Q. The first balcony of the Qutub Minar was built by whom?
a). Qutbuddin Aibak
b). Iltutmish
c). Alauddin Khilji
d). Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Answer: a). Qutbuddin Aibak
Explanation: The first balcony of the Qutb Minar was built by Qutbuddin Aibak in 1199.
Q. The different storeys of the Qutub Minar were built by different rulers. Which of the following is the correct pairing?
a) Qutb-ud-din Aibak – first storey, Iltutmish – next three storeys, Firoz Shah Tughluq – fifth storey
b) Qutb-ud-din Aibak – first two storeys, Iltutmish – last three storeys, Alauddin Khilji – repaired fifth storey
c) Iltutmish – started construction, Alauddin Khilji – completed it, Firoz Shah Tughluq – added dome
d) Qutb-ud-din Aibak – entire Minar, Iltutmish – only repaired
Answer: a) Qutb-ud-din Aibak – first storey, Iltutmish – next three storeys, Firoz Shah Tughluq – fifth storey
Q. What does the term superstructure refer to?
a). The foundation of a temple
b). The part of a building above the ground floor
c). The entrance gate of a stupa
d). The underground chamber of a monastery
Answer: b). The part of a building above the ground floor
Q. In trabeate construction, the weight of the structure is supported by ______.
a). Arches and domes
b). Pillars and beams
c). Concrete slabs
d). Wooden planks
Answer: b). Pillars and beams
Explanation: Trabeate style of architecture is also called “corbelled” style of architecture
Q. Which of the following monuments best represents the trabeate style of construction?
a). Qutub Minar
b). Alai Darwaza
c). Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque
d). Humayun’s Tomb
Answer: c). Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque
Explanation: The Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque in Delhi showcases the trabeate construction technique
Q. The arcuate style of architecture is based on which structural feature?
a). Pillars and beams
b). Arches and domes
c). Wooden frames
d). Flat ceilings
Answer: b). Arches and domes
Explanation: The arcuate style uses arches and domes to support the weight of the structure, distributing pressure evenly along the curve.
Q. The arcuate style of architecture was introduced in India by which rulers?
a). Mauryas
b). Guptas
c). Delhi Sultans
d). Mughals
Answer: c). Delhi Sultans
Explanation: The arcuate style was introduced in India by the Delhi Sultans, who brought Islamic architectural techniques, including arches and domes.
Q. In arcuate construction, the weight of the structure is carried by ______.
a). Horizontal beams
b). Wooden planks
c). Curved arches
d). Stone pillars
Answer: c). Curved arches
Explanation: In the arcuate system, curved arches transfer the weight of the structure to the supporting pillars or walls.
Q. Which of the following monuments best represents the arcuate style?
a). Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque
b). Alai Darwaza
c). Sun Temple, Konark
d). Brihadeshwara Temple
Answer: b). Alai Darwaza
Explanation: The Alai Darwaza in Delhi is one of the earliest examples of true arcuate construction in India, using Islamic architectural principles.
Q. The major difference between trabeate and arcuate architecture lies in the use of ______.
a). Materials used
b). Decorative patterns
c). Structural support method
d). Building location
Answer: c). Structural support method
Explanation: Trabeate structures use pillars and beams (post-and-lintel), while arcuate structures use arches and domes to bear the load.
Q. Which type of cement was used by the Delhi Sultans in their constructions?
a). Plaster of Paris
b). Limestone cement
c). Portland cement
d). Mud and straw mixture
Answer: b). Limestone cement
Explanation: High quality of limestone cement is mixed with stone chips to hardened into concrete.
Q. The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple was built during the reign of which dynasty?
a). Chola dynasty
b). Pallava dynasty
c). Chandela dynasty
d). Rashtrakuta dynasty
Answer: c). Chandela dynasty
Explanation: The Kendariya Mahadeva temple (Madhya Pradesh) dedicated to Shiva was constructed in 999 by King Dhangadeva of the Chandela dynasty.
Q. The shikhara of the Rajarajeshvara Temple at Thanjavur weighs approximately how much?
a). 60 tonnes
b). 80 tonnes
c). 90 tonnes
d). 120 tonnes
Answer: c). 90 tonnes
Explanation: The shikhara (stone dome) of the Rajarajeshvara Temple, built by Rajaraja I of the Chola dynasty.
