Within the Red Fort complex in Delhi, the Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) was built during the reign of which Mughal emperor?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Aurangzeb

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
The term 'Moti Masjid' (Pearl Mosque) is used for more than one mosque built by the Mughals, which can cause confusion in exam questions. There is a well known Moti Masjid within the Red Fort of Delhi and another in the Agra Fort. To answer correctly, it is important to distinguish between these structures and know which emperor built each one.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The question refers specifically to the Moti Masjid located in the Red Fort of Delhi.
  • The options list several Mughal emperors: Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb and Bahadur Shah I.
  • We must identify which emperor commissioned this particular mosque.
  • We should also recall that Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb both built notable mosques in different forts.


Concept / Approach:
The Moti Masjid inside the Agra Fort was built by Shah Jahan, whereas the Moti Masjid within the Red Fort of Delhi was built later, by his son Aurangzeb. Exam setters often use this distinction to test detailed knowledge of Mughal architecture. If we remember that Aurangzeb added the small, white marble mosque in the Red Fort complex, while Shah Jahan was responsible for the earlier Agra structure, we can pick the correct emperor for this question.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: Clarify that the question is about the Red Fort in Delhi, not the Agra Fort. Step 2: Recall that Shah Jahan built many grand structures, including the Taj Mahal and a Moti Masjid in Agra Fort, but not the Moti Masjid in Delhi. Step 3: Remember that Aurangzeb, his successor, constructed a smaller but elegant Moti Masjid inside the Red Fort complex in Delhi for his private worship. Step 4: Compare this information with the list of emperors in the options. Step 5: Select Aurangzeb as the correct answer.


Verification / Alternative check:
Architectural histories of the Red Fort identify the Moti Masjid there as a later addition built under Aurangzeb. They distinguish it clearly from the Agra Fort mosque of the same name built by Shah Jahan. Tourist guides, official archaeological descriptions and exam oriented reference books all maintain this distinction, confirming that Aurangzeb built the Moti Masjid inside Delhi's Red Fort.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Akbar: Renowned for earlier architectural works like Fatehpur Sikri, but not associated with any Moti Masjid.
  • Jahangir: Known more for gardens and paintings than for major mosques of this specific name.
  • Shah Jahan: Built the Moti Masjid in Agra Fort, not the one in the Red Fort at Delhi.
  • Bahadur Shah I: Ruled later and did not commission the Moti Masjid in the Red Fort.


Common Pitfalls:
The main confusion arises between Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb because both are linked to structures called Moti Masjid. A simple strategy is to remember: Shah Jahan – Moti Masjid in Agra Fort; Aurangzeb – Moti Masjid in Delhi's Red Fort. Fixing this pair in memory helps answer allied questions without hesitation.


Final Answer:
Correct answer: Aurangzeb.

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