Iltutmish completed the construction of the Qutub Minar, which had been started by Qutbuddin Aibak as a symbol of victory and the establishment of Muslim rule in India. Iltutmish added additional storeys, strengthened the earlier structure, and enhanced its architectural beauty using red sandstone aRead more
Iltutmish completed the construction of the Qutub Minar, which had been started by Qutbuddin Aibak as a symbol of victory and the establishment of Muslim rule in India. Iltutmish added additional storeys, strengthened the earlier structure, and enhanced its architectural beauty using red sandstone and intricate carvings. The tower also functioned as a minaret for the adjoining Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque. Iltutmish’s contributions made the monument one of the finest examples of early Indo-Islamic architecture. His work ensured the Minar’s lasting legacy, and it continues today as a monumental landmark reflecting the early phase of the Delhi Sultanate’s cultural achievements.
Mahmud Ghaznavi’s repeated invasions of India were driven mainly by his ambition to build a strong empire in Central Asia. Ghazni lacked the wealth needed to support a powerful army, so he targeted India’s rich temples and thriving cities. The gold, jewels, and other treasures he carried back financRead more
Mahmud Ghaznavi’s repeated invasions of India were driven mainly by his ambition to build a strong empire in Central Asia. Ghazni lacked the wealth needed to support a powerful army, so he targeted India’s rich temples and thriving cities. The gold, jewels, and other treasures he carried back financed new buildings, improved administration, and strengthened his military. Mahmud focused on quick raids rather than ruling Indian territories permanently. His campaigns also helped him gain prestige in the Islamic world as a defender of the faith, though economic motives remained central. These invasions changed regional politics and weakened many North Indian kingdoms.
ANSWER:
(D) Obtaining funds to establish a large empire in Central Asia
Alberuni came to India during Mahmud Ghaznavi’s time and spent years studying Indian society with curiosity and respect. Unlike other medieval writers, he learned Sanskrit to understand Indian scientific and religious texts directly. His book Kitab-ul-Hind describes India’s geography, mathematics, aRead more
Alberuni came to India during Mahmud Ghaznavi’s time and spent years studying Indian society with curiosity and respect. Unlike other medieval writers, he learned Sanskrit to understand Indian scientific and religious texts directly. His book Kitab-ul-Hind describes India’s geography, mathematics, astronomy, social customs, caste system, and religious beliefs. Alberuni often compared Indian knowledge with Greek, Persian, and Islamic traditions, making his work highly analytical. He admired India’s intellectual achievements but also pointed out social issues like rigid caste divisions. His writing remains one of the most reliable historical sources for understanding early medieval India from an outsider’s perspective.
Persian became the court language of the Delhi Sultanate because the ruling elites, administrators, and scholars were trained in Persian traditions. This language brought with it a rich literary and cultural heritage from Iran and Central Asia. Persian was used in royal decrees, legal documents, hisRead more
Persian became the court language of the Delhi Sultanate because the ruling elites, administrators, and scholars were trained in Persian traditions. This language brought with it a rich literary and cultural heritage from Iran and Central Asia. Persian was used in royal decrees, legal documents, historical chronicles, and poetry. As Persian interacted with local Indian languages, especially Hindi and Prakrit dialects, it helped create early forms of Urdu. Many famous works, such as Tabaqat-i-Nasiri and Tarikh-i-Firozshahi, were written in Persian. The language also influenced architecture, music, clothing, and etiquette, shaping Indo-Persian culture that continued even after the Sultanate.
Sikandar Lodi founded Agra in 1504 because its location near the Yamuna River made it ideal for trade, agriculture, and military movement. He built forts, roads, gardens, and mosques that helped Agra grow into a major administrative centre. Sikandar shifted much of his court’s activities to Agra, inRead more
Sikandar Lodi founded Agra in 1504 because its location near the Yamuna River made it ideal for trade, agriculture, and military movement. He built forts, roads, gardens, and mosques that helped Agra grow into a major administrative centre. Sikandar shifted much of his court’s activities to Agra, increasing its population and importance. When the Mughals arrived, they immediately recognized Agra’s strategic value and expanded it further. Babur captured Agra in 1526 after the First Battle of Panipat, and his successors, especially Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan, transformed the city into one of the grandest capitals in medieval India.
