Q. The term ‘Butshikan’ refers to which of the following?
Answer:
An iconoclast
Notes: Mahmud of Ghazni launched a series of attacks into the Indo-Gangetic plains. These attacks were basically looting expeditions targeting rich temples and cities which had amassed wealth over generations. His plundering activity in India financed his empire building activity in Central Asia. In this adventure, the ghazis (fighters/defenders of religion) came handy, to whom he posed as a great Butshikan or the ‘destroyer of images’ for the glory of Islam. His temple loots were disguised as attacks on heretics. This easily rallied a large force for his activities. In course of time, some other rulers took up the status of Butshikan e.g. Sikandar Shah Miri of Kashmir. So, option a is the correct answer.