Mosques & Churches — Set 4

Correct Answer: C. Shah Jahan

• **Shah Jahan** = The Mughal emperor Shah Jahan commissioned the construction of the Jama Masjid in Delhi. • **1644** — The construction of the Jama Masjid began in 1644 and was completed in 1656. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Akbar: Akbar built Fatehpur Sikri and many forts, but not Jama Masjid; Jahangir: Jahangir focused more on art and gardens; Aurangzeb: Aurangzeb built the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore but not the Jama Masjid in Delhi.

Correct Answer: B. Goa

• **Goa** = The Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is located in Old Goa. • **16th-century** — This structure is a significant example of Baroque architecture in India. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Kerala: Kerala has many historic churches but not this specific basilica; Tamil Nadu: Tamil Nadu is known for its temples and San Thome Basilica; Karnataka: Karnataka has diverse architecture but not this prominent Goan basilica.

Correct Answer: A. Makkah Masjid

• **Makkah Masjid** = Located in Hyderabad, Makkah Masjid is considered one of the largest mosques in India. • **10,000** — The main hall of Makkah Masjid can accommodate approximately 10,000 worshippers at once. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Jama Masjid: There are many Jama Masjids, but the one in Delhi is not the second largest in India, and it's not in Hyderabad; Toli Masjid: Toli Masjid is also in Hyderabad but is smaller; Spanish Mosque: Spanish Mosque is in Hyderabad but is known for its unique Moorish style, not its size.

Correct Answer: C. Kolkata

• **Kolkata** = St. Paul's Cathedral, an example of Indo-Gothic architecture, is located in Kolkata. • **1847** — The construction of St. Paul's Cathedral was completed in 1847, making it a significant historical landmark. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Mumbai: Mumbai has its own significant churches, but not St. Paul's Cathedral; Chennai: Chennai is home to San Thome Basilica; New Delhi: New Delhi has prominent churches like the Cathedral Church of the Redemption, but not St. Paul's Cathedral.

Correct Answer: C. Qutb-ud-din Aibak

• **Qutb-ud-din Aibak** = Qutb-ud-din Aibak commissioned the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, Delhi's first major Islamic structure. • **12th century** — The mosque was built in the late 12th century, marking the beginning of Indo-Islamic architecture in Delhi. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Iltutmish: Iltutmish expanded the Qutb Minar complex but did not build the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque; Alauddin Khalji: Alauddin Khalji added to the complex with the Alai Darwaza but was not the original builder of the mosque; Balban: Balban was a later Sultan and his constructions were different.

Correct Answer: B. Mumbai

• **Mumbai** = The Haji Ali Dargah, a mosque and tomb built on an islet, is located off the coast of Mumbai. • **1431** — The Dargah was built in 1431 in memory of the wealthy Muslim merchant Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Surat: Surat is a port city but not home to Haji Ali Dargah; Kochi: Kochi has St. Francis Church and other historical sites; Mangaluru: Mangaluru has its own religious sites but not this famous Dargah.

Correct Answer: B. Portuguese-Manueline

• **Portuguese-Manueline** = The Se Cathedral in Old Goa is predominantly built in the Portuguese-Manueline architectural style. • **largest church** — It is renowned as the largest church in Goa, reflecting significant Portuguese influence. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Gothic: Gothic architecture is characterized by pointed arches and flying buttresses, not the primary style here; Baroque: While Goa has Baroque elements (like Basilica of Bom Jesus), the Se Cathedral's exterior is distinctly Manueline; Neo-Classical: Neo-Classical emerged much later and is distinct from this colonial style.

Correct Answer: B. Hazratbal Shrine

• **Hazratbal Shrine** = The Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar is revered for housing the 'Moi-e-Muqaddas', a relic believed to be a hair of Prophet Muhammad. • **Dal Lake** — The shrine is beautifully situated on the northern banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Jamia Masjid: Srinagar's Jamia Masjid is an important mosque but doesn't house this specific relic; Khanqah-e-Moula: This shrine is also in Srinagar but is not known for Prophet Muhammad's hair relic; Pathar Masjid: Pathar Masjid is a historic mosque in Srinagar but does not hold this sacred relic.

Correct Answer: A. Mysuru

• **Mysuru** = St. Philomena's Church, known for its Neo-Gothic style, is located in Mysuru, Karnataka. • **1936** — The construction of this grand church, inspired by Cologne Cathedral, was completed in 1936. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Kochi: Kochi has St. Francis Church and Santa Cruz Basilica; Bengaluru: Bengaluru has St. Mary's Basilica; Puducherry: Puducherry has the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Correct Answer: C. Aibak Mosque

• **Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra** = Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra in Ajmer, also associated with 'Aibak Mosque', was commissioned by Qutb-ud-din Aibak. • **1192 AD** — This historic mosque, converted from a Sanskrit college, was built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak starting in 1192 AD. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Dargah Sharif: Dargah Sharif is the tomb of Moinuddin Chishti, not a mosque named Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra; Shah Jahan Mosque: Shah Jahan built structures like Jama Masjid, not this mosque in Ajmer; Akbari Mosque: Akbari Mosque is a different structure, not Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra.