upscools
Jharkhand P.C.S. Prelims 2021

Early Indo-Islamic Architecture

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque and Arhai Din Ka Jhonpra are situated respectively at:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: A

Concept The first generation of Turkish rulers established monumental mosques to symbolize their victory and the establishment of a new faith in India, often utilizing the materials and sites of former temples.

Explanation Quwwat-ul-Islam (Might of Islam) is the first mosque built in Delhi at the Qutub Minar complex. Arhai Din Ka Jhonpra (The Shed of Two-and-a-Half Days) is a historic mosque in Ajmer built by Qutbuddin Aybak in 1192 CE.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Option A is the correct pairing. Both were commissioned by Qutbuddin Aybak following the Ghorid conquests.
Logic 2: These structures are notable for their 'spolia' architecture, where pillars from Hindu and Jain temples were reused in a new Islamic layout.

Active Recall

Question

Why is the mosque in Ajmer called 'Arhai Din Ka Jhonpra'?

Answer

Legend states it was either constructed in two and a half days or hosted a fair (Urs) that lasted for two and a half days.

Core Insight

These two mosques represent the 'transitional phase' of Indian architecture, where local craftsmanship and materials were adapted to the structural requirements of Islamic prayer.

Practice Navigation