1. The earliest example of Indo-Islamic architecture in India is?
A) Jama Masjid, Delhi
B) Qutub Minar complex
C) Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque
D) Alai Darwaza
Answer: C) Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque
Explanation: Built by Qutbuddin Aibak (1193 CE) using materials from demolished temples, marking the beginning of Indo-Islamic architecture.
2. The Qutub Minar was started by Qutbuddin Aibak and completed by?
A) Iltutmish
B) Alauddin Khalji
C) Balban
D) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Answer: A) Iltutmish
Explanation: Aibak started it, Iltutmish added 3 more storeys, later completed by Firoz Shah after damages.
3. The Qutub Minar was built to commemorate?
A) Victory over Rajputs
B) Establishment of Muslim rule in India
C) Sufi saints
D) Coronation of Aibak
Answer: B) Establishment of Muslim rule in India
Explanation: It symbolized victory of Islam in India.
4. The Alai Darwaza (gateway at Qutub complex) was built by?
A) Iltutmish
B) Alauddin Khalji
C) Balban
D) Sikandar Lodi
Answer: B) Alauddin Khalji
Explanation: Known for its true arches, domes, and red sandstone–marble fusion.
5. The tomb of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq is an example of?
A) Indo-Islamic style with sloping walls
B) Pure Dravidian style
C) Mughal garden tombs
D) Rajput haveli style
Answer: A) Indo-Islamic style with sloping walls
Explanation: Built with red sandstone, massive sloping walls, reflecting defensive architecture.
6. The first true dome in India is seen in?
A) Alai Darwaza
B) Tomb of Balban
C) Tomb of Iltutmish
D) Qutub Minar
Answer: B) Tomb of Balban
Explanation: First true arch and dome construction in India (13th century).
7. The Tughlaq architecture is characterized by?
A) Ornamental arches
B) Simplicity, strength, sloping walls
C) Marble inlay work
D) Delicate carvings
Answer: B) Simplicity, strength, sloping walls
Explanation: Functional and austere style, reflecting military focus.
8. The city of Tughlaqabad was founded by?
A) Iltutmish
B) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
C) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
D) Balban
Answer: B) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
Explanation: He built this fortified city near Delhi in 1321 CE.
9. Who built Hauz Khas (reservoir and madrasa complex) in Delhi?
A) Iltutmish
B) Alauddin Khalji
C) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
D) Sikandar Lodi
Answer: C) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Explanation: Known for public works like canals, reservoirs, and mosques.
10. The tomb of Sikandar Lodi in Delhi is notable for being the first?
A) Mughal garden tomb
B) Dome built on lotus base
C) Indo-Saracenic building
D) Use of marble inlay
Answer: A) Mughal garden tomb
Explanation: Predecessor to Humayun’s Tomb, built in Lodhi Gardens.
11. The Sayyid and Lodi tombs are mainly built in?
A) Pure Dravidian style
B) Double-dome Mughal style
C) Octagonal plan, simple design
D) Rajput style with balconies
Answer: C) Octagonal plan, simple design
Explanation: Modest but marked transition to Mughal style.
12. The Indo-Islamic style under the Delhi Sultanate was a fusion of?
A) Persian + Central Asian + Indian (Hindu) traditions
B) Greek + Roman + Indian
C) Buddhist + Chinese + Persian
D) None of these
Answer: A) Persian + Central Asian + Indian traditions
Explanation: Local artisans combined Hindu temple features with Islamic architecture.
13. The main features of Sultanate architecture include?
A) True arch and dome
B) Use of red sandstone
C) Decorative calligraphy, geometric patterns
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Indo-Islamic style evolved with these common elements.
14. The first city built by Alauddin Khalji was?
A) Siri
B) Tughlaqabad
C) Firozabad
D) Shahjahanabad
Answer: A) Siri
Explanation: Alauddin built Siri city near Delhi.
15. The tomb of Iltutmish is located in?
A) Ajmer
B) Delhi (Qutub Complex)
C) Agra
D) Lahore
Answer: B) Delhi (Qutub Complex)
Explanation: A simple but significant tomb inside the Qutub complex.
