Question

With respect to the Mughal architecture, what does the term ‘diwan-i-khas’ refer to?
$A)$ Ceremonial halls of private audiences
$B)$ Ceremonial halls of divine audiences
$C)$ Ceremonial halls of public audiences
$D)$ Ceremonial halls of public and private audiences

Answer 1

Hint: Mughal architecture is the form of Indo-Islamic architecture established by the Mughals in the $16th$, $17th$, and $18th$ centuries throughout the ever-changing scope of their empire in the Indian subcontinent. As an amalgamation of Islamic, Persian, Turkic, and Indian architecture, it evolved the styles of earlier Muslim regimes in India.

Complete answer:
The Diwan-i-Khas also referred to as the ceremonial hall for private audiences was a room in Delhi's Red Fort that was established in $1648$ as a welcome area. It was where Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan met courtiers and state guests. It was sometimes referred to as the Shah Mahal.

The ceiling was originally inlaid with silver and gold but was stripped bare by the Jats or Marathas during the empire's recurrent financial crises. The Stream of Paradise ran down the centre of the hall (Nahar-i-Bihish). The structure used to have red awnings, known as shamianas. The phrase of Amir Khusrou is carved over the corner-arches of the northern and southern walls below the cornice: "If there be a paradise on earth, it is this, it is this, it is this."

Following the Indian Rebellion of $1857$, the interior was extensively pillaged. The throne, carpets, and any other items were stolen. As a result, the hall is now simply a shell of what it once was. Recent restoration work has replaced the inlay panels and replicated the gilded pattern on one of the pillars facing the hall.

Thus the correct answer is option ‘C’.

Note: It is $90$ by $67$ feet in size. It is made up of a rectangular centre chamber encircled by arches rising from marble piers. The bottom elements of the piers have floral motifs inlaid into them, while the higher portions are painted and gilded. The roof's four corners are crowned by pillared chhatri.