Forts & Palaces — Set 3

Correct Answer: C. Chittorgarh Fort

The Vijay Stambha (Tower of Victory) is located in Chittorgarh Fort and was built by Rana Kumbha in the 15th century to commemorate his victory over the combined armies of Malwa and Gujarat. It is 37 metres tall and has nine storeys. The tower is a masterpiece of medieval Rajput architecture adorned with intricate carvings. It is considered one of the finest examples of medieval Indian architecture.

Correct Answer: C. Chittorgarh Fort

Chittorgarh Fort is historically known as the 'Key to Rajputana' due to its strategic importance in controlling the region. It was the capital of the Mewar kingdom and withstood numerous sieges. The fort covers an area of about 700 acres and stands on a hill 180 metres above the plains. It witnessed three major Jauhar incidents in its history.

Correct Answer: C. Bharatpur

Laxmi Vilas Palace is located in Bharatpur, Rajasthan. It was built in the Indo-Saracenic architectural style. Bharatpur is also famous for the Lohagarh Fort, which is considered one of the most impregnable forts and was never captured by the British despite several attempts. The city is known as the 'Eastern gateway of Rajasthan'.

Correct Answer: B. Akbar

Mughal Emperor Akbar attacked Chittorgarh Fort in 1567-68 AD, leading to the second major Jauhar (self-immolation) of the fort's women. The Rajput defenders, led by Jaimal and Patta, fought valiantly but were defeated. Around 8,000 Rajput warriors died in the battle. Akbar later built the Buland Darwaza at Fatehpur Sikri partly to commemorate this victory.

Correct Answer: B. Edinburgh Castle

Moti Doongri Palace in Jaipur resembles Edinburgh Castle in Scotland. It is situated on a small hill near the Lakshmi Narayan Temple. The palace was formerly the residence of the Jaipur royal family. Today the palace is not open to the public but is part of the Jaipur royal estate.

Correct Answer: C. Jainism

The Kirti Stambha (Tower of Fame) in Chittorgarh Fort is dedicated to Jainism and specifically to Adinatha, the first Tirthankara. It was built by a Jain merchant Jijaji Kachawa in the 12th century. The tower is about 22 metres tall and is older than the Vijay Stambha. It is decorated with Jain figures and inscriptions from the Jain scriptures.

Correct Answer: A. Largest cannon in Asia

Jaigarh Fort is famous for having the Jaivana cannon, which is the largest wheeled cannon in the world. The cannon has a barrel of 6.15 metres and was manufactured in 1720 AD. It was supposedly fired only once during testing and the cannonball landed several kilometres away creating a small lake. The fort was used as a treasury by the Jaipur royal family.

Correct Answer: C. Kumbhalgarh Fort

Kumbhalgarh Fort was built by Rana Kumbha, the powerful ruler of the Mewar dynasty, in the 15th century (around 1458 AD). Rana Kumbha was a great patron of arts and architecture and built 32 forts in Rajasthan in total. Kumbhalgarh served as the second capital of the Mewar kingdom. The fort is situated in the Aravalli Hills at an altitude of 1,100 metres.

Correct Answer: B. Jaipur

Samode Palace is located about 42 kilometres north of Jaipur near the village of Samode in Rajasthan. It was the residence of the Rawal of Samode and has now been converted into a heritage hotel. The palace features beautiful sheesh mahal (mirror work) and fresco paintings. It is a popular venue for destination weddings and a classic example of Rajput architecture.

Correct Answer: B. City Palace Udaipur

Udaipur city, including its City Palace, is famously called the 'Venice of the East' due to its numerous lakes and picturesque waterfront palaces. The City Palace of Udaipur is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, built over four centuries by the Mewar rulers. It overlooks Lake Pichola and is a stunning example of Rajput architecture. The city's romantic lakeside setting draws millions of tourists each year.