16. The Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque was built using?
A) Imported marble
B) Hindu and Jain temple remains
C) Red sandstone only
D) Glazed tiles
Answer: B) Hindu and Jain temple remains
Explanation: Pillars and motifs of temples were reused in the mosque.
17. The decorative element introduced by Sultanate architecture but not present in Hindu style was?
A) Lotus motifs
B) Calligraphy and arabesque designs
C) Elephants and lions
D) Mandapas
Answer: B) Calligraphy and arabesque designs
Explanation: Quranic inscriptions became a major feature.
18. Which Delhi Sultan built the Kotla Firoz Shah complex?
A) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
B) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
C) Sikandar Lodi
D) Alauddin Khalji
Answer: B) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Explanation: Included mosques, palaces, and Ashokan pillar reinstallation.
19. The tomb of Muhammad Ghaus in Gwalior is known for?
A) Marble domes
B) Stone lattice (jali) work
C) Dravidian gopuram
D) Fresco paintings
Answer: B) Stone lattice (jali) work
Explanation: Beautiful pierced stone screens mark Indo-Islamic craftsmanship.
20. The dome at the tomb of Sikandar Lodi later influenced which Mughal structure?
A) Humayun’s Tomb
B) Taj Mahal
C) Jama Masjid
D) Agra Fort
Answer: A) Humayun’s Tomb
Explanation: First Mughal garden tomb carried forward the Lodi dome style.
21. The tomb of Balban is significant because?
A) First true arch & dome in India
B) First marble tomb
C) First double-dome structure
D) Largest tomb in Delhi
Answer: A) First true arch & dome in India
Explanation: A major innovation in Indo-Islamic style.
22. The Lodis introduced which distinctive architectural feature?
A) Chatris and lotus domes
B) Pointed arches
C) Red sandstone minarets
D) Marble inlay
Answer: A) Chatris and lotus domes
Explanation: Pre-Mughal tombs with domed kiosks (chhatris).
23. The Purana Qila (Old Fort) in Delhi was started by?
A) Babur
B) Humayun
C) Sher Shah Suri
D) Alauddin Khalji
Answer: B) Humayun
Explanation: Later completed by Sher Shah; reflects transitional Sultanate–Mughal style.
24. The famous “Ashokan Pillar” was transported to Delhi by?
A) Alauddin Khalji
B) Balban
C) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
D) Sher Shah Suri
Answer: C) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Explanation: He shifted pillars from Topra (Haryana) and Meerut to Delhi.
25. The best example of Lodi period architecture is?
A) Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque
B) Humayun’s Tomb
C) Lodi Gardens tombs in Delhi
D) Red Fort
Answer: C) Lodi Gardens tombs in Delhi
Explanation: Simpler octagonal tombs, gardens, precursor to Mughal garden-tombs.
Vijayanagara Art & Architecture
26. The capital city of the Vijayanagara Empire was famous for its temples at?
A) Madurai
B) Hampi
C) Kanchipuram
D) Mysore
Answer: B) Hampi
Explanation: Hampi (on Tungabhadra) was the capital and a UNESCO heritage site known for massive temples and gopurams.
27. The characteristic feature of Vijayanagara temple architecture was?
A) Vimana
B) Tall Raya Gopurams (gateway towers)
C) Shikharas in Nagara style
D) Marble domes
Answer: B) Tall Raya Gopurams
Explanation: Monumental gopurams with elaborate sculptures were the hallmark.
28. The Vittala temple at Hampi is famous for?
A) Stone chariot and musical pillars
B) Dome architecture
C) Fresco paintings
D) Persian calligraphy
Answer: A) Stone chariot and musical pillars
Explanation: The pillars produce musical notes when struck – a unique feature.
29. The Hazara Rama temple at Hampi is known for?
A) Bronze Nataraja
B) Panels depicting Ramayana scenes
C) Buddhist stupas
D) White marble carvings
Answer: B) Panels depicting Ramayana scenes
Explanation: Walls are covered with Ramayana reliefs.
