Medieval and Islamic History

After Alexander defeated Porus at the Battle of Hydaspes in 326 BC, he was so impressed by Porus's bravery that he asked him how he should be treated. Porus replied 'As a King treats a King' (or 'like a king'). Alexander then restored Porus to his kingdom and made him an ally.

Alauddin Khalji (1296-1316 CE) was the most powerful and significant ruler of the Khalji dynasty, known for his administrative reforms, market control policies, and military conquests in the Deccan. He successfully defended against Mongol invasions and expanded the Delhi Sultanate significantly. Jalaluddin founded the dynasty but was less powerful, Mubarak was his weak successor, and Malik Kafur was a military commander (not a ruler).

Din-i-Ilahi (Divine Faith) was a syncretic religion founded by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1582 AD. It combined elements of Hinduism, Islam, Zoroastrianism, and Christianity. Akbar created this faith to promote religious tolerance and unity in his diverse empire. Prophet Mohammad founded Islam, Aurangzeb was a orthodox Muslim ruler, and Nadir Shah was a Persian invader.

Raleb Majadele became the first Muslim Arab minister in Israel's cabinet in 2007 when he was appointed as a minister without portfolio. This was a historic appointment as it marked the first time an Arab Muslim was included in the Israeli government. The appointment was part of efforts to increase Arab representation in Israeli politics.

The Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) at the Red Fort in Delhi was constructed by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1659-1660. Akbar built Fatehpur Sikri and Buland Darwaza, Sher Shah built the Grand Trunk Road, and Iltutmish built the Qutub Minar structures.

Amitabh Bachchan was the first living Asian to have a wax statue at Madame Tussaud's Museum in London (2000). This was a significant recognition of his global stardom and contribution to Indian cinema. Shahrukh Khan and other Indian celebrities were added later, but Bachchan holds this distinction.

Akbarnama, the official history of Emperor Akbar's reign, was written by Abul Fazl. This three-volume work provides a detailed account of Akbar's administration, policies, and the Mughal Empire during 16th century India.

Sher Shah Suri's actual birth name was Farid. He was born in Bihar and served in the Mughal administration before establishing the Sur Empire. The name Sher Shah (meaning Lion King) was given to him after he killed a tiger, but his original name remains Farid in historical records.

Prophet Mohammed was born in Mecca, which is also the holiest city in Islam and home to the Kaaba. Medina is where he migrated, Kaaba is the shrine in Mecca, and Kufa is a city in Iraq.

Sir Syed Ahmad Khan founded the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College in 1875 at Aligarh, which later became Aligarh Muslim University in 1920. He was a visionary educator who advocated for modern scientific education among Muslims.

Abul Fazal composed the Ain-i-Akbari as part of the larger Akbarnama during Emperor Akbar's reign. It's a comprehensive administrative and historical document detailing the Mughal empire's governance, culture, and society.

Ustad Amjad Ali Khan is one of the world's foremost sarod players, belonging to the Bangash gharana. He has received numerous awards including Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, and Grammy nominations. Tabla is played by percussionists like Ustad Zakir Hussain.

Humayun's tomb was commissioned by his first wife and chief consort, Haji Begum (also known as Haji Hamida Begum). She supervised its construction between 1565-1572. Akbar was Humayun's son, Jahangir was Akbar's son, and Shahjahan was Jahangir's son - they ruled later but did not build Humayun's tomb.