Previous Year Question
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
List-I (Monuments) | List-II (Builders) |
A. Alai Darwaja, Delhi | 1. Alauddin Khilji |
B. Buland Darwaja, Fatehpur Sikri | 2. Akbar |
C. Moti Masjid, Agra | 3. Shahjahan |
D. Moti Masjid, Delhi | 4. Aurangzeb |
Codes:
A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4
A-1, B-4, C-3, D-2
A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1
Correct Answer: A
Detailed Solution
The correct matching is—Alai Darwaza–Alauddin Khalji, Buland Darwaza–Akbar, Moti Masjid at Agra–Shah Jahan and Moti Masjid at Delhi–Aurangzeb.
A. Alai Darwaza, Delhi — Alauddin Khalji (1):
The Alai Darwaza is the southern gateway of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque in the Qutb Complex, Delhi. According to Delhi Tourism, it was constructed by Alauddin Khalji in 1311 CE.
It is built of red sandstone and marble. Architecturally, it is regarded as one of the important early examples in India of the mature use of the true arch and dome.
B. Buland Darwaza, Fatehpur Sikri — Akbar (2):
The Buland Darwaza is the monumental gateway at Fatehpur Sikri. According to UNESCO, it was completed during the reign of Akbar in 1575 CE to commemorate the Gujarat victory of 1572.
It stands to the south of the Jama Masjid complex and is one of the most imposing architectural structures of Akbar's reign.
C. Moti Masjid, Agra — Shah Jahan (3):
The Moti Masjid inside Agra Fort was constructed by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. According to the Government of India's Incredible India portal, it was built approximately between 1648 and 1654 CE for members of the royal court.
It is constructed of white marble, which gave it the name Pearl Mosque or Moti Masjid.
D. Moti Masjid, Delhi — Aurangzeb (4):
The Moti Masjid inside Delhi's Red Fort was constructed by Aurangzeb. According to UNESCO's documentation on the Red Fort, it was a later addition to Shah Jahan's original fort complex and was built by Aurangzeb in 1659–60 CE.
Therefore, it is important to distinguish between the two Moti Masjids—
Moti Masjid, Agra — Shah Jahan
Moti Masjid, Red Fort, Delhi — Aurangzeb