Question 1

With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following statements: 1. White marble was used in making Buland Darwaza and Khankah at Fatehpur Sikri. 2. Red sandstone and marble were used in making Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza at Lucknow. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

In the context of India's cultural history, the statements about the materials used in various historical structures are being examined. The first statement about white marble being used in the construction of Buland Darwaza and Khankah at Fatehpur Sikri is incorrect. The second statement about red sandstone and marble being used in the construction of Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza at Lucknow is also incorrect. The common materials used for most monuments in Lucknow were brick and plaster.

Question 2

Which one of the following monuments has a dome which is said to be one of the largest in the world?

Accepted Answer

The monument with one of the world's largest domes is the Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur, which is the mausoleum of Muhammad Adil Shah Sur. It is recognized for having the second largest dome globally.

Question 3

Consider the following statements: 1. Kitab-i-Nauras, a collection of songs in praise of Hindu deities and Muslim saints, was written by Ibrahim Adil Shah II 2. Amir Khusrau was the originator in India of the early form of the musical style known as Qawali Which of these statements is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

During the medieval period, Ibrahim Adil Shah II, the ruler of Bijapur, authored the Kitab-i-Nauras, a compilation of songs praising Hindu deities and Muslim saints. Additionally, Amir Khusrau is credited with introducing the early form of Qawali music in India. Both of these statements are correct, making the answer (c) Both 1 and 2.

Question 4

The sufi saint who maintained that devotional music was one way of coming close to God was:

Accepted Answer

Shaikh Muin-ud-din Chishti, a saint of the Chishti Silsilah, brought the teachings to India from Shaikh Muin-ud-din Sijzi in 1236 A.D. He emphasized the concept of Wahd-tul-wajud (unity of the phenomenal world) through Sama and Mehfil, which involved reciting the names of God. This emphasis was a significant aspect of the silsilah as highlighted by Muin-ud-din Chishti.

Question 5

Nastaliq was:

Accepted Answer

During the medieval period in India, Nastaliq was a Persian script that was commonly used.

Medieval Art & Architecture — UPSC Previous Year Questions

Year-wise Distribution

Sample Questions

Medieval Art & Architecture — UPSC Previous Year Questions

Year-wise Distribution

Sample Questions