Who completed the Qutub Minar? (A) Razia (B) Qutbuddin Aibak (C) Iltutmish (D) Balban
Iltutmish completed the construction of the Qutub Minar, which had been started by Qutbuddin Aibak as a symbol of victory and the establishment of Muslim rule in India. Iltutmish added additional storeys, strengthened the earlier structure, and enhanced its architectural beauty using red sandstone aRead more
Iltutmish completed the construction of the Qutub Minar, which had been started by Qutbuddin Aibak as a symbol of victory and the establishment of Muslim rule in India. Iltutmish added additional storeys, strengthened the earlier structure, and enhanced its architectural beauty using red sandstone and intricate carvings. The tower also functioned as a minaret for the adjoining Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque. Iltutmish’s contributions made the monument one of the finest examples of early Indo-Islamic architecture. His work ensured the Minar’s lasting legacy, and it continues today as a monumental landmark reflecting the early phase of the Delhi Sultanate’s cultural achievements.
ANSWER:
(C) Iltutmish
See lessWhat was the purpose of Mahmud Ghaznavi’s invasion of India?
Mahmud Ghaznavi’s repeated invasions of India were driven mainly by his ambition to build a strong empire in Central Asia. Ghazni lacked the wealth needed to support a powerful army, so he targeted India’s rich temples and thriving cities. The gold, jewels, and other treasures he carried back financRead more
Mahmud Ghaznavi’s repeated invasions of India were driven mainly by his ambition to build a strong empire in Central Asia. Ghazni lacked the wealth needed to support a powerful army, so he targeted India’s rich temples and thriving cities. The gold, jewels, and other treasures he carried back financed new buildings, improved administration, and strengthened his military. Mahmud focused on quick raids rather than ruling Indian territories permanently. His campaigns also helped him gain prestige in the Islamic world as a defender of the faith, though economic motives remained central. These invasions changed regional politics and weakened many North Indian kingdoms.
ANSWER:
(D) Obtaining funds to establish a large empire in Central Asia
See lessThe scholar Alberuni, who came to India during Mahmud Ghaznavi’s invasion of India, wrote which important text?
Alberuni came to India during Mahmud Ghaznavi’s time and spent years studying Indian society with curiosity and respect. Unlike other medieval writers, he learned Sanskrit to understand Indian scientific and religious texts directly. His book Kitab-ul-Hind describes India’s geography, mathematics, aRead more
Alberuni came to India during Mahmud Ghaznavi’s time and spent years studying Indian society with curiosity and respect. Unlike other medieval writers, he learned Sanskrit to understand Indian scientific and religious texts directly. His book Kitab-ul-Hind describes India’s geography, mathematics, astronomy, social customs, caste system, and religious beliefs. Alberuni often compared Indian knowledge with Greek, Persian, and Islamic traditions, making his work highly analytical. He admired India’s intellectual achievements but also pointed out social issues like rigid caste divisions. His writing remains one of the most reliable historical sources for understanding early medieval India from an outsider’s perspective.
See lessWhat was the court language of the Sultanate?
Persian became the court language of the Delhi Sultanate because the ruling elites, administrators, and scholars were trained in Persian traditions. This language brought with it a rich literary and cultural heritage from Iran and Central Asia. Persian was used in royal decrees, legal documents, hisRead more
Persian became the court language of the Delhi Sultanate because the ruling elites, administrators, and scholars were trained in Persian traditions. This language brought with it a rich literary and cultural heritage from Iran and Central Asia. Persian was used in royal decrees, legal documents, historical chronicles, and poetry. As Persian interacted with local Indian languages, especially Hindi and Prakrit dialects, it helped create early forms of Urdu. Many famous works, such as Tabaqat-i-Nasiri and Tarikh-i-Firozshahi, were written in Persian. The language also influenced architecture, music, clothing, and etiquette, shaping Indo-Persian culture that continued even after the Sultanate.
See lessWho founded the city of Agra?
Sikandar Lodi founded Agra in 1504 because its location near the Yamuna River made it ideal for trade, agriculture, and military movement. He built forts, roads, gardens, and mosques that helped Agra grow into a major administrative centre. Sikandar shifted much of his court’s activities to Agra, inRead more
Sikandar Lodi founded Agra in 1504 because its location near the Yamuna River made it ideal for trade, agriculture, and military movement. He built forts, roads, gardens, and mosques that helped Agra grow into a major administrative centre. Sikandar shifted much of his court’s activities to Agra, increasing its population and importance. When the Mughals arrived, they immediately recognized Agra’s strategic value and expanded it further. Babur captured Agra in 1526 after the First Battle of Panipat, and his successors, especially Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan, transformed the city into one of the grandest capitals in medieval India.
See less