Who designed the famous monument Gol Gumbaz?

Introduction / Context:
Gol Gumbaz is one of the most prominent historical monuments in India, famous for its massive dome and whispering gallery. Exam questions on art and architecture frequently ask about the designers or architects of such monuments. This question focuses on identifying who designed Gol Gumbaz.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The monument in question is Gol Gumbaz.
• We must choose its designer from four historically known architects.
• The options include Ustad Ahmad of Lahouri, George Wittet, Henry Irwin, and Yaqut of Dabul.

Concept / Approach:
Gol Gumbaz, located in Bijapur in Karnataka, is the mausoleum of Mohammed Adil Shah of the Adil Shahi dynasty. Historical records credit its design to the architect Yaqut of Dabul. The other architects mentioned in the options are associated with different famous buildings, so recognising which monument each name belongs to is the key to answering correctly.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Gol Gumbaz is known for having one of the largest unsupported domes in the world and is a major Deccan era structure.Step 2: Remember that Yaqut of Dabul served as the architect responsible for designing this grand mausoleum.Step 3: Note that Ustad Ahmad of Lahouri is commonly linked with the design of the Taj Mahal and some other Mughal structures.Step 4: Recognise that George Wittet designed the Gateway of India and Henry Irwin was associated with certain colonial buildings in India.Step 5: Conclude that the designer of Gol Gumbaz is Yaqut of Dabul.

Verification / Alternative check:
Architecture references and historical descriptions of Gol Gumbaz consistently attribute its design to Yaqut of Dabul. In contrast, Ustad Ahmad is listed as architect of the Taj Mahal, George Wittet for the Gateway of India, and Henry Irwin for several Indo Saracenic style buildings. This clear matching of names and monuments confirms Yaqut of Dabul as the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Ustad Ahmad of Lahouri: Known primarily for the Taj Mahal and not associated with Gol Gumbaz.
George Wittet: Designed the Gateway of India in Mumbai, not Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur.
Henry Irwin: Associated with colonial era buildings such as the Mysore Palace and does not appear in historical records as designer of Gol Gumbaz.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates sometimes confuse famous architects and their works, especially in a long list of monuments and names. Because Ustad Ahmad of Lahouri and George Wittet are also well known, they may be chosen incorrectly. To avoid mistakes, it is helpful to build a small mental map linking each key architect with their most famous structure and to revise these pairings regularly for art and culture sections of competitive exams.

Final Answer:
The famous monument Gol Gumbaz was designed by Yaqut of Dabul.