Q11. Identify the odd one out among the following historic monuments based on the primary patron who commissioned them:
Medieval Art, Architecture, Literature and Music: RAS Prelims MCQs
67 RAS Prelims MCQs on medieval art, architecture, literature and music cover the arcuate system, the Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri, Mughal and Rajput painting, Persian and vernacular literature, and Hindustani music. Each question links a building, painter, poet or raga to its patron, region and period.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 11–20 of 67 questions
Q12. Consider the following statements regarding Humayun’s Tomb:
Statement I: It was the first monumental garden-tomb constructed on the Indian subcontinent.
Statement II: Its architectural style relies strictly on indigenous trabeate techniques, showing absolutely no Persian influence.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Statement I: It was the first monumental garden-tomb constructed on the Indian subcontinent.
Statement II: Its architectural style relies strictly on indigenous trabeate techniques, showing absolutely no Persian influence.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Humayun’s Tomb was the first monumental garden-tomb in India, so Statement I is correct. It shows strong Persian influence, so Statement II is incorrect.
Q13. Which of the following medieval monuments is an exception, having not been constructed during the reign of Emperor Akbar?
Explanation
Agra Fort, Lahore Fort and Fatehpur Sikri were built in Akbar’s reign. The Purana Qila was built by Sher Shah and Humayun, so it is the exception.
Q14. Consider the following statements regarding the Taj Mahal:
I. Its fundamental architectural design is based on the Timurid hasht-bihisht (eight paradises) plan.
II. The structure is entirely devoid of indigenous Indian motifs, consciously avoiding elements like the lotus finial.
III. The main mausoleum utilizes the structural concept of a massive double dome.
IV. The sophisticated pietra dura technique was extensively used for floral inlay work on marble.
V. The four minarets at the corners of the main plinth lean slightly outwards to prevent damage in case of an earthquake.
Which of the combinations given above is correct?
I. Its fundamental architectural design is based on the Timurid hasht-bihisht (eight paradises) plan.
II. The structure is entirely devoid of indigenous Indian motifs, consciously avoiding elements like the lotus finial.
III. The main mausoleum utilizes the structural concept of a massive double dome.
IV. The sophisticated pietra dura technique was extensively used for floral inlay work on marble.
V. The four minarets at the corners of the main plinth lean slightly outwards to prevent damage in case of an earthquake.
Which of the combinations given above is correct?
Explanation
The Taj Mahal follows the Timurid hasht-bihisht plan, has a double dome, uses pietra dura and has minarets that lean slightly outward. It does contain Indian motifs such as the lotus finial, so II is wrong.
Q15. Which of the following is a correct statement regarding the architectural symbolism of the Taj Mahal?
Explanation
The Taj Mahal complex is an earthly replica of paradise, with the mausoleum standing for the throne of God.
Q16. Match List I (Taj Mahal Feature/Contributor) with List II (Details):
Select the correct code:
| Taj Mahal Feature/Contributor | Details |
|---|---|
| A. Ustad Ahmad Lahauri | i. Source of the high-quality white marble |
| B. Makrana | ii. Technique for semi-precious stone inlay |
| C. Pietra Dura | iii. The four-part formal Persian garden layout |
| D. Charbagh | iv. The chief architect of the monument |
Explanation
Ustad Ahmad Lahauri was the chief architect of the Taj Mahal, Makrana supplied the white marble, pietra dura is the technique of inlay with semi-precious stones and the Charbagh is the four-part Persian garden. This gives A-iv, B-i, C-ii, D-iii.
Q17. Which of the following design elements was intentionally employed in the Taj Mahal to create a specific optical illusion?
Explanation
On the Taj Mahal the calligraphy letters get larger toward the top so that they look uniform from the ground. This is a deliberate optical correction.
Q18. Which of the following represents the correct spatial sequence of structures one encounters when entering Fatehpur Sikri through the Buland Darwaza and proceeding toward the secular royal complex?
Explanation
Going from the Buland Darwaza into Fatehpur Sikri, one first meets the Jama Masjid, then the Tomb of Salim Chishti, then the Panch Mahal and the Diwan-i-Khas. This is the sequence in option C.
Q19. The towering Buland Darwaza at Fatehpur Sikri was constructed by Emperor Akbar primarily to commemorate which of the following historical events?
Explanation
Akbar built the Buland Darwaza to commemorate his conquest of Gujarat in 1573.
Q20. Consider the following statements regarding the layout and significance of Fatehpur Sikri:
I. The city was meticulously planned along an exact, symmetrical grid pattern with broad intersecting avenues.
II. The architectural designs heavily reflect a synthesis of Timurid structural forms and indigenous Indian decorative styles.
III. The capital was largely abandoned a few decades after its construction, historically attributed to a severe water shortage.
Which of the combinations given above is correct?
I. The city was meticulously planned along an exact, symmetrical grid pattern with broad intersecting avenues.
II. The architectural designs heavily reflect a synthesis of Timurid structural forms and indigenous Indian decorative styles.
III. The capital was largely abandoned a few decades after its construction, historically attributed to a severe water shortage.
Which of the combinations given above is correct?
Explanation
Fatehpur Sikri blends Timurid forms with Indian decoration and was largely abandoned after a few decades, usually attributed to a water shortage. It was not laid out on an exact grid, so I is wrong.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 11 | (c) Itimad-ud-Daula’s Tomb |
| 12 | (c) Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect |
| 13 | (a) Purana Qila |
| 14 | (b) I, III, IV and V |
| 15 | (b) The complex represents an earthly replica of paradise with the mausoleum symbolizing the throne of God. |
| 16 | (a) A-iv, B-i, C-ii, D-iii |
| 17 | (d) Calligraphy on the facades increases in size towards the top to appear uniform from the ground level. |
| 18 | (c) Jama Masjid Tomb of Salim Chishti Panch Mahal Diwan-i-Khas |
| 19 | (b) The successful annexation of the Gujarat province |
| 20 | (b) II and III only |
Key facts from Medieval Art, Architecture, Literature and Music
- The arcuate system uses load-bearing arches and domes with keystones; it was brought by Islamic builders.
- Akbar built the Buland Darwaza to mark the conquest of Gujarat; the Taj Mahal follows the Timurid hasht-bihisht plan with a double dome.
- Humayun brought the Persian painters Mir Sayyid Ali and Abd al-Samad; the Tasvir Khana was set up under Akbar.
- The Bani Thani, called the Mona Lisa of India, was painted by Nihal Chand under Raja Savant Singh of Kishangarh.
- Surdas wrote in Braj Bhasha, Jayasi in Awadhi and Kalhana composed the Rajatarangini on the kings of Kashmir.
- Qawwali was popularised by the Chishti Sufis; Dhrupad was patronised by Raja Man Singh Tomar of Gwalior.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Medieval Art, Architecture, Literature and Music?
This page has 67 practice MCQs on Medieval Art, Architecture, Literature and Music (Medieval Indian History). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
What is the arcuate system of architecture?
A system of building with load-bearing arches and domes made with keystones. It was introduced by Islamic builders and replaced the older trabeate system of horizontal beams, though in the Sultanate period the two were often combined.
Why was the Buland Darwaza built?
Akbar built the Buland Darwaza at Fatehpur Sikri to commemorate his conquest of Gujarat in 1573. It is one of the tallest gateways in the world and is usually asked along with the other buildings of the complex.
Who painted the Bani Thani?
The painter Nihal Chand, under the patronage of Raja Savant Singh of Kishangarh. Its elongated eyes and refined features made the Kishangarh school famous, and the portrait is called the Mona Lisa of India.