Question

With respect to Mughal architecture what does the term Diwan-i- aam refer to?
A.Ceremonial halls of private audience
B.Ceremonial halls of general audience
C.Ceremonial halls of public audience
D.Ceremonial halls of divine audience

Answer 1

Hint:Mughals are known for their love for art and craft. During the Mughal reign in India, many architectural structures were constructed in India and in these structures specific places were constructed that were used to hear the public grievances.

Complete answer:
With respect to Mughal architecture, Diwan-i-aam refers to ceremonial halls of public audience.Diwan-i-aam is also known as a hall of audience. It is present within the Red fort situated in Delhi. This magnificent and large hall was used by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and his successors to hear the grievances of the general public of his kingdom. Through a balcony, Shah Jahan used to address the needs of the people . Diwan-i-aam consists of a front hall which is 100ft × 60ft and is divided into 27 square bays which support the arches. The hall is open on three sides and is backed by a set of rooms that are faced in red sandstone. This hall consisted of a large gold plated railing which acted as a barrier between the subjects of the emperor and the emperor himself. The alcove in the back wall is one of the significant features of the interiors of this hall. It is where the emperor used to sit and on special occasions the famous peacock throne was installed. The structure although is sandstone, it was originally covered with ivory polished overlay of shell plaster and artisans from Rajputana carried out the technical procedure.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).

Note:Diwan-i-aam constructed by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan is present at Red fort and it was the place for common people where their grievances were addressed by the Mughal emperor. This hall was also used for special occasions and for celebrations.