Part of: Delhi Gk set 9

Who commenced the construction of the Qutab Minar?

Category: Delhi Gk

Hint: Consider the historical context of the Delhi Sultanate.

Correct Answer: A) Qutab-ud-din Aibak.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC, History Exams

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The Qutab Minar is a significant historical monument located in Delhi, India. It stands as a symbol of the Delhi Sultanate, the first Muslim dynasty to rule over large parts of the Indian subcontinent. The construction of the Qutab Minar was initiated by Qutab-ud-din Aibak, who was the founder of the Delhi Sultanate and the first Sultan of Delhi.

Qutab-ud-din Aibak, originally a slave of the Ghurid Sultan Muhammad Ghori, rose to power after Ghori's death in 1206. He established the Delhi Sultanate and began the construction of the Qutab Minar in the early 13th century. The minaret was intended to be a victory tower, commemorating the Muslim conquest of Delhi and symbolizing the new Islamic rule in the region.

The construction of the Qutab Minar was not completed during Aibak's reign. After his death, his successor, Iltutmish, continued the construction and completed the minaret. The Qutab Minar is a fine example of early Indo-Islamic architecture, combining elements of both Indian and Islamic styles. It stands at a height of 73 meters and is composed of five distinct stories, each marked by a projecting balcony.

It is important to note that the Qutab Minar is not only a historical monument but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has been a significant landmark in Delhi for centuries and continues to attract visitors from around the world. The monument's construction and its historical context are essential for understanding the early history of the Delhi Sultanate and the spread of Islamic influence in India.

Other historical figures mentioned in the options, such as Ibn-Batutah and Amir Khusraw, were not involved in the construction of the Qutab Minar. Ibn-Batutah was a famous traveler and historian who visited India in the 14th century, long after the construction of the Qutab Minar had begun. Amir Khusraw was a renowned poet and musician who lived in the 13th and 14th centuries and was a contemporary of the Delhi Sultanate, but he did not initiate the construction of the Qutab Minar.

Understanding the historical context and the specific contributions of Qutab-ud-din Aibak to the construction of the Qutab Minar is crucial for comprehending the early history of the Delhi Sultanate and the architectural developments of that period. The Qutab Minar stands as a testament to the architectural and cultural achievements of the Delhi Sultanate and remains an important historical monument in India.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is correct. Qutab-ud-din Aibak, the first Sultan of Delhi, initiated the construction of the Qutab Minar in the early 13th century. The minaret was intended to be a victory tower and a symbol of the new Islamic rule in Delhi.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. Niktin is not a historical figure associated with the construction of the Qutab Minar. The name is likely a distractor or a misspelling.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. Ibn-Batutah was a famous traveler and historian who visited India in the 14th century, long after the construction of the Qutab Minar had begun. He did not initiate the construction of the monument.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. Amir Khusraw was a renowned poet and musician who lived in the 13th and 14th centuries. While he was a contemporary of the Delhi Sultanate, he did not initiate the construction of the Qutab Minar.

Mnemonic: Q for Qutab-ud-din Aibak, Q for Qutab Minar

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