Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque in Delhi was built by:

Key Points

• Qutb-ud-din Aibak was the founder of the Mamluk Dynasty in India, also known as the Slave Dynasty.
• He was a slave who rose to prominence and later became the Sultan of Delhi.
• Qutb-ud-din Aibak initiated the construction of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, which is known to be the first mosque built in Delhi after the Islamic conquest of India.
• The mosque was constructed using materials from demolished Jain and Hindu temples, showcasing a blend of Islamic and indigenous architectural styles.

Additional Information

• Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque:
  • Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque is located in the Qutb complex in Mehrauli, Delhi.
  • The mosque was built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak in 1193 CE after the defeat of the last Hindu kingdom in Delhi.
  • It is one of the earliest examples of Islamic architecture in India and signifies the beginning of Muslim rule in the Indian subcontinent.
  • The mosque is known for its intricate carvings and use of spolia from pre-existing temples, which include both Hindu and Jain motifs.
• Mamluk Dynasty:
  • The Mamluk Dynasty, also known as the Slave Dynasty, was the first of the Delhi Sultanates, ruling from 1206 to 1290 CE.
  • It was founded by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, a former slave of Muhammad of Ghor who gained power after the latter's death.
  • The dynasty is known for its contribution to the spread of Islamic culture and architecture in India.
  • Significant monuments from this period include the Qutb Minar, the Alai Darwaza, and various tombs and mosques in and around Delhi.
• Qutb Minar:
  • The Qutb Minar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Qutb complex.
  • It was commissioned by Qutb-ud-din Aibak and completed by his successor, Iltutmish.
  • The minar stands at 72.5 meters and is made of red sandstone and marble.
  • It is the tallest brick minaret in the world and an iconic symbol of Indo-Islamic architecture.