In which one of the following buildings is the first extant true arch found?
CAPF 2017
A. Arhai din ka Jhonpra
B. Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque
C. Tomb of Sultan Balban
D. Alai Darwaza
Answer: Tomb of Sultan Balban
Option c is the correct answer.
The tomb of Sultan Balban in Mehrauli, New Delhi, is the first structure to have a true dome and an arch in Indian architecture. A true arch is a curved structure that spans an opening and supports the weight above it by transferring the load to the posts or abutments at either end
Important Tips
Arhai din ka Jhonpra: This is a mosque in Ajmer, Rajasthan. It was built in 1199 CE by Qutub-ud-din Aibak. It has corbelled arches and domes, which are not true arches or domes.
Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque: This is a mosque in Delhi. It was built in 1193 CE by Qutub-ud-din Aibak. It has pointed arches and domes, which are not true arches or domes.
Alai Darwaza: This is a gateway in Delhi. It was built in 1311 CE by Alauddin Khalji. It has true arches and domes, but it is not the first structure to have them