Forts & Palaces — Set 10

Correct Answer: A. Built by a banjara tribe during Maharana Lakha's reign

Lake Pichola was created artificially in 1362 AD by a banjara (nomadic trader) named Picchu Banjara during the reign of Maharana Lakha of Mewar. The dam was built across a stream and the lake gradually filled up. Later, Maharana Udai Singh II expanded the lake when he founded Udaipur in 1559 AD. The lake now has two palace islands - Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) and Jag Mandir.

Correct Answer: B. Kumbhalgarh Fort

Badal Mahal (Cloud Palace) is a famous section of Kumbhalgarh Fort. It is so named because the palace is so high up in the Aravalli Hills that it is often shrouded in mist and clouds. The palace has beautiful paintings depicting the life and exploits of the Mewar rulers. The fort's height makes it cooler than the surrounding plains and the clouds often wrap around the battlements.

Correct Answer: B. Jaipur

Chomu Palace (Chomu Garh) is located in Chomu town in Jaipur district of Rajasthan. It is a magnificent palace fort built in the 18th century by the Thakur of Chomu. The palace has been converted into a heritage hotel. It features beautiful architecture, frescoes, and is surrounded by manicured gardens.

Correct Answer: D. Maharana Jagat Singh I

Jag Mandir Palace was primarily built by Maharana Jagat Singh I of Mewar in the 17th century, though construction was started by Maharana Amar Singh. The palace is located on an island in Lake Pichola, Udaipur. Mughal prince Khurram (later Emperor Shah Jahan) took refuge here during his revolt against his father Jahangir. Today the palace serves as a hotel and event venue.

Correct Answer: B. It was never captured despite many attempts

The unique feature of Lohagarh Fort in Bharatpur is that it was never captured despite numerous attempts, including multiple British campaigns in the early 19th century. The fort has earthen ramparts that effectively absorbed cannon fire. The British suffered heavy casualties (around 3,000 men) during the Siege of Bharatpur in 1805. The fort's name 'Lohagarh' means 'Iron Fort', symbolizing its impregnable nature.

Correct Answer: A. Akbar

Ajmer Fort (also known as Daulat Khana or the Magazine) was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1570 AD as a royal treasury and arsenal. The fort was constructed from the red sandstone of the region. It was from Ajmer that Akbar launched many of his Rajput campaigns. The fort today houses a government museum. It is also called 'Akbar Ka Qila'.

Correct Answer: B. Abhaneri

Chand Baori is located in Abhaneri village in Dausa district of Rajasthan. It was built by King Chanda of the Nikumbha dynasty around the 8th-9th century AD. The stepwell has approximately 3,500 steps arranged in a highly geometric pattern over 13 storeys. It is one of the largest and deepest stepwells in the world and descends about 30 metres to the water below.

Correct Answer: A. Barmer

Siwana Fort is located in Barmer district of Rajasthan. It was an important fort in the medieval Marwar region and was a stronghold of the Rajput rulers. The fort was besieged multiple times including by Alauddin Khilji. The area around Siwana is part of the vast Thar Desert and has its own cultural significance in the history of Rajasthan.

Correct Answer: B. City Palace Jaipur complex

The famous Govind Dev Ji Temple is located within the City Palace complex in Jaipur. The deity (idol of Lord Krishna as Govind Dev Ji) was brought from Vrindavan to Jaipur by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in the 18th century for its safety. The temple attracts lakhs of devotees throughout the year. Six aartis (prayer ceremonies) are held daily at this temple.

Correct Answer: B. Nag Pahar Fort

Nag Pahar (Snake Mountain) is an ancient hill and fort near Pushkar and Ajmer in Rajasthan. The hill separates Pushkar from Ajmer and is associated with various legends. There are ancient temples on the hill. The area is considered sacred by both Hindus (due to Pushkar's Brahma Temple) and Muslims (due to Ajmer's Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti).