Test: Indo Islamic Culture - 1 - UPSC MCQ

Islam and Hinduism coexisted together since the Muslims used peaceful means to try and convert the Hindus. After they discovered that the Hindus were numerous and thus could not be easily converted, they adapted to tolerate them. This contributed to the growth of intermixing and assimilation of the cultural traditions.

The Islamic tenets of brotherhood and equality highlighted some of the social issues within Hinduism. The idea of equality among all people in Islam drew attention to the divisions caused by the caste system in Hindu society. Islam's brotherhood promoted unity and mutual respect, which contrasted with the social separation present in traditional Hindu practices.

The introduction of neo-technology by the Turks in India led to the emergence of a new social group known as artisans. This group played a crucial role in the economy and society by:

• Creating various goods through skilled craftsmanship.
• Utilising advanced techniques brought by the Turks.
• Contributing to the development of urban centres.
• Engaging in trade, which enhanced economic interactions.

Overall, artisans significantly shaped the cultural and economic landscape of India during this period.

The main reason for the spread of the purdah system in India was its association with higher social classes and respectability.

• As purdah became linked to the status and respect of upper-class families, more people adopted it to show prestige.
• This connection with social standing made the practice more popular across different groups.

Statement I is correct: During the Sultanate period, the Hindu and Muslim upper classes maintained social distance and did not interact much socially.
Statement II is correct: The Hindu upper castes treated Muslims similarly to how they treated Shudras, applying social restrictions to them.
Statement III is incorrect: Caste restrictions did limit social interaction between Muslims and upper caste Hindus; hence, it is wrong to say that caste restrictions had not closed social intercourse.

So, only statements I and II are correct.

The pardah system is a custom observed by both Hindus and Muslims. It involves the practice of women covering themselves in public and maintaining a certain level of seclusion. This custom has historical roots and reflects cultural values regarding modesty and privacy.

Key points about the pardah system:

• It signifies a traditional approach to gender roles.
• Both communities have variations of this practice.
• It has been a subject of social reform debates in modern times.

The Indo-Islamic culture during the Sultanate period is most prominently represented by architecture. This era saw the construction of significant architectural works, such as the Qutb Minar, which exemplify the blend of Islamic and Indian styles. While religion, music, and literature also played roles in this cultural fusion, architecture serves as a lasting testament to the era's artistic achievements.

• Statement I asserts that the rituals associated with the veneration of Muslim saints are predominantly influenced by Indian cultural practices rather than strictly Islamic traditions. This reflects the syncretic nature of religious practices in India.
• Statement II indicates that the concept of casteism has started to manifest within Muslim communities, suggesting a blending of social hierarchies that were previously more distinct between Hindu and Muslim societies.
• Statement III mentions that certain noble Muslim families adopted Hindu customs like sati (the practice of a widow self-immolating on her husband's funeral pyre) and jauhar (a form of mass self-immolation by women to avoid capture). This illustrates how cultural exchanges occurred between the two communities.

Thus, all three statements highlight the complex interactions and cultural exchanges between Hindu and Muslim traditions in India, making them correct.

Among the Turks who ruled parts of India (like during the Delhi Sultanate), the highest caste or elite group consisted of foreigners from Islamic regions mainly Turks, Persians, and Afghans who migrated to India. They occupied the top military, administrative, and political positions.

• Indian Muslims (local converts) were considered lower in the hierarchy.
• West Asian Muslims had some prestige but were not the primary elite compared to Turkic foreigners.

So, the social hierarchy was based on origin, giving foreigners from Islamic regions the top status.
Hence, the Correct Answer is Option C

The majority of Islamic architecture in India, particularly during the Mughal period, utilized dressed stone for its construction. Dressed stone is stone that has been worked to achieve specific dimensions and a smooth surface, making it suitable for intricate architectural designs. While marble is also used in some significant structures, such as the Taj Mahal, dressed stone is more widely employed in various Islamic architectural styles across India.

The mosque and the tomb are typically classified under religious architecture, as they are structures designed for worship and memorial purposes. Therefore, the correct answer is A.

The Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, located in Delhi, is recognised as the earliest known mosque in India. It was originally a Jain temple before being converted into a mosque during the reign of Qutb al-Din Aibak in the 12th century. This transition reflects the diverse cultural and religious history of India. The mosque is part of the Qutub complex, which includes the famous Qutub Minar, and showcases the architectural styles of that era.

Adhai din ka Jhonpra is an architectural work located in Ajmer, India, that was originally built as a monastery before being converted into a mosque. The other options listed were not originally monasteries.

The Turks introduced several architectural features to India, including the arch, minaret, and dome. These elements became prominent in Indo-Islamic architecture after the arrival of the Turks, making Option D the correct answer.

The Qutb Minar was completed by Iltutmish, the ruler of Delhi after Qutb-ud-din Aibak.

• It was dedicated to Qutb-ud-din Bakhtiyar Kaki, a respected Sufi saint.
• Iltutmish wanted to honour the saint’s contribution to the spread of Islam in India.
• The monument is not dedicated to Mohammad Gauri or Qutb-ud-din Aibak.

The Alai Darwaza, the main entrance to the Qutb Minar, was constructed under the rule of Ala-ud-din Khalji. This impressive gateway showcases Indo-Islamic architecture, featuring intricate carvings and a grand design that exemplifies the architectural advancements of that era. The Alai Darwaza is notable for its use of red sandstone and marble, reflecting the artistic sensibilities of the time.

The Alai Darwaza is known for its dome, which was the first in India to be built using correct scientific principles.

• It was constructed in 1311 AD by Alauddin Khalji.
• This gateway is significant because its dome uses true architectural techniques for stability, unlike earlier attempts which often collapsed.
• The Alai Darwaza’s dome is considered a major milestone in Indian Islamic architecture for its accurate engineering.

