Q30. Arrange the following constructions from the oldest to the newest:
I. Alai Darwaza
II. Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra
III. Atala Masjid
IV. Kali Masjid
[UPPCS RO/ARO Prelims – 2026]
A. II, I, IV, III
B. III, I, IV, II
C. I, III, II, IV
D. IV, III, II, I
Answer: A. II, I, IV, III
Explanation: Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra belongs to the late twelfth century, Alai Darwaza to 1311, Kali Masjid to the Tughlaq period, and Atala Masjid was completed in 1408.
Q29. The architectural features of the arch and dome in India were first prominently introduced by which of the following?
[SSC CPO – 11 December 2025, Shift 2]
A. Ghaznavids
B. Delhi Sultanate
C. Rashtrakutas
D. Chalukyas
Answer: B. Delhi Sultanate
Explanation: Sultanate builders progressively established the arcuate architectural system in India. True arches, domes, lime mortar and Islamic geometric decoration increasingly distinguished the new Indo-Islamic architectural tradition.
Q28. Who constructed the city of Tughlaqabad?
[SSC CHSL Tier-I – 2025]
A. Alauddin Khalji
B. Firoz Shah Tughlaq
C. Muhammad bin Tughlaq
D. Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
Answer: D. Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
Explanation: Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq founded Tughlaqabad shortly after establishing the Tughlaq dynasty. The city’s monumental fortification system demonstrates the dynasty’s emphasis on defence, strength and functional architecture.
Q27. Firoz Shah Kotla Fort was built in which year?
[SSC CHSL Tier-I – 2025]
A. 1321
B. 1354
C. 1267
D. 1492
Answer: B. 1354
Explanation: Firoz Shah Tughlaq founded Firozabad and constructed Firoz Shah Kotla around 1354. The complex is particularly famous for the Ashokan pillar transported there under his orders.
Q26. Qutub Minar represents which architectural style of the early Sultanate?
[RRB NTPC Graduate – 2025]
A. Sharqi
B. Mamluk
C. Mughal
D. Seljuk
Answer: B. Mamluk
Explanation: Construction began under Mamluk ruler Qutb-ud-din Aibak and continued under Iltutmish. Its fluted shaft, inscriptions and projecting balconies make it a landmark of early Sultanate architecture.
Q25. Which brick-built minaret, approximately 73 metres high, is among India’s best-known medieval towers?
[SSC MTS – 14 November 2024, Shift 3]
A. Minaret of Turin
B. Qutub Minar
C. Minaret of Jam
D. Kalyan Minaret
Answer: B. Qutub Minar
Explanation: Delhi’s Qutub Minar rises about 72.5 metres and consists of five storeys. Different phases of construction reflect contributions by Aibak, Iltutmish and Firoz Shah Tughlaq.
Q24. The Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque in Delhi was built by whom?
[APPSC Group-I Prelims – 17 March 2024]
A. Iltutmish
B. Qutb-ud-din Aibak
C. Alauddin Khalji
D. Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
Answer: B. Qutb-ud-din Aibak
Explanation: Aibak commissioned Quwwat-ul-Islam at Delhi’s Qutb complex. It represents the earliest phase of Sultanate architecture and was subsequently enlarged under Iltutmish and Alauddin Khalji.
Q23. Consider the following statements:
- Qutub Minar is a 13th-century, 180-foot-high, five-storeyed structure.
- Chand Minar is a 15th-century, approximately 210-foot-high, four-storeyed structure.
Which is correct?
[Chhattisgarh PSC Prelims – 11 February 2024]
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: B. 2 only
Explanation: Qutub Minar is about 72.5 metres, considerably higher than 180 feet, making Statement 1 incorrect. Chand Minar at Daulatabad is a four-storeyed fifteenth-century tower.
Q22. The tomb of Iltutmish was built in which year?
[SSC CPO – 5 October 2023, Shift 2]
A. 1388
B. 1458
C. 1235
D. 1199
Answer: C. 1235
Explanation: Iltutmish’s tomb in the Qutb complex dates to 1235. Its square chamber contains exceptionally rich Quranic inscriptions, geometric ornament and motifs executed by Indian craftsmen.
Q21. In which city is the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque situated?
[SSC CGL Tier-I – 27 July 2023, Shift 2]
A. Panipat
B. Lahore
C. Ajmer
D. Delhi
Answer: D. Delhi
Explanation: Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque lies inside the Qutb complex at Mehrauli, Delhi. It is among the earliest surviving mosques associated with the establishment of Sultanate authority.
