Q60. Which feature is particularly characteristic of monumental Mughal architecture?
[SSC Selection Post, 25 Jul 2025 (Shift 2)]
- (A) Timber beams only
- (B) High domes and minarets
- (C) Flat thatched roofs
- (D) Undecorated mud walls
Answer: (B) High domes and minarets
Explanation: Major Mughal imperial buildings frequently employed elevated domes, arched facades and, in some mosques and tombs, prominent minarets. These were integrated with symmetry, decorated surfaces and gardens. The exact combination depended on whether the structure was funerary, religious or residential.
Q59. Temples in Vrindavan were built in styles resembling Mughal palaces at which place?
[SSC Stenographer, 10 Dec 2024 (Shift 3)]
- (A) Fatehpur Sikri
- (B) Jhansi
- (C) Golconda
- (D) Mandu
Answer: (A) Fatehpur Sikri
Explanation: Some Vrindavan temples near Mathura incorporate architectural forms comparable with those at Akbar’s Fatehpur Sikri. Such similarities show the movement of builders, design ideas and ornament across religious boundaries in the early modern period.
Q58. Which Mughal emperor showed an especially strong personal interest in painting?
[SSC MTS, 14 Nov 2024 (Shift 1)]
- (A) Shah Jahan
- (B) Humayun
- (C) Babur
- (D) Jahangir
Answer: (D) Jahangir
Explanation: Jahangir was a knowledgeable connoisseur of portraiture and natural-history painting. He supported artists such as Ustad Mansur and Abul Hasan and praised their powers of observation. His reign is especially remembered for refined individual images and realistic studies of nature.
Q57. Which emperor built the Panch Mahal palace at Fatehpur Sikri?
[SSC MTS, 05 Nov 2024 (Shift 3)]
- (A) Jahangir
- (B) Babur
- (C) Akbar
- (D) Shah Jahan
Answer: (C) Akbar
Explanation: Akbar commissioned Panch Mahal as part of the palace ensemble at Fatehpur Sikri. Its five open tiers diminish in area as they rise, creating an airy pavilion with broad views. The design exhibits an imaginative use of pillars and terraces.
Q56. Which builder matching is correct: A. Jama Masjid, Delhi; B. Allahabad Fort; C. Qila-i-Kuhna Mosque; D. Jama Masjid, Sambhal?
[SSC MTS, 30 Oct 2024 (Shift 2)]
- (A) A–Akbar, B–Babur, C–Sher Shah, D–Shah Jahan
- (B) A–Shah Jahan, B–Akbar, C–Sher Shah, D–Babur
- (C) A–Shah Jahan, B–Sher Shah, C–Akbar, D–Babur
- (D) A–Sher Shah, B–Babur, C–Shah Jahan, D–Akbar
Answer: (B) A–Shah Jahan, B–Akbar, C–Sher Shah, D–Babur
Explanation: Delhi’s Jama Masjid was built under Shah Jahan, Allahabad Fort under Akbar, and Qila-i-Kuhna Mosque under Sher Shah Suri. The mosque at Sambhal is traditionally associated with Babur. Their differing patrons help distinguish early Mughal, Sur and mature Mughal styles.
Q55. The pietra dura-decorated marble canopy inside a Diwan-i-Am is found at which monument?
[SSC MTS, 23 Oct 2024 (Shift 2)]
- (A) Bibi Ka Maqbara
- (B) Red Fort, Delhi
- (C) Taj Mahal
- (D) Humayun’s Tomb
Answer: (B) Red Fort, Delhi
Explanation: The Red Fort’s Diwan-i-Am was the imperial hall of public audience. Its throne recess contains fine marble and decorative inlay. The combination of ceremonial space, polished materials and craftsmanship communicated the emperor’s prestige during public appearances.
Q54. Which is the earliest major Mughal garden-tomb in the Indian subcontinent?
[SSC MTS, 22 Oct 2024 (Shift 1)]
- (A) Tansen’s Tomb
- (B) Safdarjung’s Tomb
- (C) Humayun’s Tomb
- (D) Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb
Answer: (C) Humayun’s Tomb
Explanation: Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi, commissioned by his widow Bega Begum, is widely regarded as the first major imperial Mughal garden-tomb in India. Its geometrically arranged garden, towering platform and double dome set influential precedents for later funerary architecture.
Q53. Where is Akbar’s Buland Darwaza located?
[SSC MTS, 21 Oct 2024 (Shift 2)]
- (A) Fatehpur Sikri
- (B) Agra Fort
- (C) Lahore
- (D) Delhi Red Fort
Answer: (A) Fatehpur Sikri
Explanation: Buland Darwaza forms an imposing entrance to the mosque complex at Fatehpur Sikri. Built under Akbar, it is commonly connected with the Gujarat campaign. Its monumental scale, stairs and grand arch create a dramatic approach to the sacred precinct.
Q52. Which emperor issued coins carrying the name of his wife, Nur Jahan?
[SSC MTS, 17 Oct 2024 (Shift 3)]
- (A) Humayun
- (B) Jahangir
- (C) Aurangzeb
- (D) Akbar
Answer: (B) Jahangir
Explanation: Jahangir issued coins bearing the name of Nur Jahan, also called Mehrunnisa. Mughal coinage was itself a form of visual and political culture, presenting carefully chosen inscriptions and titles. The queen’s appearance on currency reflected her exceptional influence at court.
Q51. Who commissioned the Taj Mahal?
[SSC MTS, 01 Oct 2024 (Shift 2)]
- (A) Babur
- (B) Jahangir
- (C) Shah Jahan
- (D) Akbar
Answer: (C) Shah Jahan
Explanation: Shah Jahan commissioned the Taj Mahal as a tomb for Mumtaz Mahal. Its construction began in the 1630s, with the larger complex developed over subsequent years. Marble, inlaid stones, gardens and calligraphy created an exceptionally unified monument.
