Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: Nagina Masjid
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Medieval Indian architecture shows a rich blend of regional styles. Agra, a major Mughal capital, contains several important mosques that display variations of Mughal and regional influences. Exam questions often ask which mosque in Agra is associated with the Bengal style to test understanding of architectural diversity and the spread of regional styles under the Mughals.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Bengal style in Islamic architecture is known for features such as curved cornices and specific dome and facade treatments. Within the Agra Fort complex, Nagina Masjid is a smaller private mosque which, in several exam references, is associated with architectural features linked to Bengal style influences. Moti Masjid is a larger, white marble mosque admired for its purity and is less connected with Bengal regional features. Jama Masjid in Agra is a grand congregational mosque, and Badshahi Masjid is a famous mosque in Lahore, not in Agra. Thus, Nagina Masjid is the best match for the question as framed in many competitive exam keys.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify which of the listed mosques are actually in Agra. Nagina Masjid, Moti Masjid, and Jama Masjid are in Agra, while Badshahi Masjid is in Lahore.
Step 2: Recall that the question specifically refers to Bengal style influences in Agra.
Step 3: Remember that Nagina Masjid is a smaller mosque within Agra Fort, often connected with regional stylistic features in exam oriented materials.
Step 4: Recognise that Moti Masjid is noted for its white marble purity and Jama Masjid for its large congregational space, rather than specifically for Bengal style.
Step 5: Select Nagina Masjid as the mosque considered to reflect Bengal style influences.
Verification / Alternative check:
Standard multiple choice compilations for Indian art and culture often include this question and list Nagina Masjid as the correct option. While detailed academic debate about exact stylistic labels may exist, for the purpose of competitive examinations Nagina Masjid is treated as the accepted answer that connects Agra with the Bengal style reference used in the question.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes choose Moti Masjid or Jama Masjid simply because they are more famous names. Another error is not realising that Badshahi Masjid is in Lahore and selecting it based on its popularity. The key to avoiding confusion is to remember that Nagina Masjid is the smaller, more specialised mosque in Agra Fort that exam sources associate with Bengal style influences.
Final Answer:
In Agra, the mosque considered to reflect the influence of the Bengal style of architecture is the Nagina Masjid.
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