Part of: Uttar Pradesh Gk set 12

Which monument is described as a 'Walled City'?

Category: Uttar Pradesh Gk

Hint: Consider the architectural features of the monument.

Correct Answer: C) Agra Fort.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The concept of a 'Walled City' refers to a fortified urban area that is enclosed by walls or fortifications. This type of urban planning was common in many historical cities, especially in regions where security and defense were paramount. Agra Fort, located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, is a prime example of a 'Walled City' due to its extensive fortifications and the complex of buildings within its walls.

Agra Fort was originally built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is renowned for its architectural grandeur and historical significance. The fort is surrounded by a massive wall that is over 2 kilometers in length and 20 meters in height. This wall is a defining feature of the fort and contributes to its classification as a 'Walled City'.

Within the walls of Agra Fort, there is a complex of buildings that includes palaces, mosques, and other structures. These buildings are arranged in a manner that reflects the urban planning of the time, with courtyards, gardens, and living quarters. The fort served as the residence of the Mughal emperors and was a center of political and cultural activities.

It is important to distinguish Agra Fort from other historical monuments in Agra, such as the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum and does not have the extensive fortifications and urban planning features that define a 'Walled City'. Similarly, Bada Imambada, also known as the Red Imambara, is a significant religious structure but lacks the extensive fortifications and urban planning that characterize a 'Walled City'.

Therefore, Agra Fort is correctly described as a 'Walled City' due to its massive walls and the complex of buildings within its walls, which reflect the urban planning and fortifications typical of such historical structures.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Taj Mahal is a famous mausoleum and not a 'Walled City'. It is a single structure and does not have the extensive fortifications that define a walled city.
  • Option B: Bada Imambada, also known as the Red Imambara, is a significant religious structure but is not described as a 'Walled City'. It lacks the extensive fortifications and urban planning features of a walled city.
  • Option C: Agra Fort is the correct answer. It is a historical fort with massive walls and a complex of buildings within, making it a 'Walled City'. The fort's extensive fortifications and urban planning justify this description.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect because Agra Fort is indeed described as a 'Walled City' due to its extensive fortifications and the urban planning within its walls.

Mnemonic: Agra Fort: A for "Agra" and "Fort", think "Walled City"

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