30. The Vitthala and Hazara Rama temples were built under which dynasty?
A) Sangama
B) Tuluva
C) Aravidu
D) Rashtrakuta
Answer: B) Tuluva
Explanation: Built during Krishnadeva Raya’s reign of the Tuluva dynasty.
Bahmani & Deccan Sultanates
31. The Bahmani capital was shifted from Gulbarga to?
A) Bijapur
B) Daulatabad
C) Bidar
D) Golconda
Answer: C) Bidar
Explanation: Shifted in 1429; Bidar became a cultural hub.
32. The Bahmani kingdom was famous for which style of decoration?
A) Frescoes
B) Persian-influenced tile work
C) Gopurams
D) Marble inlay
Answer: B) Persian-influenced tile work
Explanation: Colorful glazed tiles with Persian motifs were used.
33. The Gol Gumbaz at Bijapur (Deccan Sultanates) is noted for?
A) Largest dome in India without support
B) Persian arches
C) Lotus base domes
D) Wooden carvings
Answer: A) Largest dome in India without support
Explanation: Built by Mohammed Adil Shah, its whispering gallery is world-famous.
34. The Charminar at Hyderabad was built by?
A) Quli Qutb Shah
B) Ibrahim Adil Shah II
C) Alauddin Hasan
D) Murshid Quli Khan
Answer: A) Quli Qutb Shah
Explanation: Built in 1591 CE, landmark of Hyderabad.
35. The Qutb Shahi tombs at Hyderabad are examples of?
A) Indo-Islamic with Persian influence
B) Pure Dravidian
C) Rajput style
D) Mughal marble inlay
Answer: A) Indo-Islamic with Persian influence
Explanation: Tombs combine domes, arches, and Persian decorative styles.
36. The Ibrahim Rauza at Bijapur is called?
A) Mini Taj Mahal
B) Whispering Dome
C) Palace of Winds
D) Lotus Mahal
Answer: A) Mini Taj Mahal
Explanation: Tomb of Ibrahim Adil Shah II, admired for symmetry and elegance.
Rajput Architecture
37. The Rajput forts are mainly located in?
A) Tamil Nadu
B) Rajasthan
C) Punjab
D) Maharashtra
Answer: B) Rajasthan
Explanation: Examples: Chittor, Kumbhalgarh, Ranthambore, Amer.
38. The largest fort in Rajasthan is?
A) Kumbhalgarh
B) Chittorgarh
C) Jaisalmer
D) Amer
Answer: B) Chittorgarh
Explanation: Known for Vijay Stambh, Kirti Stambh, and association with Rani Padmini.
39. The Kumbhalgarh fort was built by?
A) Rana Kumbha
B) Rana Pratap
C) Rana Sanga
D) Rana Amar Singh
Answer: A) Rana Kumbha
Explanation: Famous for its massive walls (second longest in the world after Great Wall of China).
40. The Rajput temple architecture belongs mainly to?
A) Nagara style
B) Dravidian style
C) Vesara style
D) Indo-Saracenic style
Answer: A) Nagara style
Explanation: Seen in Dilwara temples, Sun temple at Modhera, etc.
41. The Dilwara temples at Mount Abu are famous for?
A) Marble carvings
B) Bronze icons
C) Calligraphy
D) Gopurams
Answer: A) Marble carvings
Explanation: Jain temples with exquisite marble detailing.
42. The “Vijay Stambh” at Chittorgarh was built to commemorate victory over?
A) Sultan of Malwa
B) Delhi Sultanate
C) Bahmani Sultans
D) Gujarat Sultan
Answer: A) Sultan of Malwa
Explanation: Built by Rana Kumbha (1440s) after victory over Mahmud Khilji.
