1. The Qutub-ul-Islam Mosque, built by Qutbuddin Aibak around 1192–1193, is one of India’s earliest surviving mosques. Constructed using stones from demolished Hindu and Jain temples, its pillars still show carvings of earlier religious motifs. The mosque marked the establishment of Muslim rule in DelhRead more

    The Qutub-ul-Islam Mosque, built by Qutbuddin Aibak around 1192–1193, is one of India’s earliest surviving mosques. Constructed using stones from demolished Hindu and Jain temples, its pillars still show carvings of earlier religious motifs. The mosque marked the establishment of Muslim rule in Delhi after the defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan. Aibak completed only the basic structure, while his successor Iltutmish expanded it and began work on the Qutub Minar next to it. Later, Alauddin Khilji enlarged the mosque complex even further. Today, the structure stands within the Qutub Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site reflecting early Indo-Islamic architectural fusion.

    ANSWER:

    (B) Qutubuddin Aibak

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  2. The First Battle of Tarain was a major clash between the Rajput confederacy led by Prithviraj Chauhan and the Ghurid forces under Muhammad Ghori. Ghori initially attempted to capture the strategic region around Haryana and Delhi to expand toward the Gangetic plains. Prithviraj’s army, known for itsRead more

    The First Battle of Tarain was a major clash between the Rajput confederacy led by Prithviraj Chauhan and the Ghurid forces under Muhammad Ghori. Ghori initially attempted to capture the strategic region around Haryana and Delhi to expand toward the Gangetic plains. Prithviraj’s army, known for its skilled cavalry and war elephants, defeated Ghori decisively, forcing him to retreat to Ghazni. This victory made Prithviraj a celebrated hero among the Rajput clans. However, Ghori returned stronger the next year, leading to the Second Battle of Tarain, which dramatically altered the political landscape and laid the foundation for Muslim rule in North India.

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  3. Alauddin Khilji’s rise to power is one of the most dramatic events in Sultanate history. To seize the throne, he invited his uncle and father-in-law, Sultan Jalaluddin Khilji, to Kara under the pretext of celebrating a military victory. During the meeting, Alauddin’s men suddenly attacked and killedRead more

    Alauddin Khilji’s rise to power is one of the most dramatic events in Sultanate history. To seize the throne, he invited his uncle and father-in-law, Sultan Jalaluddin Khilji, to Kara under the pretext of celebrating a military victory. During the meeting, Alauddin’s men suddenly attacked and killed Jalaluddin, allowing Alauddin to declare himself Sultan in 1296. His bold action shocked many nobles but also displayed his ambition and political skill. Once in power, Alauddin introduced major military, economic, and administrative reforms. His reign became one of the most expansionist, marked by victories in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and the Deccan.

    ANSWER:

    (B) Alauddin Khilji

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  4. Razia Sultan’s rise is one of the most remarkable chapters in Delhi Sultanate history. Iltutmish recognized her intelligence early and believed she was more capable than his sons. He even made nobles acknowledge her as his successor. After his death, she became Sultan in 1236, breaking gender normsRead more

    Razia Sultan’s rise is one of the most remarkable chapters in Delhi Sultanate history. Iltutmish recognized her intelligence early and believed she was more capable than his sons. He even made nobles acknowledge her as his successor. After his death, she became Sultan in 1236, breaking gender norms of medieval India. Razia dressed like a ruler, led armies, and held open courts. However, her decision to appoint non-Turkish officers angered powerful nobles, leading to revolts. Despite her short reign, Razia’s courage, administrative skill, and defiance of conservative expectations made her a legendary and inspirational figure in Indian history.

    ANSWER:

    (A) Iltutmish

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  5. Qutbuddin Aibak played a crucial role in consolidating Muhammad Ghori’s Indian conquests. Ghori trusted Aibak for his loyalty, military skill, and understanding of Indian politics. Aibak strengthened Ghurid authority by building forts, appointing governors, and suppressing rebellions. After Ghori’sRead more

    Qutbuddin Aibak played a crucial role in consolidating Muhammad Ghori’s Indian conquests. Ghori trusted Aibak for his loyalty, military skill, and understanding of Indian politics. Aibak strengthened Ghurid authority by building forts, appointing governors, and suppressing rebellions. After Ghori’s assassination in 1206, Aibak declared independence since no strong central Ghurid authority remained. This marked the birth of the Delhi Sultanate. Aibak ruled from Lahore and later Delhi, laying the administrative foundations for future sultans. His early contributions ensured the survival and expansion of Muslim rule in North India, making him a key figure in medieval Indian history.

    ANSWER:

    (C) Qutbuddin Aibak

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