Q. Temples, mosques, and tanks were built during the medieval period mainly to
a). Display the ruler’s wealth and power
b). Provide shelter for travelers
c). Store weapons
d). Conduct trade
Answer: a). Display the ruler’s wealth and power
Q. Alauddin Khalji declared himself as
a). Prophet of Islam
b). Representative of God on earth
c). Shadow of God on earth
d). Messenger of God
Answer: c). Shadow of God on earth
Explanation: Alauddin Khalji, the Sultan of Delhi, declared himself as the “Shadow of God” . This title reflected his belief in being the supreme authority chosen by God to rule and maintain order, strengthening his political and religious legitimacy.
Q. Which Delhi ruler constructed large reservoir just outside the Delhi-i-Kuhna Mosque inside the Red Fort complex?
a). Qutbuddin Aibak
b). Alauddin Khalji
c). Iltutmish
d). Sher Shah Suri
Answer: c). Iltutmish
Explanation: Delhi-I Kunha asol known as Hauz-I Sultani or the “Kings Reservoir”
Q. Which Pandyan king invaded Sri Lanka and defeated Sena I?
a). Maravarman I
b). Srimara Srivallabha
c). Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan
d). Nedunjeliyan I
Answer: b). Srimara Srivallabha
Explanation: Srimara Srivallabha, a powerful Pandyan king, invaded Sri Lanka in the 9th century CE and defeated King Sena I.
Q. Who avenged the defeat of Sena I by the Pandyan king Srimara Srivallabha?
a). Sena II
b). Vijayabahu I
c). Parakramabahu I
d). Kassapa IV
Answer: a). Sena II
Q. Who was Dhammakitti?
a). A Pandyan king
b). A Buddhist monk and chronicler
c). A Tamil poet
d). A South Indian trader
Answer: b). A Buddhist monk and chronicler
Explanation: Dhammakitti was a Buddhist monk and historian from Sri Lanka who wrote about the events of his time, especially concerning the Pandyan invasions and relations between South India and Sri Lanka.
Q. Match the following related to the Chola king Rajaraja I prized statues by defeating which ruler:
1). Sun-pedestal I a). Eastern Chalukyas
2). Ganesha, Durga and Nandi statue I b). Palas
3). Bhairava statue I c). Chalukyas
4). Kali statue I d). Kalingas
Options:
a). 1–c, 2–a, 3–b, 4–d
b). 1–c, 2–b, 3–a, 4–d
c). 1–c, 2–c, 3–a, 4–d
d). 1–c, 2–a, 3–d, 4–b
Answer: d). 1–c, 2–a, 3–d, 4–b
Q. Which Chola ruler was a contemporary of Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni?
a). Rajaraja Chola I
b). Rajendra Chola I
c). Kulothunga Chola I
d). Vijayalaya Chola
Answer: a). Rajaraja Chola I
Explanation: Rajaraja Chola I (r. 985–1014 CE) ruled the Chola kingdom in South India and was a contemporary of Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni, who invaded northern India during the same period (Especially Somanth Temple).
Q. Which Mughal emperor introduced the concept of Charbagh or four-part garden in India?
a). Akbar
b). Babur
c). Shah Jahan
d). Jahangir
Answer: b). Babur
Explanation: Babur introduced the Persian-style Charbagh garden in India, dividing the garden into four parts with water channels, symbolizing paradise.
Q. What does the term Pishtaq refer to in Mughal architecture?
a). A dome placed over the main hall
b). A central towering dome and the tall gateway
c). A decorative balcony used for royal appearances
d). A minaret used for calling to prayer
Answer: b). A central towering dome and the tall gateway
Explanation: It is inspired by Central Asian Architecture
Q. Which Mughal monument is an early example of the use of Pishtaq?
a). Taj Mahal
b). Humayun’s Tomb
c). Red Fort
d). Agra Fort
Answer: b). Humayun’s Tomb
Explanation: Tomb of Humayun constructed between 1562 and 1571.
Q. What does the term Hasht Bihisht literally mean?
a). Eight paradises
b). Four directions
c). Seven domes
d). Nine gates
Answer: a). Eight paradises or heavens
Explanation: Hasht Bihisht is a Persian term meaning “Eight Heavens,” referring to a plan with eight chambers arranged around a central hall or dome.
Q. Which Mughal monument is a fine example of the Hasht Bihisht plan?
a). Humayun’s Tomb
b). Red Fort
c). Fatehpur Sikri Palace
d). Qutub Minar
Answer: a). Humayun’s Tomb
Explanation: Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi is one of the earliest and most prominent examples of the Hasht Bihisht design in India.
