History & Civics
With reference to the sources of information about the Delhi Sultanate, give the significance of the following:
(a) Inscriptions
(b) Qutub Minar
Answer
(a) Inscriptions — Inscriptions are valuable supplements and not the sole sources of information on the Delhi Sultanate. The inscriptions are found on coins, monuments, milestones and tombstones. Some of the inscriptions are in Sanskrit, some in Arabic and some in both the languages. The first coin issued by Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khilji bears both Arabic and Sanskrit inscriptions.
(b) Qutub Minar — The Qutub Minar was started by Qutub-ud-din Aibak and was dedicated to the Sufi saint, Qutb-ud-din Bakhtiyar Kaki. It was completed by Iltutmish. It is a circular tower about 13.8 metres in diameter at the base and tapers to the width of around 3 metres at the summit. It has a circular stairway of 379 steps leading to the top. It has five storeys separated from each other by projecting balcony. These balconies are supported in such a way that the whole structure takes the load of weight. Verses from the Holy Quran and some intricate carvings with floral motifs are inscribed on this tower. Thus, it is a very important architectural source of information about that period, which reveals the cultural trend of the period.
Related Questions
Study the picture and answer the following questions:
(a) Who led the foundation of this monument? Who completed it? Where is it located?
(b) Name the saint after whom the monument is named. What information do the monuments of the Sultanate period provide about the Sultanate era?
(c) Mention any four architectural features of the monument.
Besides the lack of political unity in northern India by the 13th century, what were the other factors that made it possible for the Turks to establish their empire in northern India?
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