UPSC CSE Pre 1998

Indo-Islamic Chronology

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Consider the following: 1. Tughluqabad 2. Lodi Garden 3. Qutb Minar 4. Fatehpur Sikri The correct chronological order in which they were built is:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept The evolution of Indo-Islamic architecture follows the sequence of the Delhi Sultanate dynasties (Slave, Khilji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, Lodi) followed by the Mughals.

Explanation
Qutb Minar (c. 1199): Slave Dynasty (Qutbu'd-Din Aibak).
Tughluqabad (c. 1321): Tughlaq Dynasty (Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq).
Lodi Garden (15th-16th Century): Sayyid and Lodi rulers.
Fatehpur Sikri (c. 1571): Mughal Empire (Akbar).

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Qutb Minar is the earliest (12th-13th century), establishing '3' as the start.
Logic 2: Fatehpur Sikri is a Mughal capital (late 16th century), making it the latest in this set ('4' at the end).

Active Recall

Question

Who founded the city of Fatehpur Sikri?

Answer

Emperor Akbar.

Core Insight

The transition from the massive fortress of Tughluqabad to the garden tombs of the Lodis and the refined urbanism of Sikri reflects shifting imperial priorities.