QUESTION BANK
Subject: History of Architecture-IV
Subject Code: NAR507
Semester:5
Section A
Question
Write two important architectural features of Tombs of Brahmanis at Gulbarga.
Answer
1. Double mausoleum – one chamber for cenotaph of ruler, other for his family
2. Façade demarcated into two storeys by blind, screen filled arches
Etc.
Question
Differentiate between blind arch and false arch.
Answer
Blind arch – opening permanently closed by wall construction
False arch – having appearance of an arch though not of arch construction e.g corbel arch
Question
List down the secular group of buildings at Fatehpur Sikri.
Answer
Palaces – Jodhabai palace, house of Birbal,etc.
Administrative buildings – Diwan-I-Khas, Diwan-I-Aam etc.
Miscellaneous – Panch Mahal, Khwabgah etc.
Question
Write two features of Mughal Gardens.
Answer
1. Plan- a regular arrangement of squares subdivided into smaller squares.
2. Paved pathways and water channels follow the shapes of these squares.
etc.
Question
Enumerate the seven medieval cities of Delhi built by various rulers during their ruling periods.
Answer
Qila-Rai-Pithora, Siri, Tughlaqabad, Jahanpannah, Feruzabad, Shergarh, Shahjahanabad
Question
i. Write two important architectural features of Jami Masjid at Jaunpur.
Answer
1. Vaulted shell of Liwan
2. Interiors unobstructed by any supports
etc.
Question
Draw and label (plan and section) Rudabai stepwell, Gujarat.
Answer
and also label it
Question
Discuss the materials and construction techniques used by Firuz Shah Tughlaq during his reign at
Delhi.
Answer
Inexpensive materials, random rubble work thicker at the base than at the top and coated with
a substantial layer of lime, sand and gravel, surface finish by colour wash.
Question
What do you understand by Karbala? Give an example.
Answer
The karbalas taking their name from the place where Husain became a martyr, are the burial
ground of tazias although they are also used for other rituals connected with Muharram as well
as burial of Shia dead bodies. E.g. Karbala of Talkatora, Karbala Kazmain, etc.
Question
Explain the terms Mehrab and Mimbar.
Answer
Mehrab – a recess or alcove on the western wall of the sanctuary indicating the direction
of prayer
Mimbar – Pulpit situated on the right of mehrab
Section B
Question
Explain the various structural systems that were used to cover a cubic volume with a dome in IndoIslamic Architecture citing suitable examples for each.
Answer
Hint
Squinch, pendentives, stalactiles, intersecting arches ( with sketches)
Question
Illustrare the development of Qutub Complex during the various imperial dynasties and give a brief
description about ALAI DARWAZA.
Answer
Hint
Development of Qutub Complex by Qutub-ud-din Aibak, additions done by Iltutmish and Ala-uddin Khalji through sketches
Alai Darwaza – in terms of plan, interiors, exteriors, construction techniques, materials,
decorative treatment (sketches also)
Question
Describe in detail the salient features of architecture of Bengal citing a suitable example to enhance
your answer.
Answer
Hint
Drop arch, Bengal roof, material, construction features (with sketches)
Question
With the help of neat sketches and brief notes, explain plan, elevation, section and other main
features of Taj Mahal at Agra which is regarded as a unique example of perfection in architecture.
Answer
Hint
Plan of complex, tomb building (plan, interiors, exterior, proportion, material, decoration, etc.)
(with sketches)
Question
Explain Fort planning in India with special reference to the fortified city of Mandu.
Answer
Hint
Features of a fort (enclosing walls, masonary, battlements, moat, entrance gates, drawbridges,
etc.) with example of Mandu.(with sketches)
Question
Explain how the Viceroy’s House at Delhi is an outstanding landmark of the Colonial Architecture in
India.
Answer
Hint
Architect’s planning concept, architectural features, material, construction techniques, etc
(with sketches)
Question
Discuss the Bara Imambara complex at Lucknow in detail.
Answer
Hint
Complex ( bhulbhulaiya, mosque, shahi baoli, the courts, entrance gateways, nakkar khana,
rumi darwaza- plan, interiors, exteriors and their architectural features) with sketches
Question
Mohammed Adil Shah excelled his predecessor Ibrahim Adil Shah in another quality , that of size ,
and produced one of the largest and most remarkable single buildings in India..Discuss this
monument at BIJAPUR with neat sketches.
Answer
Hint
Ibrahim Rauza – Rauza, Enclosure, Tomb (plan, interiors, exteriors) (with sketches)
Section C
Question
Enumerate the various buildings of the British architecture built during the colonial days in Lucknow
and elaborate on any one of them emphasizing on their planning criteria and architectural features.
Answer
Hint
Residency, La Martiniere College, Dilkush, etc. and detail any one of them (planning, interiors,
exteriors, architectural features) (with sketches)
Question
Discuss the development of colloquial styles in various provinces of India. Enhance your answer with
suitable example and sketches.
Answer
Hint
Punjab, Jaunpur, Gujarat, Bengal, Malwa, Deccan, Bijapur provinces ( their architectural
features citing one example of each province) (with sketches)
Question
Explain the architectural features of Bundela Style of architecture and compare and contrast the Bir
Singh Deo’s Palace at Datia and Jehangir Mahal at Orchha.
Answer
Hint
Plan, interiors, exteriors, architectural characteristics like hanging balconies, wide eves, use of
stone lattice work, etc.(with sketches)
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