Forts & Palaces — Set 4

Correct Answer: B. 1459 AD

Mehrangarh Fort was built by Rao Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur, in 1459 AD. The fort name means 'Majestic Fort' (Mihira = sun, Garh = fort). The foundation stone was laid on the day Rao Jodha moved his capital from Mandore to Jodhpur. The fort stands on a steep rocky hill and its walls rise up to 36 metres in height.

Correct Answer: B. Umaid Bhawan Palace

Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur was built between 1929 and 1943 and today serves partly as a luxury hotel. It was constructed during the reign of Maharaja Umaid Singh as a famine relief project to provide employment. The palace has 347 rooms and is managed partly by the Taj Hotels group. It is ranked among the best hotels in the world.

Correct Answer: A. Kota Fort

Kota Fort (also called Garh Palace) is located on the banks of the Chambal River in Kota, Rajasthan. It was built by the rulers of Kota state and later expanded by subsequent rulers. The fort complex contains several palaces including the Raj Mahal and the Bada Mahal. Kota is an important industrial and educational city of Rajasthan.

Correct Answer: C. 17th century

The Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) in Amber Fort was built in the 17th century by Mirza Raja Jai Singh. It is located within the Jai Mandir (Hall of Victory) section of the fort. The walls and ceiling of the hall are decorated with thousands of tiny mirrors and glass work. A single candle can light up the entire hall due to the reflection of mirrors.

Correct Answer: B. Bundi school of paintings and murals

Bundi Palace (Taragarh Fort area) is famous for the Bundi school of paintings and intricate murals that adorn its walls. The palace has a famous 'Chitrashala' (gallery of paintings) with beautiful murals depicting hunting scenes, festivals, and court life. The Bundi school of paintings is a sub-school of the Rajput school and is known for its use of blue and green colors. The palace also features beautiful stepwells called 'baoris'.

Correct Answer: B. A fort near Mount Abu built by Rana Kumbha

Achalgarh Fort is located near Mount Abu in the Sirohi district of Rajasthan. It was rebuilt by Rana Kumbha in 1452 AD on the site of an older fort. The fort area also contains the Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple, which is one of the important Shiva temples in Rajasthan. Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan and the fort offers scenic views of the area.

Correct Answer: A. Rawal Jaisal

Jaisalmer Fort was built by Rawal Jaisal of the Bhati Rajput clan in 1156 AD. The fort is built on Trikuta Hill and covers an area of about 4.5 square kilometres. It is one of the largest forts in the world and one of the few living forts where people still reside. The fort contains palaces, temples, and residences within its massive walls.

Correct Answer: C. Blend of Rajput and Mughal styles

Amber Fort exhibits a beautiful blend of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles. This fusion occurred because Raja Man Singh I, who started its construction, was a general in Akbar's Mughal army. The fort features Rajput elements like multiple courtyards, jaalis (lattice screens), and chhatris alongside Mughal elements like arched gateways and water channels. This synthesis makes it a unique example of syncretic architecture.

Correct Answer: B. Alwar

Neemrana Fort Palace is located in Alwar district of Rajasthan, about 122 kilometres from Delhi. It was built in 1464 AD by the Chauhan Rajput rulers. The fort has been converted into one of India's first heritage hotels and offers a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. It is a popular weekend destination for people from Delhi.

Correct Answer: B. Sabha Niwas

The Diwan-e-Aam in City Palace Jaipur is also known as Sabha Niwas (Hall of Public Audience). It was used by the Maharajas of Jaipur to meet members of the public and hold public court. The hall features beautiful peacock-shaped gates. The City Palace complex also includes Mubarak Mahal, Chandra Mahal, and the Diwan-e-Khas (Sarvato Bhadra).