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Question

Which Mughal Emperor is known for popularising pietra dura, or stone inlay technique, and the double dome in Indian architecture?

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2025 Tier 2 Paper 1 Question Paper (19-Jan-2026)
The correct answer is
Shah Jahan

The given question asks about the Mughal Emperor known for popularizing the pietra dura (stone inlay technique) and the double dome in Indian architecture.

Let's analyze the options one by one:

  1. Babur: The founder of the Mughal Empire in India, Babur was known more for his military conquests and establishing the empire rather than his contributions to architecture.
  2. Akbar: Akbar, one of the most famous Mughal emperors, did innovate in architecture by blending Persian, Indian, and Central Asian styles, but he wasn't specifically associated with the pietra dura technique or the double dome.
  3. Shah Jahan: Shah Jahan is the most renowned Mughal Emperor when it comes to architecture. He built many famous structures including the Taj Mahal, where pietra dura (stone inlay) was extensively used. The technique involves creating artwork by inlaying semi-precious stones into marble, which was prominently used in the Taj Mahal. He is also known for popularizing the use of the double dome, as seen in his constructions. Thus, Shah Jahan is the correct answer.
  4. Aurangzeb: Aurangzeb's reign was marked by military expansion and orthodox policies. His contributions to architecture were not as significant as Shah Jahan's.

Based on this analysis, the correct answer is Shah Jahan.

Conclusion: Shah Jahan is the Mughal Emperor known for popularizing the pietra dura, or stone inlay technique, and the double dome in Indian architecture, with the most famous example being the Taj Mahal.

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Similar Questions

  1. Which of the following Mughal emperors was responsible for the construction of the Red Fort in Delhi?
  2. Arrange the following historical structures in chronological order of their completion (earliest to latest):

    (a) Red Fort, Delhi
    (b) Jahangir Mahal, Orchha
    (c) Agra Fort (Akbar)

  3. Which of the following Mughal tombs deviates from the typical square 'hasht-bihisht' (eight-part) layout?

  4. The Taj Mahal was inspired by which famous monument?
  5. Read the below statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Mark the correct options:

    Assertion (A): Humayun's Tomb was the first major Mughal garden tomb and directly inspired the design of the Taj Mahal.

    Reason (R): It introduced the charbagh garden layout and double-domed mausoleum style that became characteristic of later Mughal architecture.

  6. What material were the double-storeyed gates of Purana Qila primarily built with?

  7. Consider the following statements about Mughal architecture:

    1. Mughal architecture is known for blending Persian, Islamic, Turkish, and Indian styles to create a unique Indo-Islamic aesthetic.
    2. Red sandstone and white marble were the two most commonly used materials in Mughal construction.


Important Questions from Mughal Architecture

  1. In which year did Emperor Akbar build the Buland Darwaja?

  2. Agra Fort was built by ________ .

  3. Who established the Fatehpur Sikri?

  4. Which of the following architectures has been built in the 'Charbagh' style?
  5. The Charminar was constructed by which of the following dynasties?

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