Q. Consider the following statements:

1. In India, the architectural technique of building ‘arch’ and ‘dome’ was used on a large scale by the Turks for the first time.
2. The architectural features of 'arch' and 'dome' are Arab inventions.

Which of the above is / are correct?
Answer: Only 1
Notes: When the Turks first arrived in India, they had neither time nor skilled artisans to immediately start construction of buildings reminiscent of Persian/Central Asia traditions. They, at first, converted some temples and other existing buildings into mosques. For decorations, they used floral designs and verses from Quran. Soon, the Turks started constructing their own buildings. In their buildings, the Turks used the arch and dome on a wide scale. So, the statement 1 is correct. The arch and the dome were known to the Indians earlier, but they were not used on a large scale. Neither the arch nor the dome was a Turkish or Muslim invention. The Arabs borrowed them from the Rome through the Byzantine Empire, developed them and made them their own. So, statement 2 is incorrect. Using arch and dome gave them a number of advantages. Arch and dome dispensed with the need to have a large number of pillars to support the roof and enabled the construction of large halls with a clear view.