Regional Islamic Architecture

Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque: Location and Facts | UPSC

The Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque is located in Delhi, not Ajmer. Other matches like Atala Masjid in Jaunpur are correct.

Primary Reference: NCERT Class VII - Our Pasts II

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Which of the following is NOT correctly matched?

[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2011]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept


Regional sultanates in medieval India developed distinctive architectural landmarks, such as the grand mosques of Delhi, Jaunpur, and the Deccan.

Authentic Source Evidence


Quwwat-ul-Islam is located in Delhi (within the Qutb complex), not Ajmer. It was the first mosque built by the Delhi Sultans. The other pairs are correct: Atala Masjid is in Jaunpur, Jahaz Mahal is in Mandu (Malwa), and the Jama Masjid of Gulbarga is a famous Deccani monument.

Analytical Breakdown


  • Logic 1: Ajmer is famous for 'Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra', but not Quwwat-ul-Islam.

  • Logic 2: The Mandu 'Jahaz Mahal' is a unique secular structure built between two lakes, resembling a ship.
  • Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

    "What was the material source for the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque?"

    It was constructed using the architectural spoils of 27 Hindu and Jain temples.

    Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

    "Regional variations in Indo-Islamic architecture often integrated local materials and climatic needs, as seen in the wide domes of Gulbarga or the water-centric design of Mandu."

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