Previous Year Question

The correct answer is Maham Anaga.

The Khairul Manzil Mosque is situated opposite the Purana Qila in Delhi. It was constructed in 1561 CE by Maham Anaga.

Maham Anaga was the wet nurse and foster mother of Mughal Emperor Akbar. During the early years of Akbar's reign, she exercised considerable influence in the Mughal court.

Khairul Manzil is an important monument of Mughal-period architecture. Its complex was not limited only to religious use, but was also associated with the functioning of a madrasa or educational institution.

This association of a mosque with an educational arrangement reflects the contemporary tradition in which facilities for learning were also developed alongside religious institutions.

Its location is also important for identification—it stands opposite the Purana Qila in Delhi. Thus, both the place and the monument mentioned in the question are directly associated with Maham Anaga.

Hamida Banu Begum was Akbar's mother, while Salima Sultan Begum was Akbar's wife; however, neither of them constructed Khairul Manzil.

Hence, the Khairul Manzil Mosque opposite the Purana Qila in Delhi was constructed by Maham Anaga.