Q. Which of the following architectural features or characteristics are generally associated with the major buildings constructed during Aurangzeb’s reign?
1.A tendency towards simplicity and severity of design compared to Shah Jahan’s ornate style.
2.The use of red sandstone as the primary building material, reducing the reliance on expensive pietra dura inlay work.
3.The construction of the Badshahi Mosque (Lahore), marked by its massive scale and prominence of the entrance gate and minarets.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: C
Notes:
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Correct. Due to his personal austerity and the empire’s financial strain from constant warfare, Aurangzeb’s architecture favored clean lines and robustness over the excessive ornamentation of his predecessors.
- Statement 2: Correct. While some marble was used (like the domes of the Badshahi Mosque), red sandstone was favored for its cost-effectiveness and durability, leading to reduced use of the expensive pietra dura.
- Statement 3: Correct. The Badshahi Mosque (1673 CE) is a classic example of this era’s architecture, being one of the world’s largest mosques, emphasizing scale and grandeur, though with restrained decoration.
