Question

With respect of Mughal architecture, what does the term ‘chihil sutun’ refer to?
A. The throne of the king
B. Forty- pillared halls
C. Abode of the divine
D. Sanctum sanctorum

Answer 1

Hint:
Mughal architecture is a type of Indo-Islamic architecture developed by Mughals in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries during their ever-changing sphere of empire in the Indian subcontinent. it developed the styles of previous Muslim dynasties in India as a mixture of Islamic, Persian, Turkish and Indian architecture.

Complete step by step solution:
The Mughal dynasty was founded after Babur's victory at Panipat in 1526. During the five years of his reign, Babur showed great interest in building construction, although only a few survived. His grandson, Akbar, built extensively and his style developed rapidly during his reign. His accomplishments include Agra Fort, the fortress town of Fatehpur Sikri, and Buland Darwaza. Akbar's son Jahangir was assigned to Shalimar Park in Kashmir.


Chihil Sutun means "Forty Columns" in Persian. Public and private public ceremonial spaces (Diwan-i-aam or Diwan-i-khas) were also referred to as Chihil-Sutun or forty pillar rooms in a large courtyard. The proportions of this hall, the columns, and the engraved arches indicate a high aesthetic and fine craftsmanship. With an impressive facade of nine engraved curved openings, the hall was decorated with gilded and white plaster-chunam shells.

Hence, the correct answer is option B.

Note:
 Mughal architecture reached its peak during the reign of Shah Jahan, who built the Taj Mahal, Jama Masjid, Shalimar Park in Lahore and Wazir Khan Mosque, and rebuilt the Lahore Fort. The last great Mughal architect was Aurangzeb, who built the Badshahi Mosque.