Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Fine Arts

Chapter

The Bengal School and Cultural Nationalism

Question:

Which famous Indian monuments were designed by Ustad Ahmed?

Options:

Red Fort and Jama Masjid in Delhi

Hawa Mahal and Qutub Minar

Charminar and Golconda Fort

Taj Mahal and Humayun's Tomb

Correct Answer:

Red Fort and Jama Masjid in Delhi

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option 1- Red Fort and Jama Masjid in Delhi

Ustad Ahmed, a chief architect and predecessor of Chughtai, designed the Red Fort, Taj Mahal and Jama Masjid in Delhi.

"Radhika" is a wash and tempera painting made on paper by Abdul Rehman Chughtai (1899 –1975). He was a descendant of Ustad Ahmed, the chief architect of Shahjahan. He was also the designer of the Jama Masjid and Red Fort in Delhi and Taj Mahal in Agra. He was influenced by Abanindranath Tagore, Gaganendranath Tagore and Nandalal Bose. Chughtai experimented with wash technique and infused a distinct character of calligraphic line, typical in Mughal manuscripts and old Persian paintings. It gives a deeper sensuous quality to his paintings. In this painting, Radhika is portrayed walking away from a lighted lamp in a gloomy background as if in a state of trance or remorse. The subject is based on Hindu mythology. He also painted characters from legends, folklore and history of the Indo-Islamic, Rajput and Mughal world. The light and shade of the background represent the finest heights of simplification. Chughtai had stylistic affinities with renowned Chinese and Japanese masters. The character is drawn gracefully, with a lyrical quality of calligraphy in every line. It is as if a poem finds visual form. Other works, which carry these poetic qualities, are Gloomy Radhika, Omar Khayyam, Dream, Hiraman Tota, Lady under a Tree, Musician Lady, Man behind a Tomb, Lady beside a Grave and Lady lighting a Lamp.