Islamic architecture. It combines elements of both Islamic and Indian architectural styles, reflecting the cultural synthesis that occurred during the Delhi Sultanate period. The minaret stands at a height of approximately 73 meters and is composed of five distinct stories, each marked by a projecting balcony.

Understanding the historical context of the Qutub Minar's construction is crucial for comprehending the broader historical narrative of the Delhi Sultanate. The 12th century was a period of significant political and cultural transformation in India, marked by the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate and the introduction of Islamic rule. The Qutub Minar, as a symbol of this transformation, serves as a tangible link to this important period in Indian history.

It is important to note that while the construction of the Qutub Minar began in the 12th century, it was not completed until the 13th century. This extended period of construction involved several rulers of the Delhi Sultanate, each contributing to the monument's final form. The Qutub Minar, therefore, represents not just the beginning of the Delhi Sultanate but also the continuity and evolution of Islamic rule in India over several centuries.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect. The Qutub Minar was not built in the tenth century. The tenth century predates the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate, which began in the early 13th century.
Option B: Incorrect. The Qutub Minar was not built in the eleventh century. The eleventh century is still before the Delhi Sultanate's establishment, and the construction of the Qutub Minar began in the 12th century.
Option C: Correct. The Qutub Minar was built by Qutub-ud-din Aibak in the twelfth century, specifically around 1192 CE, marking the beginning of the Delhi Sultanate's rule in India.
Option D: Incorrect. The Qutub Minar was not built in the thirteenth century. While the construction of the Qutub Minar was completed in the thirteenth century, the initial construction began in the twelfth century.

Mnemonic: Qutub-ud-din Aibak, Twelfth, T for Twelfth

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