The Delhi Sultanate was a remarkable period in Indian history, marked by a flourishing of architecture, arts, and culture that left a lasting legacy on the subcontinent. From the grandeur of monumental structures to the rich tapestry of artistic expression, this era showcased a unique blend of Persian influences and local traditions.
In this article, we present a series of General Knowledge multiple-choice questions (MCQs) centered on Delhi Sultanate architecture, arts, and culture. These MCQs aim to enrich your understanding of this vibrant historical period and its contributions to India’s cultural heritage.
1. Hasan Nizami” and “Fakh-e-Mudabbir” were the court poets of which ruler of the Mamluk Sultanate?
- Qutb-ud-din Aybak
- Iltutmish
- Balban
- Razia
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Answer: Qutb-ud-din Aybak
Hasan Nizami and Fakh-e-Mudabbir, both Persian language scholars, served under Qutb-ud-din Aybak, the first Sultan of Delhi in the early 13th century. Hasan Nizami was a poet and historian, and Fakh-e-Mudabbir was an author and courtier. Their contributions in the field of literature and historical writings are significant and include works dedicated to Aybak’s reign.
2. Who wrote the famous Hindi work “Padmavat”?
- Malik Muhammad Jayasi
- Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khana
- Amir Khusro
- Bulleh Shah
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Answer: Malik Muhammad Jayasi
“Padmavat” is an epic poem written by Malik Muhammad Jayasi, a Sufi poet, in the 16th century. The poem is renowned for its portrayal of the beauty of Queen Padmavati and the concept of Jauhar (mass self-immolation) during the siege of Chittorgarh by Alauddin Khilji.
3. Which of the following rulers built the Gujri Mahal in Hissar, Haryana?
- Muhammad Bin Tughlaq
- Feroz Shah Tughlaq
- Ala ud din Khilji
- Qutub ud din Mubarak Shah
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Answer: Feroz Shah Tughlaq
The Gujjari Mahal, built by Feroz Shah Tughlaq, was dedicated to Gujri Rani, a woman from Hisar whom Feroz Shah Tughlaq fell in love with. It’s an example of the architectural influence of love and affection during the Tughlaq period.
4. Who among the following is the Persian mathematician and poet-composer of the world-famous Rubaiyat?
- Omar Khayyám
- Muhammad Iqbal
- Sultan Bahu
- Mirza Ghalib
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Answer: Omar Khayyám
“Rubaiyat” is a collection of Persian poems written by Omar Khayyam, a renowned Persian poet, mathematician, and philosopher. His poems often explore themes of life, fate, and the human condition.
5. Who among the following shifted the pillars from Topra and Meerut to New Delhi?
- Ghayasuddin Tughlaq
- Muhammad Bin Tughlaq
- Ferozshah Tughlaq
- None of them
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Answer: Feroz Shah Tughlaq
Feroz Shah Tughlaq indeed relocated the iron pillars from Topra and Meerut to Delhi. These pillars are associated with the reign of Ashoka, the Mauryan Emperor, and are known for their inscriptions.
6. Octagonal shape of mausoleums is the distinctive feature of which of the following dynasties of Medieval India?
- Khalji
- Tughlaq
- Sayyid
- Lodi
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Answer: Lodi
The octagonal shape of mausoleums is a distinctive architectural feature associated with the Lodi dynasty in India. The Lodi rulers introduced this design element, and it is commonly seen in their tombs, such as the tomb of Sikandar Lodi.
7. Consider the following statements: Neither the arch nor the dome was a Turkish or Muslim invention. The Turkish rulers employed not only the arch & Dome method but also the slab & beam method on a wide scale in India. Which among the above statements is/are correct?
- Only 1
- Only 2
- Both 1 & 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
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Answer: Both 1 & 2
The Turks did use arches and domes extensively in their architecture, but these architectural elements were not their inventions. The use of arches and domes in construction was known in various civilizations, including India, before the arrival of the Turks.
8. Which of the following was/were the new elements added by Muslims to Indian Architecture?
1. Use of Calligraphy
2. Use of shapes instead of natural forms
3. Dome Choose the right option:
- Only 1 and 2
- Only 2 and 3
- Both 1 and 3
- all 1,2, and 3
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Answer: all 1,2, and 3
The new elements added by Muslims to Indian architecture include the use of shapes instead of natural forms, use of calligraphy as inscriptional art, and the dome. The Indo-Islamic architecture incorporated elements of various architectural styles and traditions, creating a unique fusion of cultures in India.
9. Which of the following monuments was built by Emperor Babur to mark his victory over Sultan Ibrahim Lodhi at the first battle of Panipat?
- Buland Darwaza
- Kabuli Bagh Mosque
- Alai Darwaza
- Juma Mosque
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Answer: Kabuli Bagh Mosque
The Kabuli Bagh Mosque was constructed by Emperor Babur to commemorate his victory over Sultan Ibrahim Lodhi in the First Battle of Panipat in 1526. It is named after Babur’s wife, Kabuli Begum.
10. Who patronized scholars like Hasan Nizami and Fakhr-i-Mudabbir?
- Iltutmish
- Balban
- Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq
- Qutubuddin Aibak
Show Answer
Answer: Qutubuddin Aibak
Qutub-ud-din Aibak, the first Sultan of Delhi, indeed patronized scholars such as Hasan Nizami and Fakhr-i-Mudabbir, who dedicated their works to him. This patronage of scholars contributed to the intellectual and cultural development during his reign.
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