๐ Chapter 03 ยท MCQs ยท Medieval Architecture
Medieval Architecture โ Practice MCQs
10 practice questions on Indo-Islamic architecture, Delhi Sultanate, and Mughal monuments for UPSC & PSC exams.
Q1The Qutb Minar in Delhi was begun by which ruler?
- A) Iltutmish
- B) Qutb-ud-din Aibak
- C) Balban
- D) Alauddin Khalji
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Answer: B โ The Qutb Minar was begun by Qutb-ud-din Aibak around 1193 CE and completed by Iltutmish.
Q2The Alai Darwaza is significant because it is considered the first building in India to use:
- A) Red sandstone
- B) White marble
- C) True Islamic arch and dome
- D) Pietra dura inlay
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Answer: C โ The Alai Darwaza (1311 CE) built by Alauddin Khalji is considered the first building in India to use a true Islamic arch and dome.
Q3Humayun’s Tomb was built by:
- A) Humayun himself
- B) Haji Begum (Humayun’s widow)
- C) Akbar
- D) Bairam Khan
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Answer: B โ Humayun’s Tomb was built by Haji Begum (Bega Begum), Humayun’s widow, in 1572 CE.
Q4The Buland Darwaza at Fatehpur Sikri was built to commemorate Akbar’s victory over:
- A) Rajputana
- B) Gujarat
- C) Bengal
- D) Deccan
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Answer: B โ The Buland Darwaza was built in 1601 CE to commemorate Akbar’s victory over Gujarat.
Q5The Taj Mahal was designed by which architect?
- A) Mirak Mirza Ghiyas
- B) Ustad Ahmad Lahauri
- C) Amanat Khan
- D) Ismail Khan
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Answer: B โ The Taj Mahal was designed by Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, a Persian architect. Amanat Khan was the calligrapher; Ismail Khan designed the dome.
Q6The “pietra dura” technique involves:
- A) Carving patterns into stone
- B) Inlaying semi-precious stones into marble
- C) Painting on wet plaster
- D) Perforating stone screens
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Answer: B โ Pietra dura is the technique of inlaying semi-precious stones (lapis lazuli, carnelian, jade, etc.) into marble to create decorative patterns.
Q7The Gol Gumbaz at Bijapur is famous for its:
- A) Pietra dura inlay
- B) Tallest minaret
- C) Whispering gallery
- D) Charbagh garden
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Answer: C โ The Gol Gumbaz is famous for its whispering gallery โ a circular gallery at the base of the dome where whispers can be heard clearly on the opposite side.
Q8Which architectural feature is most characteristic of Tughlaq dynasty buildings?
- A) White marble domes
- B) Elaborate pietra dura
- C) Sloping walls (batter) and grey quartzite
- D) Tall minarets
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Answer: C โ Tughlaq architecture is characterised by sloping walls (batter), use of grey quartzite, and an austere, military style.
Q9The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque in Ahmedabad is famous for its:
- A) Tallest dome in India
- B) Intricate jali (lattice) windows with “Tree of Life” motif
- C) Largest prayer hall
- D) Pietra dura decoration
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Answer: B โ The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque is famous for its exquisite jali (lattice) windows, particularly the “Tree of Life” design.
Q10The Red Fort in Delhi was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in which year?
- A) 1983
- B) 1993
- C) 2004
- D) 2007
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Answer: D โ The Red Fort Complex in Delhi was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.