Test: Rulers & Buildings - UPSC MCQ

The correct option is Option A.
The Qutb Minar, also spelled as Qutub Minar and Qutab Minar, is a minaret and "victory tower" that forms part of the Qutb complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Mehrauli area of New Delhi, India. The height of Qutb Minar is 72.5 meters, making it the tallest minaret in the world built of bricks. The tower tapers, and has a 14.3 metres (47 feet) base diameter, reducing to 2.7 metres (9 feet) at the top of the peak. It contains a spiral staircase of 379 steps.
 

Who constructed the Qutub Minar:
The Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Delhi, India, was constructed by Qitub-ud-Din Aibak, the first ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. Here is a detailed explanation of the construction of the Qutub Minar:
Historical Background:
- The construction of the Qutub Minar began in 1192 under the reign of Qitub-ud-Din Aibak.
- Qitub-ud-Din Aibak was a Turkic ruler and a general of Muhammad Ghori, who established the Delhi Sultanate in Northern India.
Construction:
- The Qutub Minar is a towering structure made primarily of red sandstone and marble.
- The construction of the minar was carried out in multiple phases by different rulers over several centuries.
- Qitub-ud-Din Aibak started the construction and completed the first three stories of the minar.
- The succeeding rulers, Iltutmish and Firoz Shah Tughlaq, added additional stories to the minar.
- The minar reaches a height of around 73 meters (240 feet) and consists of five stories, each marked by a projecting balcony.
- The architectural style of the Qutub Minar reflects a fusion of Indo-Islamic and Persian influences.
Significance:
- The Qutub Minar is considered a significant landmark in Indian history and architecture.
- It serves as a symbol of the Delhi Sultanate and showcases the cultural and artistic achievements of the time.
- The minar is surrounded by several other historical structures, including the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque and the Iron Pillar of Delhi.
In conclusion, Qitub-ud-Din Aibak, the first ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, constructed the Qutub Minar. The construction of this iconic monument began in 1192 and was continued by subsequent rulers. The Qutub Minar stands as a testament to the rich architectural heritage of India and remains a popular tourist attraction.

Agra Fort:
The Agra Fort is a historical fort located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction. The fort was built during the Mughal era and has a rich history associated with it.
Builder of Agra Fort:
The Agra Fort was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. He started the construction of the fort in 1565 and it was completed by his successors, primarily Jahangir and Shah Jahan. The fort served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors until 1638 when the capital was shifted to Delhi.
Key Points:
Here are some key points about the builder of Agra Fort, Akbar:
- Akbar was the third Mughal emperor who ruled from 1556 to 1605.
- He was known for his military conquests and his policy of religious tolerance.
- Akbar was an avid builder and constructed several architectural wonders during his reign, including the Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, and the Buland Darwaza.
- The Agra Fort was designed and built under the supervision of Akbar himself.
- It served as a military stronghold as well as a royal residence for the Mughal emperors.
- The fort is made of red sandstone and encompasses several palaces, mosques, and other structures within its walls.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Agra Fort was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. He started its construction in 1565, and it was completed by his successors. The fort stands as a testament to the architectural and historical legacy of the Mughal Empire in India.

Construction Activities Carried Out by the King:

• Bazaars: The king carried out the construction of bazaars. Bazaars are marketplaces where goods and services are exchanged. The king built these marketplaces to promote trade and commerce.


• Wells: The king also constructed wells. Wells are sources of water, and by building them, the king ensured that the people had access to clean and safe water for various purposes such as drinking, agriculture, and sanitation.


• Mosque: The king was involved in the construction of a mosque. Mosques are places of worship for Muslims, and by building a mosque, the king provided a sacred space for prayer and religious activities for the community.

Construction Activity Not Carried Out by the King:

• Large Mansion of Merchants: The construction of a large mansion of merchants was not carried out by the king. This implies that the king did not personally oversee the construction of a grand residential building specifically for merchants.

Therefore, the correct answer is C: Large mansion of merchants.

A superstructure is the part of the building which rises from the ground floor to the top level of the building whereas, a substructure is that part which is the base or the foundation of the building also called NIV, or one can also refer to it as the roots of the building.

We get an insight into the technology used for construction by seeing the monuments. For example; a roof can be made by placing wooden beams or a slab of stone across four walls. ... The trabeate style was used for constructing: temples, mosques, tombs and buildings attached to large stepped wells (baolis).

The correct option is Option C.
Between the seventh and tenth centuries architects started adding more rooms, doors and windows to buildings. Roofs, doors and windows were still made by placing a horizontal beam across two vertical columns, a style of architecture called "trabeate" or "corbelled".
 

The correct option is A.

In the Hindu temple the mandapa is a porch-like structure through the (gopuram) (ornate gateway) and leading to the temple.

Garbhagriha is the sanctum sanctorum, the innermost sanctuary of a Hindu and Jain temples where the murti (idol or icon) of the primary deity of the temple resides. This was the place for ritual worship where only the king, his immediate family and priests gathered.

The correct answer is C as Village near the Rajarajeshwara temple is called CHARUPALLAM