Class 7 History Question Answers - Architecture in Medieval India

Short Answer Questions

Q1: Name the three main architectural styles of temples in medieval India.
Ans: Nagara or north Indian style, Dravida or south Indian style, and Vesara or hybrid style.

Q2: What is a distinctive feature of the Hoysala architecture?
Ans: A platform on which a majestic superstructure (vimana) stood.

Q3: In which state is the Lingaraja Temple located?
Ans: Odisha (Bhubaneshwar).

Q4: What style of architecture is attributed to the rise of the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal rule in India?
Ans: Indo-Islamic architecture.

Q5: Name one architectural feature that was introduced by the Mughals in their buildings.
Ans: Pietra dura style of inlay decorations.

Q6: What is the primary purpose of keystones used in arches?
Ans: To hold the other stones in the arch together by the force of pressure.

Q7: Which architectural feature uses a combination of floral patterns and verses from the Quran?
Ans: Arabeque.

Q8: Who was responsible for the construction of the Taj Mahal?
Ans: Shah Jahan.

Q9: Which mosque is considered the largest in India, and where is it located?
Ans: Jama or Jami Masjid in Delhi.

Q10: What are "havelis" as mentioned in the provided content?
Ans: Private mansions which served as homes to nobles and wealthy traders.

Long Answer Questions

Q11: Explain the Nagara style in temple architecture.
Ans: The Nagara style of temple architecture is primarily found in North India. It features a beehive-shaped tower which rises above the sanctum. Its presence is symbolized by a pillared hall, a raised platform, and is sometimes accompanied by a water reservoir.

Q12: Discuss the distinct features of the Dravida or the southern style of temple architecture.
Ans: The Dravida or southern style is predominantly seen in the temples of South India, especially in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. These temples often have a gateway to the temple complex, tall pyramidal gateways, and walls enclosing the temple premises. The main deity is placed inside a chamber that is surmounted by a tower.

Q13: What is the Vesara style in temple architecture? How does it combine features of other styles?
Ans: The Vesara or hybrid style combines many of the features of the Nagara and Dravida styles of temple architecture. For instance, the Hoysala temples at Belur and Halebidu in Karnataka mark the culmination of this style. The temples are characterized by a star-like raised platform on which the temple structure stands.

Q14: Provide a detailed account of the evolution of the Indo-Islamic style of architecture in India.
Ans: With the rise of the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal rule in India, a distinct Indo-Islamic style of architecture took shape. This style blended Islamic architectural elements with Indian traditions. Features like domes, arches, and minarets became prominent. The use of red sandstone, marble, and the introduction of decorative motifs like lotus, bell, and swastika became common. The double dome concept and the use of keystone are other distinct features of this style.

Q15: Describe the artistic significance and the architectural features of the Taj Mahal.
Ans: The Taj Mahal, built during Shah Jahan's reign, is a testament to Mughal architecture. It combines elements of Persian, Ottoman, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles. The monument is made of white marble and stands on the bank of the Yamuna River. Its distinctive features include delicate marble screens, Pietra dura inlay work, and a large central dome flanked by four minarets.

Q16: How did the Mughals incorporate local Indian motifs into their architecture? Give examples.
Ans: The Mughals introduced the Pietra dura style of inlay decorations in India, using floral designs made of precious stones to decorate walls. Examples include the designs seen in the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort. They also carved geometric and floral patterns, including motifs such as the lotus, bell, and swastika.

Q17: Discuss the role and significance of historical monuments during the medieval period in India.
Ans: During the medieval period, temples and other monuments served multiple purposes. They were not only places of worship but also centers of art, science, dance, and music. They showcased exemplary craftsmanship and were sometimes also used to store grains or treasures. These structures symbolized the power, wealth, and prestige of the rulers and kingdoms.

Q18: Describe the key architectural accomplishments of Emperor Shah Jahan and explain how his reign marked the zenith of Mughal architecture.
Ans: Emperor Shah Jahan is renowned for his immense contribution to Mughal architecture, and his reign is often considered the pinnacle or zenith of Mughal architectural achievements. Some of the notable accomplishments under his patronage include:

• The Taj Mahal: Located in Agra, this iconic mausoleum was built in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Its striking features include delicate marble screens, Pietra dura inlay work, and its unique placement in the center of a garden, adding to its beauty.
• Moti Masjid or Pearl Mosque: Located within the Agra Fort, this mosque is made entirely of white marble. It boasts of multiple domes, extensive marble work, and recessed archways.
• Jama Masjid: Situated in Delhi, it is the largest mosque in India. Built in 1650 CE, the mosque can house up to 25,000 people. Its construction mainly consists of red sandstone and white marble, which are its chief features.
• Shahjahanabad: Shah Jahan laid the foundation for a new city in Delhi named Shahjahanabad. This city had prominent administrative buildings, including the famous Red Fort. The city also had a bustling marketplace, the Chandni Chowk, and was surrounded by fortified gates.
  These architectural marvels showcase the grandeur, intricacy, and finesse of Mughal architecture during Shah Jahan's reign.

Q19: Explain the "Pietra dura" style of inlay decoration introduced by the Mughals. How was it different from other inlay styles?
Ans: The "Pietra dura" is an inlay style introduced by the Mughals, and it involves using colored, semi-precious stones to create intricate decorative designs on walls, floors, and other surfaces. The designs often consist of floral motifs, as seen in the walls of various Mughal monuments. Unlike other inlay styles where patterns might be etched or carved into the base material and then filled with inlay, the Pietra dura technique embeds finely cut and fitted, highly-polished colored stones to form the design. This creates a smooth and refined finish, making the designs stand out with a unique aesthetic appeal.

Q20: What were "havelis" during the Mughal era, and who were the primary residents of these structures? How did their architecture differ from other Mughal buildings?
Ans: During the Mughal era, "havelis" referred to private mansions. These grand residences primarily served as homes to nobles, wealthy traders, and merchants. Unlike imperial Mughal buildings which were grandiose and often had a religious or administrative significance, havelis were more personal and residential in nature. Architecturally, havelis drew inspiration from Persian, Central Asian, and Indian architectural styles. They often featured courtyards in the center, which were surrounded by rooms and verandas. Decorative balconies, jharokhas (overhanging enclosed balconies), and intricate carvings were also commonly found in havelis, adding to their distinct architectural charm.