Tag: architecture as power: forts and sacred places

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Multiple choice history architecture as power: forts and sacred places vijayanagara epoch traders, craftspersons and explorers forts and temples in medieval period

With respect to Mughal architecture, what does the term 'diwan-i-aam' refer to?

  1. Ceremonial halls of private audience.

  2. Ceremonial halls of general audience.

  3. Ceremonial halls of public audience.

  4. Ceremonial halls of divine audience.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The ceremonial halls of public and private audience were referred to as the diwan-i-khas and the diwan-i-aam respectfully. 
The proportions of this hall, of its columns, and of the engraved arches show high aesthetics and fine craftsmanship. With an impressive faade of nine engraved arch openings, the hall was ornamented with gilded and white shell lime chunam plasterwork.
These courts were also described as chihil sutun or forty-pillared halls, placed within a large courtyard.

Multiple choice history architecture as power: forts and sacred places vijayanagara epoch traders, craftspersons and explorers forts and temples in medieval period

What does the term 'pishtaq' refer to?

  1. Four Gardens

  2. Arches

  3. Minarets

  4. Central towering dome
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Akbar's architects turned to the tombs of his Central Asian ancestor, Timur. The central towering dome and the tall gateway (pishtaq) became important aspects of Mughal architecture, first visible in Humayun's tomb. The tomb was placed in the centre of a huge formal Chahar Bagh and built in the tradition known as eight paradises or hasht bihisht a central hall surrounded by eight rooms. The building was constructed with red sandstone, edged with white marble.

Multiple choice history architecture as power: forts and sacred places vijayanagara epoch traders, craftspersons and explorers forts and temples in medieval period

With respect to Mughal architecture, what does the term 'diwan-i-khas' refer to?

  1. Ceremonial halls of private audience

  2. Ceremonial halls of divine audience

  3. Ceremonial halls of public audience

  4. Ceremonial halls of public and private audience
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The ceremonial hall private audience was referred to as the diwan-i-khaas. It was the hall in the Red Fort of Delhi where the Mughal emperor received courtiers and state guests. It was also known as the Shah Mahal.

The ceiling was originally inlaid with silver and gold but was stripped bare by successive financial crises of the empire by the Jats or Marathas.

Through the centre of the hall flowed the Stream of Paradise (Nahar-i-Bihish). The building used to have red awnings, or shamianas. Over the corner-arches of the northern and southern walls below the cornice is inscribed the verse of Amir Khusrou: "If there be a paradise on earth, it is this, it is this, it is this."

Multiple choice history architecture as power: forts and sacred places vijayanagara epoch traders, craftspersons and explorers forts and temples in medieval period

With reference to Mughal architecture, what does the term Chahar Bagh mean?

  1. Garden layout in the shape of a triangle based on the gardens of Paradise mentioned in the Quran.

  2. Garden layout based on the four gardens of Paradise mentioned in the Quran.

  3. Garden layout based on the gardens of Eden mentioned in the Quran.

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Charbagh or Chahar Bagh is a Persian and Islamic quadrilateral garden layout based on the four gardens of Paradise mentioned in the Quran. The quadrilateral garden is divided by walkways or flowing water into four smaller parts. In Persian, "Chahar" means four, which corresponds to "Char", which means four in Urdu, while "bagh" means 'garden' in both Persian and Urdu.
Shah Jahan adapted the river-front garden in the layout of the Taj Mahal, the grandest architectural accomplishment of his reign. Here, the white marble mausoleum was placed on a terrace by the edge of the river and the garden was to its south. 

Multiple choice history architecture as power: forts and sacred places vijayanagara epoch traders, craftspersons and explorers forts and temples in medieval period

During Vijayanagar Empire, the shelter was to be provided to _________ in royal stables. 

  1. Elephants

  2. Mules

  3. Donkeys

  4. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Elephant Stable in Hampi displays an Indo-Islamic style of architecture.
This is one of the few structures that have not suffered much damage during the attack of Mughals on Hampi.