Part of: Uttar Pradesh Gk set 4

Ruler that built the Taj Mahal for his wife to serve as a tomb.

Category: Uttar Pradesh Gk

Hint: Consider the Mughal emperors and their contributions to architecture.

Correct Answer: B) Shah Jahan.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, CLAT, MAT

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The Taj Mahal is one of the most famous and recognizable buildings in the world, located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631 while giving birth to their 14th child. The Taj Mahal is not only a symbol of love but also a masterpiece of Mughal architecture, which is a blend of Indian, Persian, and Islamic architectural styles.

Shah Jahan, whose birth name was Prince Khurram, was the fifth Mughal emperor and reigned from 1628 to 1658. He was known for his patronage of the arts and architecture, and the Taj Mahal is considered his greatest achievement. The construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632 and took approximately 22 years to complete, with the main mausoleum being finished around 1653. The entire complex, including the mosque and the guest house, was completed by 1653.

The Taj Mahal is built primarily of white marble and is adorned with intricate carvings, inlaid with precious and semi-precious stones. The central dome is surrounded by four smaller domes and four minarets. The complex also includes a large garden, a mosque, and a guest house. The Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

It is important to note that while Shah Jahan is the correct answer, the other Mughal emperors mentioned in the options also made significant contributions to Indian history and architecture. Akbar, for example, is known for his architectural contributions such as the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, while Babur is recognized for founding the Mughal Empire. However, the specific task of building the Taj Mahal was undertaken by Shah Jahan.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Akbar was a Mughal emperor, but he did not build the Taj Mahal. He is known for building the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.
  • Option B: Shah Jahan is the correct answer. He commissioned the Taj Mahal as a tomb for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, after her death in 1631. Construction began in 1632 and was completed around 1653.
  • Option C: Babur was the founder of the Mughal Empire and the first Mughal emperor, but he did not build the Taj Mahal. He is known for establishing the Mughal dynasty in India.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect because Shah Jahan is the historical figure who commissioned the Taj Mahal.
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