The fortress of Adilabad and the city of Jahanpanah were established during the reign of Muhammad Tughlaq. This period is noted for significant architectural developments and urban planning in India.

• Muhammad Tughlaq was the second ruler of the Tughlaq dynasty.
• He ruled from 1325 to 1351 and is known for his ambitious projects.
• His reign included the construction of several fortifications and cities to strengthen his empire.
• The fortress of Adilabad served as a defensive structure, while Jahanpanah was intended as a new capital.

These developments illustrate the architectural and administrative innovations of the Tughlaq dynasty during this era.

The tomb of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq represents a significant change in architectural style during the Tughlaq dynasty. Key features include:

• The tomb is built on an elevated platform, which enhances its visibility and grandeur.
• It is topped with a marble dome, contributing to an impressive skyline.
• This design marks a transition from earlier styles, showcasing the evolving architectural trends of the time.

Overall, Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq's tomb is an important landmark reflecting both the artistic and cultural advancements of the Tughlaq era.

A. Slaves → IV. Qila-i-Rai Pithura
Built by the Slave Dynasty (especially Qutb-ud-din Aibak), Qila-i-Rai Pithura was an early fortified city of Delhi.
B. Khaljis → I. Siri
Alauddin Khalji built Siri as a new capital to defend against Mongol invasions.
C. Tughlaqs → II. Tughlaqabad, Jahanpanah, Firuz Shah Kotla
The Tughlaq rulers were famous for building ambitious cities like Tughlaqabad (by Ghiyasuddin), Jahanpanah (by Muhammad bin Tughlaq), and Firuz Shah Kotla (by Firoz Shah Tughlaq).
D. Saiyyads → III. Khizrabad and Mubarakbad
The Saiyyad dynasty founded smaller towns like Khizrabad and Mubarakbad.

So the correct anwer is Option A

A. Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque → I. First Islam monument built in India
B. First Muslim Tomb (Sultan Garhi) → II. Sultan Garhi mausoleum
C. Proto-type of Taj Mahal (Humayun’s tomb) → III. Humayun’s mausoleum
D. Appearance of double dome → IV. Sikander Lodi’s mausoleum structure

Hence, the Correct Answer is Option A

The horse shoe arch is a notable feature found in the architecture of the Alai Darwaza. This architectural element is significant due to its unique shape, which resembles a horseshoe, and is primarily associated with Indo-Islamic architecture. The use of this arch in Alai Darwaza exemplifies the synthesis of different architectural styles during the Delhi Sultanate period.

A. Iltutmish – I. Silver tanka
Correct. Iltutmish was the first to introduce the silver tanka and copper jital in the Delhi Sultanate.

B. Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq – III. Silver rupiah
Incorrect. Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq introduced token currency, not the silver rupiah. The silver rupiah was introduced by Sher Shah Suri.

C. Sher Shah – II. Gold dinar and silver adlis
Partially correct. Sher Shah issued silver rupiah (not "adlis") and gold mohur, not dinars specifically. The correct match for him is silver rupiah.

D. Vijayanagar kings – IV. Gold pagoda, varahab, kopeki, fanam, and copper jital
Correct. Vijayanagar kings issued a variety of coins including gold pagoda, varahab, and fanam.

Therefore, Correct Answer - Option C

A. Adina Mosque – I. Pandua: Built in West Bengal by Sikandar Shah.
B. Mahmud Gawan’s Madarsa – II. Bidar: A famous Islamic college built in Karnataka.
C. Jahaz Mahal – III. Mandu: Palace in Madhya Pradesh, looks like a ship between two lakes.
D. Kalam Masjid – IV. Delhi: Lodi-era mosque in Delhi.

Therefore, Correct Answer - Option C

The Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, located in Delhi, is known for its historic significance and architectural style. It was constructed using materials sourced from the remains of twenty-seven temples. This incorporation of earlier temple materials reflects the cultural and religious dynamics of the time, showcasing a blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural elements.

Key points about the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque include:

• It was built in 1193 AD by Qutb al-Din Aibak, marking the beginning of Muslim rule in India.
• The mosque features intricate carvings and inscriptions, illustrating Islamic art and design.
• It serves as a significant example of the adaptive reuse of materials, highlighting the historical context of its construction.

The Tughlaq dynasty is known for its distinctive architectural style that included sloping walls, known as batter. However, the architecture of Firuz Tughlaq is noted for its departure from this feature, making option C the correct answer.

Most buildings constructed during the Tughlaq period were made using greystone. The architecture of this era is known for its austerity, strength, and functional design, with minimal ornamentation. Greystone provided the durability and somber appearance that matched the Tughlaqs’ architectural style.

The Tughlaq architecture was notable for its innovative use of arch and lintel and beam techniques. This architectural feature is prominently observed in the structures built by Firuz Tughlaq.

• The arch and lintel and beam integration was a key characteristic.
• Firuz Tughlaq's buildings exemplify this combination.
• This approach reflected a blend of traditional and new architectural methods.

Therefore, Correct Answer - Option C

The buildings constructed during the reign of Firuz Tughlaq prominently feature the Lotus motif in their decorative designs. This design element is significant in various cultural contexts, symbolising purity and beauty. The use of the Lotus in architecture during this period reflects the artistic trends and influences of the time, making it a notable characteristic of Tughlaq architecture.

The architectural features such as balconies, kiosks, and caves are prominent in the buildings of the Lodis. This style reflects a unique blend of Rajasthani and Gujarati influences, showcasing intricate designs and practical structures. The Lodis utilised these elements to enhance their architectural legacy, making their constructions distinctive during their reign.