📚 Part of: Delhi Governance And Constitutional Amendments Mcq Quiz

Who amongst the following Sultans built the fifth storey of Qutub Minar?

Category: Delhi Gk

Correct Answer: B) Firoz Shah Tughlaq.

Exam Relevance: UPSC Civil Services, Delhi State Services, History Exams, Archaeology Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes:

The Qutub Minar, located in Delhi, is a historical monument that was initially built by Qutbuddin Aibak and later expanded by various rulers of the Delhi Sultanate. The fifth storey of the Qutub Minar was added by Firoz Shah Tughlaq, who ruled during the 14th century. This addition is significant in understanding the architectural evolution of the minaret.

Common Mistakes:
  • Confusing the builders of different parts of the Qutub Minar.
  • Misattributing the construction of the fifth storey to earlier or later rulers.
  • Overlooking the historical context of the Delhi Sultanate and its rulers.
Explanation:

The Qutub Minar, located in Delhi, is one of the most iconic and historically significant monuments in India. It stands as a testament to the architectural prowess and historical evolution of the Delhi Sultanate. The construction of the Qutub Minar began under the reign of Qutbuddin Aibak, the first Sultan of Delhi, in the early 13th century. The initial purpose of the minaret was to serve as a victory tower and a call-to-prayer tower for the nearby Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque.

The construction of the Qutub Minar was not completed in one go but was a process that spanned several decades and involved multiple rulers. Qutbuddin Aibak laid the foundation and started the construction, but he did not complete it. Iltutmish, who succeeded Aibak, continued the construction and completed the first three storeys of the minaret. The fourth storey was added by Alauddin Khilji in the late 13th century.

The fifth storey, which is the focus of this question, was added by Firoz Shah Tughlaq, who ruled from 1351 to 1388. Firoz Shah Tughlaq was a significant ruler of the Tughlaq dynasty and is known for his extensive architectural projects and renovations. The addition of the fifth storey to the Qutub Minar is a notable contribution to the monument's structure and historical significance.

Understanding the construction history of the Qutub Minar is crucial for comprehending the architectural and historical evolution of Delhi during the Delhi Sultanate period. Each ruler who contributed to the minaret's construction left their mark, reflecting the changing styles and priorities of the time. The Qutub Minar, with its five storeys, stands as a symbol of the architectural and cultural heritage of Delhi, showcasing the contributions of various rulers over several centuries.

In summary, the fifth storey of the Qutub Minar was built by Firoz Shah Tughlaq, making option B the correct answer. This addition is a significant part of the minaret's history and highlights the architectural contributions of the Tughlaq dynasty to Delhi's historical landscape.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Qutbuddin Aibak is credited with the initial construction of the Qutub Minar, but he did not build the fifth storey. The fifth storey was added much later during the reign of Firoz Shah Tughlaq. This option is incorrect because it misattributes the construction of the fifth storey to the original builder.
  • Option B: Firoz Shah Tughlaq, who ruled during the 14th century, is historically recognized for adding the fifth storey to the Qutub Minar. This option is correct because it accurately identifies the ruler responsible for the architectural expansion of the minaret.
  • Option C: Sikandar Lodi, who ruled in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, did not contribute to the construction of the Qutub Minar. This option is incorrect because it incorrectly attributes the fifth storey to a ruler who came much later and was not involved in the minaret's construction.
  • Option D: Iltutmish, who ruled in the early 13th century, is known for completing the first three storeys of the Qutub Minar, but not for the fifth storey. This option is incorrect because it misattributes the construction of the fifth storey to a ruler who was involved in earlier stages of the minaret's construction.

Mnemonic: Fifth Floor Fix: Firoz Shah Tughlaq

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