With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following statements:

1. White marble was used in making Buland Darwaza and Khankah at Fatehpur Sikri.

2. Red sandstone and marble were used in making Bara Imamabara and Rumi Darwaza at Lucknow.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The Correct Answer is Option 4 i.e Neither 1 nor 2.

• Buland Darwaza:
  • Buland Darwaza at Fatehpur Sikri was built in 1602 A.D by the great Mughal emperor, Akbar, to commemorate his victory over Gujarat.
  • It is made of red and buff sandstone and decorated by carving and inlaying of white and black marble. Mughals often use red sandstone in their construction. However, according to the official UPSC answer key, this statement is WRONG.
• Bara Imamabara:
  • It was built by Asaf-ud-Daula, Nawab of Awadh in 1784 and is located in Lucknow.
  • There is no woodwork in the entire structure.
  • The roof has been put together with interlocking bricks without using a beam or a girder.
• Rumi Darwaza:
  • It was built in the year 1784 by Nawab Asaf-ud-daula and is located in Lucknow.
  • The material used for the darwaza is bricks and its then coated with lime.