Correct option is B
Ans. (b) Taj Mahal
Sol. The Taj Mahal, one of the most iconic Mughal monuments, was designed by Ustad Ahmad Lahori and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, it stands as a masterpiece of Mughal architecture, combining Persian, Indian, and Islamic architectural elements. The Taj Mahal is made of white marble and is renowned for its symmetry, intricate carvings, and exquisite calligraphy.
Information Booster:
- Construction began in 1632 and was completed in 1648.
- The complex includes a mosque, gardens, and a guesthouse along the Yamuna River.
- The dome rises to a height of 73 meters (240 feet).
- It is built using Makrana marble from Rajasthan.
- The walls are decorated with inlay work using semi-precious stones like jasper, turquoise, and lapis lazuli.
- The Taj Mahal changes color depending on the time of day due to light reflection.
- It attracts millions of visitors annually and is considered a symbol of love.
Additional Information:
- (a) Red Fort – Built by Shah Jahan in Delhi, served as the Mughal capital, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (declared in 2007).
- (c) Agra Fort – Built by Emperor Akbar in Agra, another UNESCO site (declared in 1983) known for its red sandstone construction.
- (d) Humayun’s Tomb – Built in Delhi by Empress Bega Begum for Emperor Humayun; a precursor to Mughal architecture, also a UNESCO site (declared in 1993).