Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
Who constructed a mausoleum for her emperor husband?
Solution & Analysis
Answer: B
Concept
While the Taj Mahal is the most famous memorial built for a spouse, it was preceded by Humayun’s Tomb, a project led by his widow. This set the standard for the grand Mughal garden-tomb style.Explanation
Haji Begum (also known as Bega Begum), the senior widow of Humayun, commissioned his mausoleum in Delhi around 1565–1572. It was designed by the Persian architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyas and was the first major garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent.Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Haji Begum stayed in a tent on the site for years to personally supervise the construction, highlighting her devotion.
Logic 2: The structure is a UNESCO World Heritage site and served as the direct architectural inspiration for the Taj Mahal built a century later.