Forts & Palaces — Set 5

Correct Answer: C. Ranthambore Fort

Ranthambore Fort is situated inside the Ranthambore National Park, which is a famous tiger reserve in Rajasthan. The fort is accessible through the forest and visitors can see wildlife including tigers on the way. The fort itself was built by the Chahamana kings in the 10th century. It contains three Hindu temples dedicated to Ganesh, Shiva, and Ramlalaji.

Correct Answer: B. As a pleasure chamber for entertainment

Phool Mahal (Flower Palace) inside Mehrangarh Fort was built as a pleasure chamber for entertainment and private audiences. It is the oldest and most opulent room in the fort, built by Maharaja Abhay Singh in the 18th century. The hall has an exquisite painted ceiling with gold foil work and is decorated with a large glass chandelier. It was used by the Maharajas for their personal enjoyment and entertainment.

Correct Answer: B. Red sandstone and marble

Junagarh Fort in Bikaner is primarily built from red sandstone and marble. The fort was constructed by Raja Rai Singh between 1589 and 1594 AD. Despite being built on flat ground without any natural defensive advantage, the fort was never conquered. It has 37 bastions, 2 gateways and several palaces known for their beautiful carvings and decorations.

Correct Answer: B. Berach

The Berach River flows near the base of Chittorgarh Fort in the Mewar region of Rajasthan. The fort is built on a massive rocky plateau rising 180 metres above the surrounding plains. The fort has several reservoirs and ponds within its complex for water storage. Chittorgarh Fort is the largest fort in India covering an area of about 700 acres.

Correct Answer: C. Mehrangarh Fort

Jai Pol is the main entrance gate of Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur. It was built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1806 AD to commemorate his victory over the armies of Jaipur and Bikaner. The gate has ornamental battlements and the approach road winds up the hill in a zig-zag pattern. Mehrangarh Fort has seven gates in total including Loha Pol (Iron Gate).

Correct Answer: B. Umaid Bhawan Palace

Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur was built between 1929 and 1943 as a famine relief work project to provide employment to thousands of citizens during a severe drought and famine. Maharaja Umaid Singh decided to construct the palace to give work to the distressed people. Around 3,000 workers laboured for 15 years to build it. The palace became both a grand royal residence and a symbol of royal gratitude.

Correct Answer: B. Kumbhalgarh Fort

Lokendra Sagar lake (also known as the Kumbhal Sagar) is situated near Kumbhalgarh Fort in Rajsamand district. The lake adds to the scenic beauty of the fort area. Kumbhalgarh fort itself is surrounded by a thick forest sanctuary called Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. The area is home to wolves, leopards, hyenas, and various bird species.

Correct Answer: B. Vidyadhar Bhattacharya

Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, a Bengali architect and scholar, designed the layout of Jaipur city and its City Palace complex for Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in the 18th century. He based the city plan on ancient Hindu architectural texts (Shilpa Shastra). Jaipur was one of the first planned cities in India. Vidyadhar Bhattacharya's design incorporated the grid pattern with wide streets and uniform architecture.

Correct Answer: D. Parsvanath Temple group

The Jaisalmer Fort contains a group of Jain temples dedicated to various Tirthankaras, of which the Parsvanath Temple (dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankara) is very famous. These temples were built between the 12th and 15th centuries. They are exquisitely carved from yellow sandstone and are considered masterpieces of Jain architecture. The temples contain a large library of ancient Jain manuscripts called 'Jain Gyan Bhandar'.

Correct Answer: C. Museum

The Zanana Mahal (women's palace) section of Mehrangarh Fort has been converted into a museum. The museum houses an impressive collection of royal artifacts including palanquins, royal cradles, miniature paintings, and musical instruments. Mehrangarh Museum is one of the best maintained palace museums in India. The museum was established in 1972 and is managed by the Mehrangarh Museum Trust.