With reference to the Qutub Minar, consider the following statements: 1. It is a tapering tower divided into five storeys built largely of red and buff sandstone. 2. It is circular in shape throughout all its storeys. 3. It features highly decorated balconies and bands of inscriptions intertwined with foliated designs. Which of the statements given above are correct?

The correct option is 1 and 3 only. Explanation The Qutub Minar is a quintessential example of early Indo-Islamic architecture, specifically representing the style of the Delhi Sultanate. Construction began under Qutb-ud-din Aibak and was continued by Iltutmish and Firoz Shah Tughlaq. It serves as a victory tower and a minaret attached to the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: The Qutub Minar is a tapering tower that stands approximately 72.5 meters high. It is divided into five distinct storeys. The first three storeys are constructed of red sandstone, while the fourth and fifth storeys (repaired and added by Firoz Shah Tughlaq) are made of marble and sandstone. Thus, it is largely built of red and buff sandstone. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: The plan of the tower is not circular throughout. The architectural treatment of the fluting (vertical grooves) varies across the storeys: - The first storey has alternating round and angular flutings. - The second storey has only round flutings. - The third storey has only angular flutings. Only the upper storeys are plain and circular. Therefore, the shape is not uniform across all levels. - Statement 3 is Correct: The tower is renowned for its intricate ornamentation. Each storey is separated by a projecting balcony supported by stone brackets decorated with a honeycomb design (muqarnas). The surface is embellished with bands of inscriptions containing verses from the Quran and foliated designs, showcasing a blend of Indian craftsmanship and Islamic artistic traditions. Key Takeaway: The Qutub Minar is characterized by its varying fluting patterns across its lower three storeys (alternating, round, and angular) and the use of red sandstone in the lower levels versus marble and sandstone in the upper levels.

With reference to the Qutub Minar, consider the following statements: 1. It is a tapering tower divided… - NCERT Class 11 Art & Culture MCQ

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

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With reference to the Qutub Minar, consider the following statements:

It is a tapering tower divided into five storeys built largely of red and buff sandstone.
It is circular in shape throughout all its storeys.
It features highly decorated balconies and bands of inscriptions intertwined with foliated designs.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT An Introduction to Indian Art · Page 6

Options

A1 and 3 only
B1 and 2 only
C2 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

The Qutub Minar is a quintessential example of early Indo-Islamic architecture, specifically representing the style of the Delhi Sultanate. Construction began under Qutb-ud-din Aibak and was continued by Iltutmish and Firoz Shah Tughlaq. It serves as a victory tower and a minaret attached to the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: The Qutub Minar is a tapering tower that stands approximately 72.5 meters high. It is divided into five distinct storeys. The first three storeys are constructed of red sandstone, while the fourth and fifth storeys (repaired and added by Firoz Shah Tughlaq) are made of marble and sandstone. Thus, it is largely built of red and buff sandstone.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The plan of the tower is not circular throughout. The architectural treatment of the fluting (vertical grooves) varies across the storeys:
- The first storey has alternating round and angular flutings.
- The second storey has only round flutings.
- The third storey has only angular flutings.
Only the upper storeys are plain and circular. Therefore, the shape is not uniform across all levels.
Statement 3 is Correct: The tower is renowned for its intricate ornamentation. Each storey is separated by a projecting balcony supported by stone brackets decorated with a honeycomb design (muqarnas). The surface is embellished with bands of inscriptions containing verses from the Quran and foliated designs, showcasing a blend of Indian craftsmanship and Islamic artistic traditions.

Key Takeaway: The Qutub Minar is characterized by its varying fluting patterns across its lower three storeys (alternating, round, and angular) and the use of red sandstone in the lower levels versus marble and sandstone in the upper levels.

Your note

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

Consider the following statements regarding the Taj Mahal: 1. It was built by Jahangir for his wife Nur Jahan. 2. It took nearly twenty years to complete. 3. It involved 20,000 specialised workers. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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Which of the following materials was not typically used for the pietra dura inlay work in the Taj Mahal?

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What does the term 'Pietra dura' refer to in the context of Mughal architecture?

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With reference to the provincial styles of Indo-Islamic architecture, consider the following statements regarding the architecture of Gujarat: 1. It completely rejected regional temple traditions. 2. It is known for its exquisite stone carving and jali work. 3. The dargah of Shaikh Ahmad Khattu of Sarkhej is a prominent example of this style. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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