FPSC (Federal Public Service Commission) · CSS (Central Superior Services)
Shah Jahan – Architecture & Taj Mahal
Medieval India/Muslim Rule in India
· Pakistan Studies/Affairs
50 MCQs
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of 50 MCQs
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1
Shah Jahan is popularly known by which title due to his immense contribution to architecture?
Answer:
Prince of Builders
Shah Jahan is often called the 'Prince of Builders' or 'Engineer King' because Mughal architecture reached its zenith during his reign.
2
In which year did the construction of the Taj Mahal begin?
Answer:
1632
Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632 AD, shortly after the death of Mumtaz Mahal in 1631.
3
Who was the chief architect of the Taj Mahal?
Answer:
Ustad Ahmad Lahori
Ustad Ahmad Lahori is generally credited as the chief architect of the Taj Mahal.
4
The Taj Mahal was built in the memory of which queen?
Answer:
Mumtaz Mahal (Arjumand Banu Begum)
It was built for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth in Burhanpur.
5
Which white marble was used in the construction of the Taj Mahal?
Answer:
Makrana marble
The translucent white marble was brought from the quarries of Makrana in Rajasthan.
6
How many years did it take to complete the Taj Mahal complex roughly?
Answer:
22 years
Construction began in 1632 and the main mausoleum was finished in 1643, but work on the outer buildings and gardens continued for another 10 years, totaling about 22 years (completed c. 1653).
7
The decorative art of inlaying semi-precious stones into marble is called:
Answer:
Pietra Dura (Parchin Kari)
Pietra Dura (or Parchin Kari) is the technique of inlaying cut and fitted, highly polished colored stones into a stone background.
8
Which river flows behind the Taj Mahal?
Answer:
Yamuna
The Taj Mahal is situated on the right bank of the Yamuna River in Agra.
9
Shah Jahan transferred the Mughal capital from Agra to which city in 1638?
Answer:
Shahjahanabad (Delhi)
He shifted the capital to Delhi and built a new walled city called Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi).
10
Which fort did Shah Jahan build in Delhi?
Answer:
Red Fort (Lal Qila)
He built the Red Fort (Lal Qila) in Shahjahanabad using red sandstone.
11
The 'Peacock Throne' (Takht-i-Taus) was originally placed in which hall?
Answer:
Diwan-i-Khas (Red Fort, Delhi)
The legendary Peacock Throne was housed in the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) in the Red Fort.
12
What is the name of the mosque built by Shah Jahan in Delhi, which is one of the largest in India?
Answer:
Jama Masjid
The Jama Masjid (Masjid-i-Jahan-Numa) in Delhi was commissioned by Shah Jahan.
13
The 'Moti Masjid' (Pearl Mosque) inside the Agra Fort was built by:
Answer:
Shah Jahan
Shah Jahan built the Moti Masjid in Agra Fort. (Note: The Moti Masjid in Red Fort, Delhi was built by Aurangzeb).
14
Who described the Taj Mahal as 'a teardrop on the cheek of time'?
Answer:
Rabindranath Tagore
The Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore famously described the Taj Mahal as 'a teardrop on the cheek of time'.
15
Which garden layout is the Taj Mahal based on?
Answer:
Charbagh (Four Gardens)
It follows the Persian Charbagh style, where the garden is divided into four quarters by walkways or flowing water.
16
The main dome of the Taj Mahal is often classified as a:
Answer:
Onion Dome (Bulbous Dome)
The massive central dome is a bulbous or 'onion' dome, a characteristic feature of later Mughal architecture.
17
In 1983, the Taj Mahal was designated as a:
Answer:
UNESCO World Heritage Site
It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, cited as 'the jewel of Muslim art in India'.
18
Which famous Persian calligrapher designed the inscriptions on the Taj Mahal?
Answer:
Amanat Khan
Amanat Khan (Abdul Haq) was the master calligrapher who designed the Quranic inscriptions on the Taj Mahal.
19
The Shalimar Gardens in Lahore were constructed by Shah Jahan in which year?
Answer:
1641
The construction of Shalimar Gardens in Lahore began in 1641 and was completed in 1642.
20
Which building in the Red Fort was known for the inscription: 'If there is paradise on earth, it is this, it is this, it is this'?
Answer:
Diwan-i-Khas
The famous verse by Amir Khusrau is inscribed on the arches of the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audiences).
