Who start construction of Qutub minar in Delhi?

Category: Delhi Gk

Hint: Consider the historical period and the rulers of Delhi during the early 12th century.

Correct Answer: D) Qutui din Eibek.

Exam Relevance: CBSE, UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The Qutub Minar is a significant historical monument located in Delhi, India. It is one of the tallest brick minarets in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The construction of the Qutub Minar began in the early 12th century, specifically around 1192, under the reign of Qutbuddin Aibak, the first Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate.

Qutbuddin Aibak was a slave of Muhammad Ghori, who had conquered Delhi in 1192. After Ghori's death, Aibak declared himself the Sultan of Delhi and founded the Delhi Sultanate. The Qutub Minar was initially built as a victory tower to celebrate the defeat of the last Hindu king of Delhi, Prithviraj Chauhan, and to mark the beginning of Muslim rule in the region.

The construction of the Qutub Minar was not completed by Qutbuddin Aibak alone. His successor, Iltutmish, continued the construction and added three more stories to the minaret. Later, in the 14th century, Firoz Shah Tughlaq added the fifth and final story to the structure. The minaret stands at a height of 73 meters and is made of red sandstone and marble.

The Qutub Minar is not just a monument but also a symbol of the Delhi Sultanate's architectural and cultural influence. It is an important landmark in the history of Delhi and India, representing the transition from Hindu to Muslim rule in the region. The construction of the Qutub Minar marks the beginning of Islamic architecture in India and is a testament to the architectural skills of the Delhi Sultanate.

Understanding the historical context and the rulers of the Delhi Sultanate is crucial to comprehending the significance of the Qutub Minar. Qutbuddin Aibak's role in initiating the construction of this iconic monument is a key aspect of Indian history and is often tested in various competitive examinations.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Ghori is incorrect. Muhammad Ghori was a prominent ruler who defeated the last Hindu king of Delhi, but he did not initiate the construction of the Qutub Minar. The construction began after his death.
Option B: Babur is incorrect. Babur was the founder of the Mughal Empire, which came much later in the 16th century. The Qutub Minar was already completed by this time.
Option C: Raziya Sultan is incorrect. Raziya Sultan was a ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, but she ruled in the 13th century, long after the construction of the Qutub Minar had begun.
Option D: Qutbuddin Aibak is correct. Qutbuddin Aibak, the first Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate, initiated the construction of the Qutub Minar in the early 12th century. He laid the foundation of the Delhi Sultanate and began the construction of this iconic monument.

Mnemonic: Q for Qutub Minar, Q for Qutbuddin Aibak

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