1995 General Studies, all questions
UPSC Prelims 1995 · General Studies
Question 58: History and Culture
Which one of the following monuments has a dome which is said to be one of the largest in the world?
aTomb of Sher Shah, Sasaram
bJama Masjid, Delhi
cTomb of Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, Delhi
dGol Gumbaz, Bijapur
AnswerThe answer is (d).
Gol Gumbaz, the tomb of Muhammad Adil Shah of Bijapur, built in the 17th century, has a dome over a vast square hall, often ranked among the largest in the world and second only to St Peter's in Rome in area. The dome is about 44 metres across and has a whispering gallery. The domes at Sasaram and Delhi are much smaller. Remember: Gol Gumbaz, Bijapur.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Sher Shah's tomb at Sasaram is a fine octagonal tomb, but its dome is much smaller.
- (b) The Jama Masjid in Delhi has three modest domes; none rivals Bijapur's.
- (c) Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq's tomb is a small fortress-like building with a modest dome.
- (d) Right: Gol Gumbaz has one of the world's largest domes.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1995, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.