CHAPTER-6

MUSLIM ARCHITECTURE

• Q1: What do you know about the Rashidun Caliphate state?
  Ans:The Rashidun Caliphate was the first Islamic state after the death of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It was ruled by four rightly guided caliphs: Hazrat Abu Bakr, Umar, Usman, and Ali (R.A). It expanded Islam beyond Arabia and followed Islamic laws.
• Q2: Enlist the elements of Islamic Style.
  Ans:

  • ➔ Calligraphy
  • ➔ Geometric patterns
  • ➔ Arabesque (floral designs)
  • ➔ Domes
  • ➔ Arches
  • ➔ Minarets
• Q3: Define Mehrab.
  Ans:A Mehrab is a niche in the wall of a mosque that shows the direction of the Kaaba in Makkah, which Muslims face during prayer.
• Q4: Define sehan.
  Ans:A Sehan is an open courtyard in the middle of a mosque or building, often used for gathering and prayer.
• Q5: Define Calligraphy.
  Ans:Calligraphy is the art of beautiful handwriting, especially used in writing Quranic verses in Islamic architecture and decoration.
• Q6: What do you know about gardens?
  Ans:Islamic gardens were designed to show paradise on earth. They had flowing water, trees, flowers, and were divided into four parts, showing peace and beauty.
• Q7: Differentiate between Geometric patterns and Arabesque.
  Ans:

  Geometric patterns use shapes like squares, circles, and stars to create designs.

  Arabesque uses floral and plant-like patterns in a flowing style.

• Q8: What do you know about Islamic Architecture under the Mughals?
  Ans:Mughal architecture combined Islamic, Persian, and Indian styles. It used domes, minarets, marble, and detailed decoration. Famous buildings include mosques, tombs, and forts.
• Q9: Enlist 6 buildings by Mughals.
  Ans:

  • ➔ Badshahi Mosque
  • ➔ Lahore Fort
  • ➔ Sheesh Mahal
  • ➔ Jahangir’s Tomb
  • ➔ Nau-Lakha Pavilion
  • ➔ Taj Mahal
• Q10: Write a short note on Nau-Lakha Pavilion.
  Ans:The Nau-Lakha Pavilion is a beautiful white marble building in Lahore Fort. It was built by Shah Jahan and is famous for its rich decoration and unique design.
• Q11: What do you know about the Picture Wall and Elephant Path in Lahore Fort?
  Ans:The Picture Wall is a long wall decorated with colorful tiles and paintings. The Elephant Path is a wide staircase that was used for elephants to carry royal people into the fort.
• Q12: Write a short note on Alamgir Gate.
  Ans:The Alamgir Gate is the main entrance of Lahore Fort. It was built by Emperor Aurangzeb and is large and strong, showing Mughal strength and style.
• Q13: When and who added Daulat Khana into Lahore Fort?
  Ans:The Daulat Khana (Royal Residence) was added by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century when he rebuilt the Lahore Fort in red bricks.
• Q14: Write a short note on Sheesh Mahal.
  Ans:The Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors) is in Lahore Fort. It was built by Shah Jahan and is famous for its mirror work and beautiful decoration.
• Q15: Write a short note on the Tomb of Jahangir.
  Ans:The Tomb of Jahangir is in Shahdara, Lahore. It is the burial place of Mughal Emperor Jahangir and is decorated with marble and colorful stones.
• Q16: Describe the interior of the Tomb of Jahangir.
  Ans:The interior has a white marble grave with Quranic verses. The walls and floors are decorated with inlay work of stones and floral patterns.
• Q17: Write a short note on the construction of Badshahi Mosque.
  Ans:The Badshahi Mosque was built by Emperor Aurangzeb in 1673 in Lahore. It is made of red sandstone with white marble and is one of the largest mosques in the world.