The Taj Mahal (Agra, India — 1653) — Questions and answers
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What is the Taj Mahal primarily known for?
Choices
- A. Being a giant white marble mountain.
- B. A secret treasure chest for emperors.
- C. A symbol of eternal love built for a wife. ✓
- D. A school for architects.
Answer: C. A symbol of eternal love built for a wife.
From page 1
What did young Prince Khurram (Shah Jahan) learn about materials in the market?
Choices
- A. That all gemstones are very cheap.
- B. That only the finest materials create lasting beauty. ✓
- C. That he should sell his own gemstones.
- D. That diamonds are the best for making toys.
Answer: B. That only the finest materials create lasting beauty.
From page 2
What important architectural principle did Ustad Ahmad Lahauri teach Prince Khurram?
Choices
- A. How to paint beautiful pictures.
- B. How to find hidden treasure.
- C. The principles of symmetry and perfect proportions. ✓
- D. How to build a bridge across a river.
Answer: C. The principles of symmetry and perfect proportions.
From page 3
Why did Shah Jahan decide to build a magnificent monument?
Choices
- A. Because he won a big contest.
- B. To remember his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, after she passed away. ✓
- C. To show off how many stones he had.
- D. To give his children a giant playhouse.
Answer: B. To remember his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, after she passed away.
From page 4
Where did Shah Jahan's helpers go to get the white marble for the Taj Mahal?
Choices
- A. To a nearby forest.
- B. To the ocean.
- C. To Makrana, Rajasthan. ✓
- D. To the emperor's backyard.
Answer: C. To Makrana, Rajasthan.
From page 5
How did Shah Jahan want the Yamuna River to contribute to the Taj Mahal's beauty?
Choices
- A. By using its water to clean the marble.
- B. By having the monument's reflection shimmer in the water. ✓
- C. By building a boat race track on it.
- D. By using its banks for a new market.
Answer: B. By having the monument's reflection shimmer in the water.
From page 6
What kinds of decorations did skilled artists add to the Taj Mahal?
Choices
- A. Giant statues of animals.
- B. Verses from the Quran and intricate floral patterns. ✓
- C. Pictures of the emperor's family.
- D. Brightly colored flags.
Answer: B. Verses from the Quran and intricate floral patterns.
From page 7
How did Shah Jahan want the gardens around the Taj Mahal to look?
Choices
- A. Like a big, empty field for playing.
- B. Like a busy market with many shops.
- C. Like a paradise on earth with water channels and fountains. ✓
- D. Like a mountain range with tall trees.
Answer: C. Like a paradise on earth with water channels and fountains.
From page 8
What did Shah Jahan declare the Taj Mahal to be a symbol of when it was finished?
Choices
- A. His great wealth.
- B. A new kingdom.
- C. Their eternal love. ✓
- D. His power over his enemies.
Answer: C. Their eternal love.
From page 9
What does the Taj Mahal continue to inspire in people around the world today?
Choices
- A. How to build new roads.
- B. New ways to bake cakes.
- C. Love and architectural brilliance. ✓
- D. Different types of sports.
Answer: C. Love and architectural brilliance.
From page 10