Quwwat al-Islam Mosque was built by which of the following rulers?
Qutubuddin Aibak
Understanding the Quwwat al-Islam Mosque and its Founder
The Quwwat al-Islam Mosque, located in Delhi, is a structure of great historical importance. It is often considered the first mosque built in Delhi after the Mamluk (or Slave) dynasty established its rule in the region.
Let's examine the rulers mentioned in the options to identify who was responsible for building this significant mosque:
- Ghiyasuddin Balban: Balban was a powerful ruler of the Slave Dynasty who came to power later than its founders. While he contributed to the Delhi Sultanate, he is not credited with building the Quwwat al-Islam Mosque.
- Firoz Shah Tughlaq: Firoz Shah Tughlaq belonged to the Tughlaq dynasty, which ruled much later than the initial period of the Delhi Sultanate when the Quwwat al-Islam Mosque was built. He was known for building many cities, canals, and public works, but not this specific mosque.
- Qutubuddin Aibak: Qutubuddin Aibak was the founder of the Slave Dynasty and the first Sultan of Delhi. He initiated the construction of both the Quwwat al-Islam Mosque and the Qutub Minar complex. The mosque was started in 1192 CE and completed in 1198 CE. It was built on the site of a former Hindu temple, reusing materials from dismantled temples.
- Iltutmish: Iltutmish was Qutubuddin Aibak's son-in-law and successor. He is considered the real consolidator of the Delhi Sultanate. While Iltutmish significantly expanded the Quwwat al-Islam Mosque complex, adding his own extensions and tomb, the initial construction was carried out by Qutubuddin Aibak.
Based on historical records, the Quwwat al-Islam Mosque was originally commissioned and built by Qutubuddin Aibak. Later rulers, such as Iltutmish and Alauddin Khalji, made additions to the mosque complex, expanding its size and grandeur.
Therefore, the ruler who built the Quwwat al-Islam Mosque is Qutubuddin Aibak.
Revision Table: Rulers and their Association with Quwwat al-Islam Mosque
| Ruler | Dynasty | Association with Quwwat al-Islam Mosque |
|---|---|---|
| Qutubuddin Aibak | Slave (Mamluk) | Initiated and built the original mosque (1192-1198 CE) |
| Iltutmish | Slave (Mamluk) | Significantly expanded the mosque complex |
| Ghiyasuddin Balban | Slave (Mamluk) | No direct association with building/expanding the mosque |
| Firoz Shah Tughlaq | Tughlaq | Ruled much later; no association with this mosque |
Additional Information on Quwwat al-Islam Mosque
The Quwwat al-Islam Mosque translates to "Might of Islam Mosque". It is one of the earliest surviving examples of Ghurid architecture in India, though it heavily incorporated architectural elements and materials from pre-existing Hindu and Jain structures. Its construction marked the beginning of Islamic rule's architectural footprint in Delhi. The famous Iron Pillar of Delhi, dating back to the Gupta period, stands within the mosque courtyard, predating the mosque itself by many centuries.
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