43. The “Kirti Stambh” at Chittor was dedicated to?
A) Lord Vishnu
B) Jain Tirthankara Adinatha
C) Goddess Durga
D) Lord Shiva
Answer: B) Jain Tirthankara Adinatha
Explanation: Tower dedicated to Jainism by merchant Jeeja Bhagerwala.
44. The Hawa Mahal at Jaipur was built by?
A) Sawai Jai Singh
B) Sawai Pratap Singh
C) Raja Man Singh
D) Rana Sanga
Answer: B) Sawai Pratap Singh
Explanation: Built in 1799 CE; has latticed windows for royal women.
45. The Amber Fort near Jaipur is a fine example of?
A) Indo-Islamic + Rajput architecture
B) Mughal marble inlay
C) Pure Dravidian
D) Portuguese style
Answer: A) Indo-Islamic + Rajput architecture
Explanation: Combines Rajput rugged fort style with Mughal ornate interiors.
46. The main decorative feature of Rajput palaces was?
A) Marble inlay
B) Fresco paintings (miniatures and murals)
C) Calligraphy
D) Jali work
Answer: B) Fresco paintings
Explanation: Themes often based on epics, court life, and Krishna legends.
47. The famous Sun Temple at Modhera (Gujarat) was built by?
A) Solankis
B) Chauhans
C) Rashtrakutas
D) Rajputs of Mewar
Answer: A) Solankis
Explanation: Built in 11th century by Bhima I of Solanki dynasty.
48. The Rajput school of painting mainly developed under?
A) Mughals
B) Chalukyas
C) Pandyas
D) Bahmanis
Answer: A) Mughals
Explanation: Rajput painting evolved as a regional response to Mughal miniature art.
49. The Jaisalmer Fort is unique because?
A) Built with yellow sandstone, appears golden
B) Surrounded by lakes
C) White marble architecture
D) Contains tallest gopuram
Answer: A) Built with yellow sandstone, appears golden
Explanation: Known as “Golden Fort” of Rajasthan.
50. Which of the following is a Rajput palace built on a lake?
A) Hawa Mahal
B) Jal Mahal
C) Amber Fort
D) Mehrangarh Fort
Answer: B) Jal Mahal
Explanation: Built in Man Sagar Lake (Jaipur), example of Rajput water palace.
Mughal Architecture
51. The first Mughal garden tomb in India is?
A) Taj Mahal
B) Akbar’s Tomb at Sikandra
C) Humayun’s Tomb
D) Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb
Answer: C) Humayun’s Tomb
Explanation: Built in 1569–70 by Haji Begum (his widow); precursor to later Mughal garden-tombs.
52. Who was the chief architect of Humayun’s Tomb?
A) Ustad Isa
B) Mirak Mirza Ghiyas
C) Shah Jahan
D) Ustad Ahmad Lahori
Answer: B) Mirak Mirza Ghiyas
Explanation: A Persian architect, designed the first Mughal garden tomb.
53. The Red Fort at Agra was built by?
A) Babur
B) Humayun
C) Akbar
D) Shah Jahan
Answer: C) Akbar
Explanation: Constructed in red sandstone (1565–73 CE), also called Agra Fort.
54. Fatehpur Sikri was founded by Akbar to commemorate?
A) Victory in Gujarat
B) Birth of his son Salim (Jahangir)
C) Victory over Bengal
D) His marriage alliance with Rajputs
Answer: B) Birth of his son Salim
Explanation: Built near the dargah of Sufi saint Sheikh Salim Chishti.
55. The Buland Darwaza at Fatehpur Sikri was built to celebrate Akbar’s victory over?
A) Gujarat
B) Malwa
C) Bengal
D) Deccan
Answer: A) Gujarat
Explanation: Built in 1601 CE, 54 meters high, “Gate of Magnificence.”
56. The Diwan-i-Khas at Fatehpur Sikri is known for?
A) Lotus dome
B) Central pillar with carved capital (Akbar’s throne)
C) Marble pietra-dura
D) Whispering gallery
Answer: B) Central pillar with carved capital
Explanation: Akbar’s seat connected to walkways – symbol of his “Din-i-Ilahi.”
