Which mosque in Agra is considered to represent the Bengal style of architecture?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Nagina Masjid

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Mughal architecture in north India shows a mixture of Persian, Central Asian and regional Indian styles. Within this mix, certain buildings are known for imitating or reflecting the Bengal style, especially through curved roofs and specific decorative treatments. In Agra, there are several famous mosques, and competitive exams often ask which one is particularly associated with the Bengal style. Knowing this helps link art history to geography and tourism.


Given Data / Assumptions:

    The question focuses on mosques located in or associated with Agra.
    We are asked which mosque is considered to be of the Bengal style in Agra.
    Options are Nagina Masjid, Moti Masjid, Jama Masjid and Badshahi Masjid.
    Badshahi Masjid is primarily associated with Lahore, not Agra, but appears here as a distractor.


Concept / Approach:
The concept combines architectural history and location. The Nagina Masjid, also known as the Gem Mosque or Jewel Mosque, is a white marble mosque inside Agra Fort that is noted in many references for reflecting Bengal style features. While Moti Masjid (the Pearl Mosque) and Jama Masjid in Agra are important Mughal structures, they are not usually identified specifically as examples of the Bengal style. Badshahi Masjid, a grand later Mughal mosque, stands in Lahore. The approach therefore is to identify Nagina Masjid as the mosque in Agra connected with Bengal style architecture.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: List the mosques in and around Agra: Nagina Masjid and Moti Masjid are inside Agra Fort, Jama Masjid is in the city, and Badshahi Masjid is in Lahore.Step 2: Recall that Nagina Masjid is noted in exam guides as being built in the Bengal style within Agra Fort.Step 3: Recognise that Moti Masjid and Jama Masjid, though important, are not specifically labelled as examples of Bengal style.Step 4: Conclude that Nagina Masjid is the mosque in Agra considered to be of the Bengal style.


Verification / Alternative check:
Standard history and architecture references mention that Nagina Masjid was built by Shah Jahan and that some of its design elements echo the Bengal style, including curved roof forms associated with Bengal region temples and mosques. Badshahi Masjid is clearly identified as being in Lahore, Pakistan, which immediately rules it out for a question limited to Agra. Checking an authentic source about Agra Fort s internal structures will list Nagina Masjid separately from Moti Masjid and describe its unique style, confirming the exam key that it represents Bengal style in Agra.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Moti Masjid, the Pearl Mosque, is in Agra Fort but is famous mainly for its pure white marble and classical Mughal symmetry, not labelled as Bengal style in exam literature.
Jama Masjid in Agra is a large congregational mosque, but it is a more general example of Mughal architecture without special emphasis on Bengal style features.
Badshahi Masjid is located in Lahore and therefore is not an Agra mosque at all, making it incorrect both geographically and stylistically for this question.


Common Pitfalls:
Students often mix up Nagina Masjid and Moti Masjid because both are white marble mosques built by Shah Jahan in Agra Fort. Another trap is seeing the word Badshahi and thinking of a grand monument, without recalling that it is in Lahore. To avoid these confusions, one should remember a simple association: Nagina Masjid in Agra Fort is linked with Bengal style, Moti Masjid is the Pearl Mosque, and Badshahi Masjid belongs to Lahore, not Agra.


Final Answer:
The mosque in Agra that is considered to represent the Bengal style of architecture is the Nagina Masjid.

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion