Identifying Structures from the Delhi Sultanate Period

The question asks us to identify which of the given structures was NOT built during the Delhi Sultanate period. To answer this, we need to understand the timeline of the Delhi Sultanate and the construction period of each listed structure.

The Delhi Sultanate was a Muslim kingdom based mostly in Delhi, lasting from 1206 to 1526 CE. It was ruled by five successive dynasties: the Mamluk dynasty (1206–1290), the Khalji dynasty (1290–1320), the Tughlaq dynasty (1320–1414), the Sayyid dynasty (1414–1451), and the Lodi dynasty (1451–1526). Architectural styles evolved throughout this period, but they share common characteristics.

Analysis of the Given Structures

Let's examine the construction period and patron of each structure listed:

• Moth Ki Masjid: This mosque was built during the reign of Sikandar Lodi (1489–1517), who was a ruler of the Lodi dynasty. The Lodi dynasty was the last dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate. Therefore, Moth Ki Masjid belongs to the Delhi Sultanate period.
• Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque: This is one of the earliest mosques built in Delhi after the Islamic conquest. It was commenced by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the founder of the Mamluk dynasty and the first Sultan of Delhi, around 1192 CE. It was later expanded by his successors Iltutmish and Alauddin Khilji. Thus, it is firmly within the Delhi Sultanate period.
• Alai Darwaza: This is the southern gateway of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque complex. It was built by Alauddin Khilji, a powerful ruler of the Khalji dynasty (1290-1320), in 1311 CE. The Khalji dynasty was part of the Delhi Sultanate. Hence, Alai Darwaza is also a structure from the Delhi Sultanate period.
• Bibi Ka Maqbara: This structure is a mausoleum located in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. It was commissioned by Prince Azam Shah, the son of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, in memory of his mother, Dilras Banu Begum. Construction started in 1653 CE and was completed in 1660 CE. This period falls under the reign of Aurangzeb (1658–1707), who was a Mughal emperor. The Mughal Empire succeeded the Delhi Sultanate after the First Battle of Panipat in 1526. Therefore, Bibi Ka Maqbara was built during the Mughal period, not the Delhi Sultanate period.

Based on the analysis, three of the structures (Moth Ki Masjid, Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, and Alai Darwaza) were built during the Delhi Sultanate period, while Bibi Ka Maqbara was built during the later Mughal period.

Therefore, the structure that is NOT built in the Delhi Sultanate period is Bibi Ka Maqbara.

Revision Table: Key Architectural Periods

Additional Information on Indian Islamic Architecture

Islamic architecture in India evolved significantly over centuries, starting with the Delhi Sultanate and reaching its zenith during the Mughal period. Understanding the distinct features and timelines helps differentiate structures.

• Delhi Sultanate Architecture: Characterized by robustness and a somewhat austere style in the early period (Mamluk, Khalji). Later periods (Tughlaq, Sayyid, Lodi) saw increasing refinement and integration of local architectural elements. Key buildings include mosques, tombs, and forts.
• Mughal Architecture: Known for its grandeur, decorative richness, and sophisticated use of materials. It combined elements from Persian, Ottoman, Indian, and Turkish styles. Famous examples include palaces, forts, mosques, and elaborate tombs like the Taj Mahal and Bibi Ka Maqbara.
• Comparing the architectural styles can also help distinguish between the periods. Bibi Ka Maqbara, often called the "Deccan Taj," clearly shows Mughal influence in its design and materials, contrasting with the styles typical of the Delhi Sultanate era structures.