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Which Sultan built the Alai Darwaza? (A) Alauddin Khalji (B) Iltutmish (C) Balban (D) Firoz Tughlaq
Alauddin Khalji, one of the most powerful rulers of the Delhi Sultanate, built the Alai Darwaza in 1311 CE as part of his ambitious expansion of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque complex. The structure is a fine example of early Indo-Islamic architecture, featuring pointed arches, latticed stone screens, gRead more
Alauddin Khalji, one of the most powerful rulers of the Delhi Sultanate, built the Alai Darwaza in 1311 CE as part of his ambitious expansion of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque complex. The structure is a fine example of early Indo-Islamic architecture, featuring pointed arches, latticed stone screens, geometric designs and Quranic inscriptions. Its craftsmanship reflects the growing sophistication of Sultanate architecture under Alauddin’s patronage. The gateway also symbolised Alauddin’s authority and his attempt to transform the Qutub complex into a grand imperial centre. Today, the Alai Darwaza stands as a significant cultural and architectural landmark in Delhi.
ANSWER: (A) Alauddin Khalji
See lessWho was the author of ‘Tabaqat-i-Nasiri’?
Minhaj-us-Siraj, a prominent Persian historian serving under Iltutmish and later rulers, authored the famous work ‘Tabaqat-i-Nasiri’. Written in 1260 CE, the text is structured into multiple sections or “tabaqat” and covers a wide range of early Islamic history, from the Prophet Muhammad to the DelhRead more
Minhaj-us-Siraj, a prominent Persian historian serving under Iltutmish and later rulers, authored the famous work ‘Tabaqat-i-Nasiri’. Written in 1260 CE, the text is structured into multiple sections or “tabaqat” and covers a wide range of early Islamic history, from the Prophet Muhammad to the Delhi Sultanate. For Indian history, it provides crucial narratives about the Ghurids, Qutbuddin Aibak, Iltutmish and Razia Sultan. Mingled with administrative details, political events and biographical sketches, the chronicle remains a major primary source for understanding the establishment and consolidation of Muslim power in India during the 12th and 13th centuries.
ANSWER: (D) Minhaj-us-Siraj
See lessThe destruction of Nalanda University was caused by – (A) Mughals (B) Muslims (C) Kushans (D) Scythians
In the early 13th century, Ikhtiyaruddin Bakhtiyar Khilji launched military campaigns in Bihar and Bengal. During one such expedition around 1202–03 CE, he attacked Nalanda University, mistaking it for a fort due to its massive structures. His forces set fire to its extensive libraries, which housedRead more
In the early 13th century, Ikhtiyaruddin Bakhtiyar Khilji launched military campaigns in Bihar and Bengal. During one such expedition around 1202–03 CE, he attacked Nalanda University, mistaking it for a fort due to its massive structures. His forces set fire to its extensive libraries, which housed countless manuscripts accumulated over centuries. Thousands of monks were killed or forced to flee, effectively ending Nalanda’s existence as a renowned centre of Buddhist scholarship. This destruction represented not only the downfall of a great educational institution but also a significant decline in Buddhist intellectual activity in eastern India.
ANSWER: (B) Muslims
See lessDuring whose reign was Alberuni a historian?
Alberuni served as a historian during the reign of Mahmud of Ghaznavi, the ruler of Ghazni who invaded India multiple times in the 11th century. Alberuni travelled with Mahmud’s court and used this opportunity to explore India extensively. A brilliant scholar of mathematics, astronomy, geography andRead more
Alberuni served as a historian during the reign of Mahmud of Ghaznavi, the ruler of Ghazni who invaded India multiple times in the 11th century. Alberuni travelled with Mahmud’s court and used this opportunity to explore India extensively. A brilliant scholar of mathematics, astronomy, geography and anthropology, he learned Sanskrit to study Indian scriptures firsthand. His most important contribution is Kitab-ul-Hind, a detailed scientific account of India’s culture, religion, education, sciences, geography and social life. Alberuni’s writing is objective, analytical and comparative, making him one of the earliest and most credible scholars to document medieval India from an outsider’s perspective.
See lessWhich general of Muhammad Ghori conquered Bihar (1202-03), Bengal (1204-05) and invaded Assam (1206)?
Ikhtiyaruddin Muhammad bin Bakhtiyar Khilji emerged as a key military leader under Muhammad Ghori and Qutbuddin Aibak. He undertook rapid cavalry-based campaigns in eastern India. In 1202–03, he captured Bihar, including major Buddhist centres such as Nalanda and Vikramashila. By 1204–05, he advanceRead more
Ikhtiyaruddin Muhammad bin Bakhtiyar Khilji emerged as a key military leader under Muhammad Ghori and Qutbuddin Aibak. He undertook rapid cavalry-based campaigns in eastern India. In 1202–03, he captured Bihar, including major Buddhist centres such as Nalanda and Vikramashila. By 1204–05, he advanced into Bengal, defeating local rulers and establishing Turkish control. Ambitious in his pursuits, he ventured further into Assam in 1206, although this expedition ultimately proved disastrous. His military exploits significantly extended Ghurid power into eastern India and transformed Bengal’s political landscape, laying the foundation for later Muslim rule in the region.
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