NCERT Class 11 Art & Culture — Chapter 8: Some Aspects of Indo-Islamic Architecture

mcqeasy

Which of the following techniques is characterised by the use of repeated shapes without gaps or overlaps?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AInlay of semi-precious stones in marble
BIncision on plaster to create relief work
CMosaic designs created using small pieces of material
DPainting of floral motifs on stucco

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Solution

The correct option is Mosaic designs created using small pieces of material

Explanation

Indo-Islamic architecture is characterized by a distinct lack of human or animal representation in religious contexts. Instead, surface decoration relies heavily on three non-figurative elements: calligraphy, arabesque (vegetal motifs), and geometric patterns. Various techniques were employed to execute these designs, including stone carving, inlay work, and tiling.

Option Analysis

Mosaic designs created using small pieces of material is Correct. Tessellation refers to the technique of tiling a plane using one or more geometric shapes with no overlaps and no gaps. In the context of Indo-Islamic architecture, this term is specifically associated with mosaic designs created using small pieces of colored glass, stone, or ceramic tiles to form complex, repeating geometric patterns. This technique was widely used to decorate walls, domes, and floors.
Incision on plaster to create relief work is Incorrect. Incision on plaster to create relief work is generally referred to as incised plaster work or stucco. While it may depict geometric patterns, the technique of cutting into plaster is distinct from the assembly of small pieces found in tessellation.
Inlay of semi-precious stones in marble is Incorrect. The inlay of semi-precious stones (such as lapis lazuli, jasper, and onyx) into marble is technically known as Pietra Dura (or Parchin Kari). This technique became a hallmark of Mughal architecture, particularly visible in the Taj Mahal, but it is distinct from the mosaic tiling of tessellation.
Painting of floral motifs on stucco is Incorrect. Painting floral motifs on stucco is a form of mural decoration or arabesque painting. It involves applying pigment to a surface rather than assembling separate pieces of material.

Key Takeaway

Tessellation is the creation of geometric patterns through the arrangement of shapes (often via mosaic tiling) without gaps, whereas Pietra Dura is the specific technique of inlaying semi-precious stones into a hard stone base.

Your note

More from Chapter 8: Some Aspects of Indo-Islamic Architecture

Consider the following statements regarding the Gol Gumbad of Bijapur: 1. It was built by Muhammad Adil Shah as a mausoleum for himself. 2. The dome rests on a system of lintels and beams. 3. It lacks any acoustic features. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

hard

With reference to the Qutub Minar, consider the following statements: 1. It was built in the thirteenth century. 2. It stands at a height of over 500 feet. 3. It is a tapering tower divided into four storeys. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

Which of the following architectural features is not found in the Gol Gumbad at Bijapur?

medium

The Qibla Liwan of a mosque is best identified by its association with which functional aspect of worship?

easy

Consider the following statements regarding the decorative forms used in Indo-Islamic architecture: 1. The lotus bud fringe was used to decorate the underside of the arches. 2. The use of foliated arches was discontinued after the fifteenth century. 3. Pietra dura techniques were applied for surface decoration, particularly in the dado panels of walls. Which of the statements given above are correct?

medium

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The correct option is Mosaic designs created using small pieces of material

Explanation

Option Analysis

Mosaic designs created using small pieces of material is Correct. Tessellation refers to the technique of tiling a plane using one or more geometric shapes with no overlaps and no gaps. In the context of Indo-Islamic architecture, this term is specifically associated with mosaic designs created using small pieces of colored glass, stone, or ceramic tiles to form complex, repeating geometric patterns. This technique was widely used to decorate walls, domes, and floors.
Incision on plaster to create relief work is Incorrect. Incision on plaster to create relief work is generally referred to as incised plaster work or stucco. While it may depict geometric patterns, the technique of cutting into plaster is distinct from the assembly of small pieces found in tessellation.
Inlay of semi-precious stones in marble is Incorrect. The inlay of semi-precious stones (such as lapis lazuli, jasper, and onyx) into marble is technically known as Pietra Dura (or Parchin Kari). This technique became a hallmark of Mughal architecture, particularly visible in the Taj Mahal, but it is distinct from the mosaic tiling of tessellation.
Painting of floral motifs on stucco is Incorrect. Painting floral motifs on stucco is a form of mural decoration or arabesque painting. It involves applying pigment to a surface rather than assembling separate pieces of material.