Medieval and Islamic History

Muhammad bin Tughlaq earned the epithet 'wisest fool' due to his brilliant ideas that failed in execution. His schemes like shifting the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad and introducing token currency showed vision but poor practical planning, causing immense suffering. The title reflects his reputation for being learned yet making disastrous administrative decisions.

Qutb-ud-din Aibek built the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque in Delhi to commemorate his victory over Prithviraj Chauhan and capture of Delhi. This mosque, begun in 1193, was the first Islamic monument in India and stands within the Qutub Minar complex. It symbolized the establishment of Muslim rule in northern India.

Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi was written by Ziauddin Barani, a 14th-century court historian during Muhammad bin Tughlaq's reign, though dedicated to Firoz Shah Tughlaq. It covers the history of the Delhi Sultanate from Balban to Firoz Shah Tughlaq and is a crucial primary source for medieval Indian history.

The Second Battle of Tarain (1192) between Muhammad Ghori and Prithviraj Chauhan was a decisive moment in Indian history. Ghori, having been defeated by Prithviraj in the First Battle of Tarain (1191), returned with a stronger army and cavalry tactics, defeating and killing Prithviraj. This victory opened northern India to Islamic conquest and established the Delhi Sultanate.

 Option (4) is correct.

Ibn Battuta visited India during Muhammad bin Tughlaq's reign (1325-1351), arriving in 1333. He spent about eight years in the subcontinent, serving as a qadi (judge) in the Sultanate court. His travelogue 'Rihla' provides valuable insights into 14th-century India under Tughlaq rule, describing administration, society, and the Sultan's ambitious schemes.

Option (3) is correct.

Jahangir ordered the execution of Guru Arjan Dev (not 'Singh') in 1606, making him the first Sikh martyr. The Guru was arrested for refusing to remove a verse from the Guru Granth Sahib that Jahangir found objectionable and for allegedly supporting Prince Khusrau's rebellion against Jahangir. He was tortured and made to sit on a hot iron plate, marking the beginning of Mughal-Sikh conflicts.

Qutubuddin Aibak started the construction of the Qutub Minar in 1193.

Ain-i-Akbari is the third volume of the Akbarnama, which was written by Abu'l-Fazl ibn Mubarak, the court historian of the Mughal Emperor Akbar.

Islam first reached the Indian subcontinent through Arab traders who visited the Malabar Coast in the 7th century. Later, in 712 AD, the Arab general Muhammad bin Qasim conquered the Sindh region, establishing the first significant Islamic political presence. The subsequent arrival of Turks and other groups happened much later in the medieval period.

Prince Salim (later Emperor Jahangir) orchestrated the assassination of Abul Fazl in 1602 because he viewed him as an obstacle to his succession and a negative influence on Akbar.

Abbas Khan Sarwani was a historian during the reign of Akbar who wrote the Tarikh-i-Sher Shahi (History of Sher Shah). This work provides a detailed account of the life, administration, and military achievements of Sher Shah Suri, the founder of the Sur Empire.

The Moti masjid at Agra fort was built by Shahjahan in honour of Asaf Khan

Haribans, Mukund, and Daswant were renowned painters in the imperial workshop of Emperor Akbar. They contributed significantly to the development of the Mughal school of painting.