In which one of the following buildings the first extant true arch is found?
- A.Arhai din ka Jhonpra
- B.Quwwat ul Islam Mosque
- C.Tomb of Sultan Balban
- D.Alai Darwaza
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is C, Tomb of Sultan Balban. The tomb in Mehrauli, Delhi, built in the late 13th century, has the earliest surviving true arch in India.
A true arch is built from wedge-shaped stones (voussoirs) held in place by a keystone at the top, so it spreads weight sideways. Earlier Indian builders used corbelling, laying stones in steps that jut out until they meet. Balban's tomb, now in ruins, is the first building in India where a true arch still survives, and the Alai Darwaza of 1311 then gave the first true dome as well.
A is wrong: the Adhai Din ka Jhonpra at Ajmer has arched screens made by corbelling, not true arches.
B is wrong: the arches of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque screen in Delhi are also corbelled.
D is wrong: the Alai Darwaza (1311) of Alauddin Khalji is famous for the first true dome and has true arches, but it came after Balban's tomb.
Exam tip: first true arch = Balban's tomb; first true dome = Alai Darwaza; corbelled arches = Quwwat-ul-Islam and Adhai Din ka Jhonpra.
Practice Questions
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