Prelims 2015 · Medieval History · Question 41
Consider the following: The arrival of Babur into India led to the<br/>1. introduction of gunpowder in the subcontinent<br/>2. introduction of the arch and dome in the region's architecture<br/>3. establishment of Timurid dynasty in the region<br/><br/>Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Answer
3 only
1. Introduction of gunpowder in the subcontinent — Incorrect. Gunpowder and firearms were known in India before Babur; the Delhi Sultanate had already used such technology in limited forms. Babur’s role was in the effective field use of artillery at Panipat, not its introduction.
2. Introduction of the arch and dome in architecture — Incorrect. Arches and domes had entered Indian architecture much earlier with the Delhi Sultanate and Indo-Islamic building traditions. They were not introduced by Babur.
3. Establishment of Timurid dynasty in the region — Correct. Babur was a Timurid prince, and his victory in 1526 laid the foundation of the Mughal Empire in India, i.e. a Timurid ruling line.
Therefore, only statement 3 is correct.