Part of: Delhi Gk set 30

Which monument in Delhi was built by Emperor Shah Jahan?

Category: Delhi Gk

Hint: Consider the historical period and the known works of Emperor Shah Jahan.

Correct Answer: B) Jama Masjid.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

Understanding the historical context of the monuments in Delhi is crucial for identifying which ones were built by specific Mughal emperors. Emperor Shah Jahan, who ruled from 1628 to 1658, is known for several significant architectural projects, including the Taj Mahal in Agra and the Red Fort in Delhi. Among the monuments in Delhi, the Jama Masjid stands out as one of his major contributions.

Jama Masjid, also known as Masjid-i-Jahan-Numa, is a prominent mosque located in Old Delhi. It was commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan and completed in 1656. The mosque is known for its grand architecture, which is a blend of Persian, Indian, and Islamic styles. It is one of the largest mosques in India and can accommodate up to 25,000 worshippers at a time. The mosque is built on a high platform and is accessible by a series of steps. The construction of the mosque involved the labor of thousands of workers and utilized red sandstone and white marble.

Other monuments mentioned in the options are also significant but were built by different emperors or for different purposes. Nizamuddin Dargah is a Sufi shrine located in Delhi, but it was not built by Shah Jahan. It was constructed in the 14th century by Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya and his disciples. Fatehpur Sikri, a historical city and UNESCO World Heritage site, was built by Emperor Akbar, not Shah Jahan. It is located near Agra, not in Delhi. Akbar's Tomb, located in Sikandra, near Agra, was built by his son, Emperor Jahangir, not Shah Jahan.

Therefore, the correct answer is that the Jama Masjid in Delhi was built by Emperor Shah Jahan. This knowledge is essential for understanding the historical and architectural contributions of the Mughal emperors to the city of Delhi.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Nizamuddin Dargah is a Sufi shrine located in Delhi, but it was not built by Emperor Shah Jahan. It was constructed in the 14th century by Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya and his disciples.
  • Option B: Jama Masjid is the correct answer. It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the mid-17th century and is one of the largest mosques in India. The mosque is a significant example of Mughal architecture and is located in Old Delhi.
  • Option C: Fatehpur Sikri is a historical city and a UNESCO World Heritage site, but it was built by Emperor Akbar, not Shah Jahan. It is located near Agra, not in Delhi.
  • Option D: Akbar's Tomb is located in Sikandra, near Agra, and was built by his son, Emperor Jahangir, not Shah Jahan. It is a significant example of Mughal architecture but is not located in Delhi.

Mnemonic: Jama Masjid: J for Jahan

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