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.

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?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

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 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?

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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 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

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.