57. The tomb of Akbar at Sikandra near Agra is notable for?
A) Marble inlay
B) Combination of red sandstone and marble
C) Wooden carvings
D) White granite
Answer: B) Combination of red sandstone and marble
Explanation: Blend of Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic styles.
58. The “Golden Age of Mughal architecture” is associated with?
A) Babur
B) Akbar
C) Jahangir
D) Shah Jahan
Answer: D) Shah Jahan
Explanation: Known for symmetry, marble work, pietra-dura, and Taj Mahal.
59. The Taj Mahal was built in memory of?
A) Mumtaz Mahal
B) Nur Jahan
C) Hamida Banu Begum
D) Jodha Bai
Answer: A) Mumtaz Mahal
Explanation: Built (1632–53) by Shah Jahan as her mausoleum.
60. The chief architect of the Taj Mahal was?
A) Mirak Mirza Ghiyas
B) Ustad Ahmad Lahori
C) Ustad Isa
D) Abul Fazl
Answer: B) Ustad Ahmad Lahori
Explanation: Designed the Taj Mahal, masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture.
61. The Peacock Throne was made during the reign of?
A) Akbar
B) Jahangir
C) Shah Jahan
D) Aurangzeb
Answer: C) Shah Jahan
Explanation: A symbol of Mughal wealth, studded with precious stones.
62. The Jama Masjid in Delhi was built by?
A) Akbar
B) Jahangir
C) Shah Jahan
D) Aurangzeb
Answer: C) Shah Jahan
Explanation: Completed in 1656, one of the largest mosques in India.
63. The Badshahi Mosque at Lahore was built by?
A) Akbar
B) Jahangir
C) Shah Jahan
D) Aurangzeb
Answer: D) Aurangzeb
Explanation: The largest mosque of its time in South Asia (1673).
64. The Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) inside Agra Fort was built by?
A) Akbar
B) Jahangir
C) Shah Jahan
D) Aurangzeb
Answer: C) Shah Jahan
Explanation: Made entirely of white marble, symbol of elegance.
65. Which Mughal ruler built the Bibi ka Maqbara at Aurangabad, called “Deccan’s Taj”?
A) Akbar
B) Shah Jahan
C) Aurangzeb
D) Bahadur Shah I
Answer: C) Aurangzeb
Explanation: Built by his son Azam Shah in memory of Dilras Banu Begum.
Mughal Painting & Gardens
66. Mughal painting flourished first under?
A) Babur
B) Humayun
C) Akbar
D) Shah Jahan
Answer: C) Akbar
Explanation: He established a royal atelier, blending Persian and Indian styles.
67. The “Hamzanama” illustrations were prepared during whose reign?
A) Humayun
B) Akbar
C) Jahangir
D) Shah Jahan
Answer: B) Akbar
Explanation: 12-volume illustrated manuscript; giant paintings on cloth.
68. Jahangir’s paintings are known for?
A) Portraits and naturalism
B) Religious themes
C) Abstract designs
D) Architecture only
Answer: A) Portraits and naturalism
Explanation: He emphasized realism, birds, flowers, and human portraits.
69. The “Padshahnama” paintings belong to?
A) Akbar
B) Jahangir
C) Shah Jahan
D) Aurangzeb
Answer: C) Shah Jahan
Explanation: Official chronicle with refined miniature paintings.
70. The Mughal emperor who was a naturalist and kept an album of flora and fauna paintings was?
A) Akbar
B) Jahangir
C) Shah Jahan
D) Aurangzeb
Answer: B) Jahangir
Explanation: He personally noted observations of plants, birds, and animals.
71. The Mughal gardens were based on?
A) Nagara layout
B) Persian Charbagh style
C) Rajput terrace style
D) Buddhist monastic style
Answer: B) Persian Charbagh style
Explanation: Gardens divided into 4 quadrants with water channels.
72. The Shalimar Bagh in Kashmir was built by?
A) Akbar
B) Jahangir
C) Shah Jahan
D) Aurangzeb
Answer: B) Jahangir
Explanation: Built for his wife Nur Jahan in Srinagar.
