Consider the following statements regarding Pietra Dura.
1. It is a style of ornamentation that came into existence during the regnal years of Shah Jahan.
2. This style of ornamentation was extensively used on the walls of the Taj Mahal.
3. This style carves floral designs made of semi-precious stones onto the walls of monuments.
Which of the following statements given above is/are correct?

Question

Question

Answer 1

The correct answer is 2 and 3 only.

Key Points

In Mughal India, pietra dura was known as Parchin Kari, it literally means 'inlay' or 'driven-in' work.
By the end of Jahangir‘s reign, the practice of constructing buildings entirely of marble and decorating the walls with floral designs made of semi-precious stones began. Hence statement 1 is not correct and statement 3 is correct.
Moti Masjid or Pearl Fort, Diwan-i-Khas, Jami Masjid in New Delhi, Mausoleum build by Jahangir are some of the other examples where this style (pietra dura) can be found.
The stones used are usually silicates, including agates, alabaster, amethyst, jade, jasper, lapis lazuli, malachite, onyx, and topaz.

Important Points

The particular method of decoration, popular as pietra dura became more popular under Shah Jahan.
Shah Jahan used this technique while constructing the Taj Mahal. Hence statement 2 is correct.