Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
Which monument cannot be attributed to Shahjahan's reign?
Solution & Analysis
Answer: B
Concept
Identifying the era of monuments requires distinguishing between the robust, transitional style of the Afghan/Early Mughal period and the delicate, marble-dominated peak of the Shah Jahani period.Explanation
Qila-i-Kuhna Masjid was built by Sher Shah Suri in 1541 at the Purana Qila in Delhi. It is a masterpiece of pre-Mughal Indo-Islamic style. In contrast, Moti Masjid (Agra), Jama Masjid (Delhi), and Rang Mahal (Red Fort) are all quintessential works of Shah Jahan from the 17th century.Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Sher Shah's work (1540s) predates Shah Jahan's reign (1628–1658) by nearly a century.
Logic 2: Shah Jahan's architecture is defined by the use of white marble and intricate Pietra Dura, whereas Qila-i-Kuhna is a red sandstone and marble structural marvel from the Suri dynasty.