Hi Everyone!! This article will share An Architectural Trail Questions & Answers.
In my previous post, I have shared Objective Type Questions & Answers of An Architectural Trail so, make sure to check that post as well.
An Architectural Trail Questions & Answers
Question 1: Who built the city of Jahanpanah?
Answer: Muhammad bin Tughlaq built the city of Jahanpanah.
Question 2: Give any three examples of Nagara style temple architecture.
Answer: The Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneshwar, the Sun Temple at Konark, the Dilwara Temple at Mount Abu and the Jagannath Temple at Puri are some of the examples of the Nagara style temple architecture.
Question 3: Where was the work of Purana Quila started?
Answer: The work of Purana Quila at Delhi was started by She Shah on the site of Indraprashta and completed by Humayun.
Question 4: Name any three gardens founded by the Mughals.
Answer: The famous Mughal gardens are the Char Bagh Gardens at Taj Mahal, Shalimar Garden at Lahore, Nishat Bagh in Kashmir, Pinjore Garden in Haryana.
Question 5: Who built the tomb of Humayun?
Answer: The tomb of Humayun in Delhi was built by his widow, Hamida Banu Begum which shows strong Persian influences.
Question 6: Discuss the characteristics of Indo-Islamic architecture.
Answer:
- The distinctive feature of the Islamic architecture is the introduction of true arch and true dome.
- The decorative brackets, balconies, pendentive decorations, etc. were adopted from the traditional style.
- The chhatris (domes kiosk resting on pillars), minarets (tall towers), half-domed double portals were another prominent feature.
- Human worship and its representation are not permitted in Islam. Therefore, we find the buildings generally decorated in geometrical and floral motifs. Calligraphic verses from the holy Quran were engraved. This combination came to be known arabesque.
- The use of lime as a mortar was a major element. It was distinct from the traditional building style.
- Tomb architecture was another significant feature of Islamic architecture.
- The Mughals added a new element by introducing gardens around the tomb, which is subdivided into square compartments called char-bagh.
- One of the significant features of the Indo-Islamic architecture was the introduction of the double dome and the pietra-dura style of inlay decorations.
An Architectural Trail Questions & Answers
Question 7: Explain the contribution of the Rajputs in provincial architecture.
Answer: The Rajputs were great patrons of architecture. They managed to retain varying degrees of independence and produced important works. The finest examples are their forts and palaces. The Mehrangarh Fort at Jodhpur, the fort at Chittor, the Man Mandir Palace at Gwalior are their magnificent work. Rana Kumbha’s Tower of victory which he constructed to commemorate his victory speaks about their architectural skills. Their several structures exerted considerable influence on the development of the Mughal architecture carried out at Fatehpur Sikri.
Question 8: Enumerate the contribution of Shah Jahan in medieval architecture.
Answer: Extensive architectural works were carried out by Shah Jahan.
- He was a prolific builder whose architectural splendour to be found out at various places such as Agra, Delhi, Kashmir, Ajmer, etc.
- Shah Jahan built the Red Fort in Delhi, which has numerous beautiful structures inside such as Diwan-i-am, built of red sandstone, Diwan-i-khas which housed the peacock throne.
- He built the Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) in white marble at Agra and another notable building is the Jama Masjid in Delhi, built in red sandstone.
- A lofty gate, lean minarets and a series of domes are the significant feature of the Jama Masjid.
Question 9: How did Akbar’s reign give impetus to the Mughal architecture?
Answer:
- The Mughal empire in India really began with Akbar’s victory in Second Battle of Panipat and his reign gave impetus to the Mughal architecture.
- He built a series of forts, the most famous being the one at Agra. It is built in red sandstone.
- He adhered to Persian ideas and also introduced Hindu styles of architecture in many of his buildings. It is illustrated in the Jahangiri Mahal which he built inside Agra fort.
- The greatest architectural achievement of Akbar is the city of Fatehpur Sikri. He built a triumphal archway, Buland Darwaza. It is in the style of half dome portal.
- The important buildings of Fatehpur Sikri are Jodhabai’s palace, Birbal’s palace, the Diwan-i-am (the Emperor’s office), the wonderful Diwan-i-khas (hall of private audience), the tomb of Shaikh Salim Chishti and the Panch Mahal.
An Architectural Trail Questions & Answers
Question 10: Describe the important characteristics of Nagara style.
Answer: The important characteristic features of Nagara style include the garbhagriha (the innermost chamber where the image of the deity is kept), the mandapa (assembly hall of the devotees), an antarala (inner chamber through which one can see the deity), the pradakshina path (passage round the garbhagriha), shikhara (beehive shaped tower made up of layer upon layer above the garbhagriha), amalaka (a flat and thick disc upon which a pitcher shaped kalasha is placed).
Question 11: Explain the Rajput provincial architecture.
Answer:
- The Rajputs managed to retain varying degrees of independence and produced important works.
- The finest examples are their forts and palaces. The Mehrangarh fort at Jodhpur, the fort at Chittor, the Man Mandir Palace at Gwalior and Rana Kumbha’s Tower of Victory, speaks about their architectural skills.
Question 12: Describe any three characteristics of the Vesara style of temple architecture.
Answer:
- The Vesara style is a hybrid style that borrowed many features from the Nagara and the Dravida styles.
- The temples of Deccan region are the excellent examples of this style.
- Its beginning may be traced back to the Chalukyas of Badami, who merged the two styles and built temples that were a combination of the Nagara and Dravida styles.
- The style was further polished by the Rashtrakutas of Manyakhet in Ellora and also by the Chalukyas of Kalyani in Lakkundi, Dambal, Gadag, etc.
- The Hoysala temples at Halebidu, Belur and Somanathpuram also fall under this category.
- An apsidal type of vimana is the distinctive feature of the Vesara style of temple architecture.
So, these were An Architectural Trail Questions & Answers.