UPSC CSE Prelims
Indo-Islamic Architecture Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Practice solved questions for Indo-Islamic Architecture with detailed step-by-step solutions, key insights, and trend analysis for UPSC CSE PRELIMS.
Solved Previous Year Questions
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With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following statements :
- White marble was used in making Buland Darwaza and Khankah at Fatehpur Sikri.
- Red sandstone and marble were used in making Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza at Lucknow.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 1 — None
Both statements are incorrect regarding the materials used in the construction of these historical monuments.
❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: Buland Darwaza and Khankah at Fatehpur Sikri were primarily constructed using red sandstone, not white marble. While some decorative elements might feature white marble inlay work, the dominant material is red sandstone characteristic of Mughal architecture at Fatehpur Sikri.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: Bara Imambara in Lucknow is primarily constructed using lakhauri bricks with lime mortar and stucco plaster, not red sandstone and marble. Rumi Darwaza is similarly built with bricks and lime plaster. These structures exemplify the Awadhi architectural style which relied on brick construction rather than stone.
📝 Short Notes: Mughal and Awadhi Architecture Materials
| Monument | Location | Primary Materials | Period/Ruler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buland Darwaza | Fatehpur Sikri | Red sandstone with marble inlay | Akbar (1571-1585) |
| Khankah (Salim Chishti's Tomb) | Fatehpur Sikri | White marble | Akbar (1580-81) |
| Bara Imambara | Lucknow | Lakhauri bricks, lime mortar, stucco | Asaf-ud-Daula (1784) |
| Rumi Darwaza | Lucknow | Bricks and lime plaster | Asaf-ud-Daula (1784) |
| Taj Mahal | Agra | White marble | Shah Jahan (1632-1653) |
| Red Fort | Delhi | Red sandstone and white marble | Shah Jahan (1639-1648) |
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