73. The Nishat Bagh in Kashmir was laid out by?
A) Asaf Khan (brother of Nur Jahan)
B) Akbar
C) Shah Jahan
D) Dara Shikoh
Answer: A) Asaf Khan
Explanation: Brother of Nur Jahan, built it in 1633.
74. The Mughal gardens symbolized?
A) Fertility and paradise
B) Military strength
C) Rajput valour
D) Simplicity and austerity
Answer: A) Fertility and paradise
Explanation: Represented Islamic vision of heaven with water, greenery, and symmetry.
75. Which Mughal ruler discouraged painting and music at court?
A) Akbar
B) Jahangir
C) Shah Jahan
D) Aurangzeb
Answer: D) Aurangzeb
Explanation: He was orthodox; many artists migrated to Rajput courts.
76. The Indo-Islamic architectural style in India was primarily a blend of?
A) Persian + Central Asian + Indian (Hindu) styles
B) Greek + Roman
C) Chinese + Tibetan
D) None of these
Answer: A) Persian + Central Asian + Indian (Hindu) styles
Explanation: Local artisans used Hindu motifs, while Perso-Islamic rulers brought domes, arches, and minarets → fusion architecture.
77. The double-dome structure was first introduced in India in?
A) Lodhi Tombs
B) Humayun’s Tomb
C) Taj Mahal
D) Alai Darwaza
Answer: B) Humayun’s Tomb
Explanation: Persian architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyas introduced the double-dome style here.
78. The Pietra-dura (marble inlay work with precious stones) technique was perfected under?
A) Akbar
B) Jahangir
C) Shah Jahan
D) Aurangzeb
Answer: C) Shah Jahan
Explanation: Used extensively in Taj Mahal, Moti Masjid, Diwan-i-Khas.
79. The famous Lotus Mahal at Hampi is an example of?
A) Pure Dravidian style
B) Indo-Islamic synthesis
C) Buddhist cave style
D) Mughal Charbagh
Answer: B) Indo-Islamic synthesis
Explanation: Combines arches (Islamic) with pyramidal superstructure (Dravidian).
80. The Indo-Islamic style introduced which new architectural features?
A) Arch, dome, minaret
B) Pietra dura and calligraphy
C) True vaulting and geometry
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: These distinguished Indo-Islamic monuments from earlier Indian styles.
81. Mughal painting is considered unique because?
A) Blend of Persian, Indian, and European elements
B) Focus only on religion
C) Abstract art only
D) Restricted to manuscripts
Answer: A) Blend of Persian, Indian, and European elements
Explanation: Akbar’s atelier created a hybrid style; under Jahangir it absorbed European naturalism.
82. The Rajasthani school of miniature painting was inspired by?
A) Mughal painting
B) Persian manuscripts
C) Jain manuscripts
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Rajput paintings absorbed Mughal naturalism, Persian designs, and Jain detailing.
83. The frescoes of Ajanta influenced which medieval art form?
A) Mughal miniatures
B) Rajput murals
C) Deccan Sultanate wall paintings
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Ancient mural tradition influenced later medieval wall and miniature art.
84. The Mughal garden concept represented?
A) Military power
B) Islamic vision of paradise
C) Indian village economy
D) Buddhist Nirvana
Answer: B) Islamic vision of paradise
Explanation: Charbagh layout with water channels symbolized Quranic description of heaven.
85. The primary legacy of medieval Indian art is?
A) Fusion of styles (Hindu, Islamic, Persian)
B) Global fame of Indian textiles and crafts
C) Development of regional schools of painting
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Indo-Islamic synthesis influenced art, architecture, craft, and painting.
86. The architectural style of Taj Mahal is best described as?
A) Indo-Persian
B) Indo-Islamic
C) Mughal (Indo-Islamic + Persian + Indian blend)
D) Rajput
Answer: C) Mughal (Indo-Islamic + Persian + Indian blend)
Explanation: Combines Persian symmetry, Islamic calligraphy, and Indian lotus motifs.
