Question

Identify the structure.

• A. Taj Mahal
• B. Bibi Ka Maqbara
• C. Gol Gumbaz
• D. Fatehpur Sikri

Hint:

Visual identification questions for famous landmarks often test knowledge of subtle distinctions between historically or architecturally similar structures. For buildings like mausoleums, pay attention to:
\textbf{Scale and Proportion:} How large is it relative to surrounding elements? How do the dome and minarets compare in size to the main building?
\textbf{Materials:} Is it pure white marble, red sandstone, or a darker stone?
\textbf{Architectural Details:} Look at the shape of the dome, the design and tilt of the minarets, and the ornamentation. Bibi Ka Maqbara is a classic example that requires keen observation to differentiate it from the Taj Mahal, which served as its inspiration.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Observe the Architectural Style and Key Features
The image displays a prominent mausoleum featuring a large central dome, four slender minarets at its corners, and constructed primarily of white marble. The structure is situated within a sprawling formal garden, characterized by long reflecting pools and pathways lined with manicured trees and shrubs, typical of Mughal garden design. Step 2: Compare with Known Structures from the Given Options
Let's analyze each option based on its distinct characteristics and compare them to the structure in the image: A. Taj Mahal: The Taj Mahal, located in Agra, India, is a world-renowned white marble mausoleum. While it shares a very similar architectural blueprint (central dome, four minarets, reflecting pool, white marble construction), the structure in the image differs in scale and certain proportional details. The Taj Mahal is significantly grander, with perfectly vertical and typically detached minarets, and more intricate marble inlay work. The proportions of the dome and minarets relative to the main building in the image are slightly different from those of the Taj Mahal, and the minarets in the image appear to lean slightly outwards, a feature sometimes incorporated for stability.
B. Bibi Ka Maqbara: Situated in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India, Bibi Ka Maqbara is a mausoleum built in memory of Dilras Banu Begum, wife of Emperor Aurangzeb. It is famously known as the "Deccan's Taj" or "Poor Man's Taj" precisely because it was constructed to emulate the architectural style of the Taj Mahal but on a smaller scale and with less extensive use of pure marble (often using stucco for marble effect). The overall design, including the slightly less imposing scale and the specific proportions of the dome and minarets relative to the main structure, aligns perfectly with the visual characteristics of the building in the image.
C. Gol Gumbaz: This is a massive dome located in Bijapur, Karnataka, India, serving as the tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah. It is a distinctive structure made of dark grey basalt, characterized by its enormous hemispherical dome and octagonal turrets at the corners. Its overall form and construction material are entirely different from the white marble mausoleum depicted.
D. Fatehpur Sikri: Located near Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India, Fatehpur Sikri is an ancient city complex built by Emperor Akbar. It consists of various palaces, mosques (like the Jama Masjid with the Buland Darwaza), and other structures primarily built from red sandstone. It is an entire city complex, not a single white marble mausoleum, and its architectural style, while Mughal, is distinct in material and composition. Step 3: Conclude the Identification
Based on the detailed visual comparison, the structure in the image strongly matches the architectural features and common descriptions of Bibi Ka Maqbara, distinguishing it from the Taj Mahal by its scale and certain proportional aspects, and from Gol Gumbaz and Fatehpur Sikri by its material and form.