48th-52nd BPSC (Pre) 2008

Evolution of Mughal Marble Style

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Itmad-ud-Daula's tomb at Agra was built by-

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept This tomb marks a revolutionary shift in Mughal architecture—the transition from red sandstone to pure white marble and the introduction of delicate gemstone inlays.

Explanation The tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah (Mirza Ghiyas Beg) was built by his daughter, Empress Nur Jahan, between 1622 and 1628. It is the first Mughal structure to be built entirely of white marble and the first to feature Pietra Dura (stone inlay) on a large scale.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Mirza Ghiyas Beg was the father of Nur Jahan and the Prime Minister of Jahangir, making this a highly personal family project.
Logic 2: Because of its architectural features and scale, it is affectionately known as the 'Baby Taj' or the 'Draft of the Taj Mahal'.

Active Recall

Question

What is Pietra Dura?

Answer

It is a decorative art technique of inlaying polished colored gemstones into white marble to create floral or geometric patterns.

Core Insight

The Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daula symbolizes the peak of Nur Jahan's power, as she used the imperial treasury to build the most sophisticated tomb of its era for her family.