When did Shah Jahan rule as the Mughal emperor?
a) 1526-1530
b) 1556-1605
c) 1605-1627
d) 1628-1658
Answer: d) 1628-1658
Shah Jahan is best known for building which iconic monument?
a) Qutub Minar
b) Red Fort
c) Taj Mahal
d) Fatehpur Sikri
Answer: c) Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal was built in memory of whom?
a) Shah Jahan’s wife, Mumtaz Mahal
b) Shah Jahan’s father, Jahangir
c) Shah Jahan’s son, Aurangzeb
d) Shah Jahan himself
Answer: a) Shah Jahan’s wife, Mumtaz Mahal
In which city is the Taj Mahal located?
a) Agra
b) Delhi
c) Jaipur
d) Mumbai
Answer: a) Agra
What material was primarily used in the construction of the Taj Mahal?
a) Marble
b) Sandstone
c) Granite
d) Limestone
Answer: a) Marble
Which of the following architectural styles influenced the design of the Taj Mahal?
a) Persian
b) Ottoman
c) Mughal
d) Gothic
Answer: c) Mughal
How many minarets surround the main dome of the Taj Mahal?
a) 1
b) 2
c) 4
d) 8
Answer: b) 2
Which river flows near the Taj Mahal?
a) Yamuna River
b) Ganges River
c) Indus River
d) Brahmaputra River
Answer: a) Yamuna River
What is the approximate height of the main dome of the Taj Mahal?
a) 50 feet (15 meters)
b) 100 feet (30 meters)
c) 150 feet (46 meters)
d) 200 feet (61 meters)
Answer: c) 150 feet (46 meters)
When was the Taj Mahal designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
a) 1977
b) 1983
c) 1992
d) 2001
Answer: b) 1983
Which precious stone was extensively used in the decoration of the Taj Mahal?
a) Ruby
b) Emerald
c) Diamond
d) Onyx
Answer: c) Diamond
The construction of the Taj Mahal began in which year?
a) 1601
b) 1632
c) 1653
d) 1678
Answer: b) 1632
Who was the chief architect of the Taj Mahal?
a) Ustad Ahmad Lahauri
b) Ustad Isa Khan
c) Ustad Ali Mardan Khan
d) Ustad Khalilullah
Answer: a) Ustad Ahmad Lahauri
Which of the following architectural elements does the Taj Mahal primarily showcase?
a) Minarets
b) Domes
c) Arches
d) Pillars
Answer: b) Domes
What is the name of the mosque located on the western side of the Taj Mahal complex?
a) Jama Masjid
b) Moti Masjid
c) Nagina Masjid
d) Khas Mahal
Answer: c) Nagina Masjid
Shah Jahan’s reign is often referred to as the “Golden Age” of which empire?
a) Mughal Empire
b) Ottoman Empire
c) Safavid Empire
d) British Empire
Answer: a) Mughal Empire
Shah Jahan commissioned the construction of the Red Fort in which city?
a) Agra
b) Delhi
c) Jaipur
d) Lahore
Answer: b) Delhi
What was the original name of Shah Jahan before he became emperor?
a) Khurram
b) Jahangir
c) Akbar
d) Aurangzeb
Answer: a) Khurram
Which architectural feature of the Taj Mahal creates a reflection in the adjacent pool?
a) Charbagh Garden
b) Main Gateway
c) Pishtaq
d) Marble Inlay
Answer: c) Pishtaq
The Taj Mahal is considered a masterpiece of which style of architecture?
a) Indo-Islamic architecture
b) Neoclassical architecture
c) Gothic architecture
d) Renaissance architecture
Answer: a) Indo-Islamic architecture
Which gemstone is said to adorn the famous “Peacock Throne” commissioned by Shah Jahan?
a) Sapphire
b) Amethyst
c) Topaz
d) Koh-i-Noor diamond
Answer: d) Koh-i-Noor diamond
The Taj Mahal complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in which state of India?
a) Uttar Pradesh
b) Rajasthan
c) Maharashtra
d) Madhya Pradesh
Answer: a) Uttar Pradesh
The four minarets surrounding the Taj Mahal are slightly tilted outward. What was the purpose behind this architectural feature?
a) To withstand earthquakes
b) To enhance the aesthetics of the monument
c) To provide support to the main dome
d) To align with the direction of Mecca
Answer: a) To withstand earthquakes
Which famous Mughal garden inspired the design of the Charbagh garden in the Taj Mahal complex?
a) Shalimar Gardens
b) Nishat Bagh
c) Humayun’s Tomb Garden
d) Lalbagh Gardens
Answer: a) Shalimar Gardens
Which material was used to transport construction materials for the Taj Mahal to the construction site?
a) Elephants
b) Camels
c) Horses
d) Bullock carts
Answer: b) Camels
The interior of the Taj Mahal is adorned with intricate marble inlay work. What is this technique called?
a) Parchin Kari
b) Filigree
c) Pietra Dura
d) Cloisonné
Answer: c) Pietra Dura
Shah Jahan intended to build a replica of the Taj Mahal in black marble, opposite to the original. What was this structure called?
a) Black Taj Mahal
b) Shahi Qila
c) Agra Fort
d) Shalimar Bagh
Answer: a) Black Taj Mahal
Shah Jahan was succeeded by which of his sons as the Mughal emperor?
a) Aurangzeb
b) Dara Shikoh
c) Jahangir
d) Akbar II
Answer: a) Aurangzeb
The Taj Mahal showcases a unique blend of architectural styles. Which two styles are predominantly represented in its design?
a) Persian and Indian
b) Byzantine and Gothic
c) Renaissance and Baroque
d) Romanesque and Moorish
Answer: a) Persian and Indian
The construction of the Taj Mahal took approximately how many years to complete?
a) 10 years
b) 15 years
c) 20 years
d) 25 years
Answer: c) 20 years