SSC Stenographer 2026 PYQ — Question 38

Solution: The correct answer is Commissioned by Qutb-ud-din Aibak using materials from demolished Hindu and Jain temples.
Explanation:
☛ Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque (meaning 'Might of Islam') was commissioned by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the founder of the Slave (Mamluk) Dynasty, between 1192 and 1198 CE.
☛ Located in the Qutb Complex at Mehrauli, Delhi, it is considered the earliest surviving example of Indo-Islamic architecture in Northern India.
☛ An inscription over the eastern entrance of the mosque records that it was constructed using structural components obtained from 27 demolished Hindu and Jain temples.
☛ The pillars and columns of the cloisters still retain prominent carved motifs of temple architecture, such as bells, floral designs, and tassels.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Expansion by Iltutmish: Sultan Shams-ud-din Iltutmish doubled the size of the mosque enclosure and added an extended arched screen.
☛ Expansion by Alauddin Khalji: Sultan Alauddin Khalji further enlarged the mosque area and built the magnificent southern entrance known as the Alai Darwaza in 1311 CE.
☛ Iron Pillar of Delhi: The courtyard of this mosque houses the celebrated rust-resistant Iron Pillar, originally erected by Chandragupta II of the Gupta Dynasty.
☛ Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra: Another early mosque built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak from temple materials is located in Ajmer, Rajasthan.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ Who was the founder of the Mamluk (Slave) Dynasty in 1206 CE? → Qutb-ud-din Aibak
☛ Which monument in Ajmer was built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak on the site of a former Sanskrit college? → Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra
☛ Which Delhi Sultan constructed the Alai Darwaza as a ceremonial gate to the mosque? → Alauddin Khalji
☛ Which ruler repaired the Qutb Minar and added its top storeys after lightning damage? → Firoz Shah Tughlaq
☛ To which ancient dynasty does the rust-resistant Iron Pillar in the Qutb Complex belong? → Gupta Dynasty