Q. Who among the following Mughal emperors built the Diwan-i-Khas in the Red Fort, Delhi?
a). Akbar
b). Jahangir
c). Shah Jahan
d). Aurangzeb
Answer: c). Shah Jahan
Q. What was the Diwan-i-Am in a Mughal palace complex?
a). The private audience hall of the emperor
b). The public audience hall for general people
c). The emperor’s sleeping chamber
d). The royal treasury
Answer: b). The public audience hall for general people
Explanation: The Diwan-i-Am was the hall of public audience where the Mughal emperor heard petitions and grievances of the common people.
Q. What was the Diwan-i-Khas used for in Mughal architecture?
a). Religious gatherings
b). Private meetings with nobles and courtiers
c). Trade and business discussions
d). Military parades
Answer: b). Private meetings with nobles and courtiers
Explanation: The Diwan-i-Khas was the hall of private audience where the emperor met high-ranking officers and foreign envoys for confidential discussions.
Q. What does the term Qibla refer to in Islamic architecture?
a). The direction of the Kaaba in Mecca
b). The courtyard of a mosque
c). The dome over the prayer hall
d). The pulpit used for sermons
Answer: a). The direction of the Kaaba in Mecca
Q. What does the term Chihil Sutun literally mean in Persian?
a). Forty columns
b). Twelve domes
c). Eight arches
d). Hundred pillars
Answer: a). Forty columns
Explanation: The Persian term Chihil Sutun translates to “Forty Columns.” It refers to a pavilion design where Forty-pillared halls, placed within a large courtyard.
Q. What is Pietra Dura in Mughal architecture?
a). A style of painting on walls
b). A technique of inlaying coloured stones into marble
c). A type of calligraphy
d). A method of carving wood panels
Answer: b). A technique of inlaying coloured stones into marble
Explanation: Pietra Dura is an inlay technique in which semi-precious coloured stones are set into marble to
Q. The art of Pietra Dura reached its peak during the reign of which Mughal emperor?
a). Akbar
b). Jahangir
c). Shah Jahan
d). Aurangzeb
Answer: c). Shah Jahan
Explanation: Shah Jahan’s period marked the height of Pietra Dura art, especially in monuments like the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort.
Q. Who was Orpheus in Greek mythology?
a). A warrior who fought in the Trojan War
b). A god who could charm all living things with his music
c). A god of the underworld
d). A messenger of Zeus
Answer: b). A god who could charm all living things with his music
Explanation: In Greek mythology, Orpheus was a legendary god whose enchanting lute playing could move animals, trees, and even stones.
Q. The city of Fatehpur Sikri was founded by which Mughal emperor?
a). Akbar
b). Babur
c). Humayun
d). Shah Jahan
Answer: a). Akbar
Explanation: Akbar founded Fatehpur Sikri as his capital, combining Persian, Indian, and Islamic architectural features.
Q. Who built Shahjahanabad?
a). Akbar
b). Jahangir
c). Shah Jahan
d). Aurangzeb
Answer: c). Shah Jahan
Q. The Elephant Stable of Vijayanagara is influenced by the architecture of which dynasty?
a). Chola dynasty
b). Cheras dynasty
c). Pallava dynasty
d). Bijapur and Golcunda Sultanates
Answer: d). Bijapur and Golcunda Sultanates
Q. The temples of Vrindavan were constructed in a style similar to which Mughal palaces?
a). Palaces of Agra
b). Palaces of Fatehpur Sikri
c). Palaces of Delhi
d). Palaces of Lahore
Answer: b). Palaces of Fatehpur Sikri
Q. The architectural form of the Bangla dome is based on which traditional structure of Bengal?
a). Temple tower
b). Thatched hut with curved roof
c). Fort gateway
d). Stepwell pavilion
Answer: b). Thatched hut with curved roof
Explanation: The Bangla dome imitates the curved roof of Bengal’s thatched huts, giving a graceful and wavy appearance to the structure.
Q. The Gothic architectural style first developed in which region?
a). England
b). France
c). Italy
d). Germany
Answer: b). France
Explanation: Gothic architecture originated in 12th-century France
Q. Which of the following features is most characteristic of Gothic architecture?
a). Round arches
b). Corbelled roofs
c). Pointed arches
d). Flat ceilings
Answer: c). Pointed arches
Explanation: The Gothic architectural style has high pointed arches, the use of strained glass, often painted with scenes drawn from the bible, and flying buttresses.
Q. Which of the following is an example of Gothic structure?
a). Taj Mahal, Agra
b). Qutub Minar, Delhi
c). Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris
d). Parthenon, Athens
Answer: c). Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris