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Foundations of Sultanate Architecture

Locations: Quwwat-ul-Islam and Arhai Din Ka Jhonpra

The Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque is located in Delhi, and the Arhai Din Ka Jhonpra is located in Ajmer.

Primary Reference: NCERT Class VII - Our Pasts II

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

[Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre.) 2021]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept


Following the Ghorid conquests, Qutbuddin Aibak established the first permanent congregational mosques in the new administrative centers of North India.

Authentic Source Evidence


  • Quwwat-ul-Islam (Delhi): The 'Might of Islam' mosque in the Mehrauli area of Delhi, built using the spoils of 27 temples.

  • Arhai Din Ka Jhonpra (Ajmer): A mosque in Ajmer, Rajasthan, reportedly built in two-and-a-half days (hence the name), featuring stunning repurposed carved pillars.

    • Analytical Breakdown


  • Logic 1: Both mosques represent the earliest 'improvised' phase of Indo-Islamic architecture where Hindu/Jain materials were reused for Islamic structures.

  • Logic 2: Option A provides the correct respective cities for these foundational monuments.

    • Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

    "What does the name 'Arhai Din Ka Jhonpra' mean?"

    It means 'The Hut of Two-and-a-Half Days', referring to a legend about the speed of its initial construction or the duration of a local fair.

    Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

    "These mosques illustrate the rapid establishment of Islamic political and religious presence through the adaptation of existing local structural elements."

    Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

    Qutbuddin Aibak 5Mehrauli 4
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