With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following statements : 1. White marble was used in making Buland Darwaza and Khankah at Fatehpur Sikri. 2. Red sandstone and marble were used in making Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza at Lucknow. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2 ✓ UPSC's answer
Why the answer is (d)
• Statement 1 is wrong: the Buland Darwaza and the buildings of Fatehpur Sikri, including the khanqah of Salim Chishti's complex, are built of red sandstone; only Salim Chishti's tomb is in white marble.
• Statement 2 is wrong: the Bara Imambara (1784) and Rumi Darwaza at Lucknow, built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula, are of lakhauri brick and lime plaster, not red sandstone and marble.
• Hence neither 1 nor 2, option (d).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 only
- Statement 1 is wrong: Buland Darwaza is red sandstone.
- (b) 2 only
- Statement 2 is wrong: Lucknow monuments are brick and plaster.
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- Both statements are wrong.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2018, held on 3 June 2018. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.