Consider the following:

The arrival of Babur into India led to the

1. introduction of gunpowder in the subcontinent
2. introduction of the arch and dome in the region’s architecture
3. establishment of Timurid dynasty in the region

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2015 Prelims]

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

• The Mongol invasions into India led to the introduction of gunpowder technology in the region. It is believed that the Mongols, who conquered parts of India in the mid-13th century, used Chinese gunpowder weapons during their invasions. However, Chinese gunpowder technology had arrived in India by the mid-14th century, much earlier than the Mughal invasion. Hence, Statement 1 is not correct.
• The Turks introduced the arch and dome in the region’s architecture after the invasion of Muhammad Ghori. Hence, Statement 2 is not correct.
• Statement 3 is correct as Babur, who founded the Mughal Empire in India, was a descendant of the Timurid dynasty.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.