87. The miniature paintings of Bijapur and Golconda show influence of?
A) Persian Safavid style
B) Mughal naturalism
C) Deccani traditions
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Deccan Sultanates developed their own vibrant painting styles.
88. The most important contribution of Sultanate architecture was?
A) Introduction of arch and dome
B) Reintroduction of wooden architecture
C) Pure Hindu temples
D) Buddhist caves
Answer: A) Introduction of arch and dome
Explanation: They revolutionized Indian construction methods.
89. Indo-Islamic architecture avoided human/animal depictions because?
A) Costly
B) Against Quranic injunctions
C) Indian artisans resisted
D) Lack of skill
Answer: B) Against Quranic injunctions
Explanation: Islam forbids human/animal representation in religious art; hence abstract and calligraphic decoration.
90. Mughal painting declined under Aurangzeb because?
A) Artists migrated to Rajput courts
B) He disapproved of painting
C) Lack of royal patronage
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Aurangzeb’s orthodoxy weakened Mughal art traditions.
91. The earliest Mughal gardens in India were laid by?
A) Babur
B) Humayun
C) Akbar
D) Jahangir
Answer: A) Babur
Explanation: He introduced Persian-style gardens at Agra and Kabul.
92. The Rajput palace frescoes of Krishna’s life are associated with?
A) Mewar
B) Amber
C) Bundi–Kota schools
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Krishna-Radha themes dominated Rajput painting traditions.
93. The term “Indo-Saracenic” is generally used for?
A) Mughal architecture
B) British colonial architecture inspired by Indo-Islamic elements
C) Vijayanagara temples
D) Rajput forts
Answer: B) British colonial architecture inspired by Indo-Islamic elements
Explanation: Eg: Madras High Court, Victoria Memorial.
94. The Charminar, Taj Mahal, and Gol Gumbaz represent which theme?
A) Funerary architecture
B) Symbolic royal architecture
C) Fusion of local + Persian styles
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: These monuments represent synthesis of cultures.
95. The chief medium of medieval Indian painting was?
A) Murals on temple walls
B) Miniatures on palm leaves/paper
C) Frescoes only
D) Tapestries
Answer: B) Miniatures on palm leaves/paper
Explanation: Especially under Mughals, Rajputs, and Deccan rulers.
96. The Diwan-i-Khas inscription at Red Fort (Shah Jahan) reads?
A) “Paradise is here on earth, if there is one.”
B) “Allah is great.”
C) “Victory to Shah Jahan.”
D) “Justice is the pillar of kingship.”
Answer: A) “Paradise is here on earth, if there is one.”
Explanation: Reflects Mughal emphasis on aesthetic grandeur.
97. Which region became the main refuge of artists after decline of Mughal patronage?
A) Bengal
B) Deccan
C) Rajput courts (Rajasthan, Punjab hills)
D) Gujarat
Answer: C) Rajput courts (Rajasthan, Punjab hills)
Explanation: Miniature traditions flourished in Rajput and Pahari schools.
98. The medieval art legacy carried into the modern era through?
A) Continued Rajput paintings
B) Use of Mughal motifs in colonial buildings
C) Textile traditions (Brocade, Ikat, Patola)
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Medieval art styles influenced modern design, textiles, and architecture.
99. The Indo-Islamic architectural synthesis reached its peak in which structure?
A) Humayun’s Tomb
B) Taj Mahal
C) Fatehpur Sikri
D) Red Fort
Answer: B) Taj Mahal
Explanation: Perfect blend of Persian, Islamic, and Indian architectural traditions.
100. The overall contribution of Medieval Indian Art can be summed up as?
A) Architectural grandeur (forts, palaces, mosques, tombs)
B) Development of Indo-Islamic fusion style
C) Flourishing of painting (Mughal, Rajput, Deccan)
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Medieval art created a unique cultural synthesis that shaped India’s visual heritage.