Part of: Rajasthan Gk set 28

Who built adahi din ka jhonpra in ajmer and died while falling from the horse while playing chaugan(polo)

Category: Rajasthan Gk

Hint: Consider the historical context and the timeline of the Delhi Sultanate.

Correct Answer: A) Qutubdin-aibak

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra is a significant historical monument located in Ajmer, Rajasthan, India. The name "Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra" translates to "a shed of two and a half days," which is a reference to the speed at which the structure was supposedly built. However, this name is more of a legend than a historical fact.

The original structure was a Sanskrit college, known as Vishnu Puri, which was built by Raja Prithviraj Chauhan. After the defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan by Muhammad Ghori in 1192 CE, the victorious Ghori ordered the conversion of the college into a mosque. The actual construction of the mosque was carried out by Qutubdin Aibak, who was the first Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate and a former slave of Muhammad Ghori. Aibak ruled from 1206 to 1210 CE.

Qutubdin Aibak is known for his contributions to the Delhi Sultanate and for initiating the construction of several important buildings, including the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque in Delhi. He died in 1210 CE while playing chaugan (polo), a game that was popular among the nobility of the time. The incident of his death while playing chaugan is a well-known historical fact and is often cited in discussions about his life and reign.

The construction of Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra is significant not only for its historical context but also for its architectural style. The mosque is an example of early Indo-Islamic architecture, blending elements of Hindu and Islamic styles. The structure features intricate carvings and inscriptions, which are a testament to the craftsmanship of the time.

Understanding the historical context and the timeline of the Delhi Sultanate is crucial for correctly identifying the builder of Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra. Qutubdin Aibak, as the first Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate, played a pivotal role in the early years of Islamic rule in India and is associated with several important constructions, including Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is correct. Qutubdin Aibak, the first Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate, built Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra in Ajmer. He died while playing chaugan (polo) in 1210 CE.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. Alauddin Khilji was a later ruler of the Delhi Sultanate and did not build Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra. He ruled from 1296 to 1316 CE.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. Jalaluddin Khilji was the founder of the Khilji dynasty, but he did not build Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra. He ruled from 1290 to 1296 CE.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. Ghiyasuddin Balban was a ruler of the Mamluk dynasty and did not build Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra. He ruled from 1266 to 1287 CE.

Mnemonic: AIBAK - Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra, Built, Aibak

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