GK Questions and Answers on the Indo-Islamic Architecture

The Indo-Islamic architecture begins around 13th century AD. This style of architecture contains the mixed elements of the Hindu and Jaina architecture.

1. Consider the following statement (s).

I. The decorative techniques used mosaic design, piera dura, and arabesque.

II. The minar is a mix of polygonal and circular shapes which is largely built of red and buff sandstone with some use of marble in the upper storeys.

Which of the above statement (s) is/are correct about the features of the Indo-Islamic architecture?

Code:

A. Only I

B. Only II

C. Both I and II

D. Neither I nor II

Ans: C

Explanation: The Indo-Islamic architecture used mosaic design, Piera dura, and arabesque as a decorative technique. The minars of the Indo-Islamic architecture was built in a mix of polygonal and circular shapes. It is largely built of red and buff sandstone with some use of marble in the upper storeys. Hence, C is the correct option.

2. Match the following

      Set I

a. Mosaic design

b. Piera dura

c. Arabesque

     Set II

1. Stone and glass used to make different figures

2. Inlay technique of using cut and fitted, highly polished coloured stones

3. Art associate with the writing of quaran

Code:

       a     b     c      

A.    3    2     1      

B.    1    2     3      

C.    2    3     1      

D.    2    3     1     

Ans: B

Explanation: The correct match is given below-

Mosaic design: Stone and glass used to make different figures

Piera dura: Inlay technique of using cut and fitted, highly polished coloured stones

Arabesque: Art associate with the writing of quaran

Hence, B is the correct option.

3. Which of the following statement (s) is/are correct about tombs of Lodhi dynasty?

A. Octagonal tombs built by the Sultans

B. Rectangular tombs built by nobles of the Sultan courts

C. Both A and B

D. None of the above

Ans: C

Explanation: The tombs of Lodhi dynasty can be classified into two types- 1. Octagonal shaped tombs were built by the Sultans; 2. Rectangular shaped tombs are built by nobles of the Sultan courts. Hence, C is the correct option.

4. Which of the following tomb is the distinct creation of Tughlaq era?

A. Tomb of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya

B. Humayu Tomb

C. Tomb of Hauz Khaas

D. All of the above

Ans: A

Explanation: Tomb of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya is the distinct creation of Tughlaq era. This tomb is a square-shaped chamber covered with a dome shaped roof which is adorned in vertical stripes of black marble and crowned with an ornamental lotus cap. Hence, A is the correct option.

5. Match the following

      Set I

a. Adina Masjid

b. Alai-Darwaza

c. Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque

d. Cheraman Juma Mosque

     Set II

1. Sikandar Shah

2. Allaudin Khilji

3. Qutub-ud-din Aibak

4. Malik Deenar

Code:

       a     b     c    d  

A.    3    2     1    4 

B.    1    2     3    4 

C.    2    3     1    4 

D.    4    3     1    2

Ans: B

Explanation: The correct match is given below-

Adina Masjid: Sikandar Shah

Alai-Darwaza: Allaudin Khilji

Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque: Qutub-ud-din Aibak

Cheraman Juma Mosque: Malik Deenar

Hence, B is the correct option.

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6. Which of the following was characteristics feature of the Indo-Islamic architecture?

A. Calligraphy and geometric design

B. Structures were made up of Black stone and limestone

C.  Pyramid like structure at the top

D. All of the above

Ans: A

Explanation: The representation of living beings in Islam is prohibited. So, in the Indo-Islamic architecture was based on calligraphy and geometrical designs. Hence, A is the correct option.

7. Which of the following city was founded as a token of gratitude to Sheikh Salim Chisti?

A. Agra

B. Fatehpur Sikri

C. Sikandra

D. Old Delhi

Ans: B

Explantion: The city of Fatehpur Sikri was founded as a token of gratitude to Sheikh Salim Chisti who had foretold that Akbar would have three sons who would survive after the sad demise of many children in infancy. Hence, B is the correct option.

8. Which of the following statement is related with Mihrab?

A.  A semicircular niche in the wall of a mosque

B.  Art associated with writing of Quran

C. Enclosures of colonnades

D. Fortified strongholds set in the middle of a moat

Ans: A

Explanation: In the Indo-Islamic architecture, the empty spaces are filled with using Mihrab, arches, vaults and domes. The term Mihrab can be defined as a semicircular niche in the wall of a mosque that indicates the qibla. Hence, A is the correct option.

9. Which of the following is not associated with the Indo-Islamic architecture?

A. Imperial Style (Delhi Sultanate)

B. Provincial Style (Mandu, Gujarat, Bengal, and Jaunpur)

C. Deccani Style (Bijapur, Golconda)

D. All of the above

Ans: D

Explanation: The Indo-Islamic architecture is conventionally categorised into Imperial Style (Delhi Sultanate), the Provincial Style (Mandu, Gujarat, Bengal, and Jaunpur), the Mughal Style (Delhi, Agra, and Lahore) and the Deccani Style (Bijapur, Golconda). Hence, D is the correct option.

10. Which of the following mosque was constructed by Yemeni merchants and trade settlers in the Pandiya Kingdom?

A. Palaiya Jumma Palli

B. Cheraman Juma Masjid

C. Jama Masjid

D. Haji Piyada

Ans: A

Explanation: Palaiya Jumma Palli is considered as the first mosque to be built in Tamil Nadu, and the second mosque in India. It was built by Yemeni merchants and trade settlers in the Pandiya Kingdom. Hence, A is the correct option.

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