The Jama Masjid in Delhi was commissioned by the fifth Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, who is renowned for his passion for architecture.
Construction began in 1650 and was completed in 1656. The mosque is a prime example of Mughal architectural style.
Shah Jahan's reign is often called the 'Golden Age of Mughal Architecture', as he also commissioned other iconic structures like the Taj Mahal in Agra and the Red Fort in Delhi.
Why Other Options Were Wrong
Option A: Akbar, who was Shah Jahan's grandfather, was a prolific builder, but his major architectural projects included the city of Fatehpur Sikri and the renovation of the Agra Fort.
Option C: Aurangzeb, Shah Jahan's son, commissioned the grand Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, Pakistan, and the smaller, private Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) within the Red Fort complex in Delhi.
Option D: Babar was the founder of the Mughal Empire. His reign was primarily focused on military campaigns and consolidating the empire. His architectural contributions were mainly gardens, and he is not associated with the major monuments of Delhi.
Related Visual
Visual 1: Photograph - An exterior view of the Jama Masjid in Delhi, showcasing its three large domes, two tall minarets, and expansive courtyard.
Visual 2: Timeline - A graphical timeline of the great Mughal Emperors (Babar, Akbar, Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb) illustrating their respective reigns and their most famous architectural commissions.
Clinical Relevance
Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Mughal Architecture and History as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
While this is a general knowledge question, such topics are often included in the preliminary sections of nursing entrance exams to assess a candidate's overall awareness and education.
A broad knowledge base, including national history and heritage, contributes to being a well-rounded individual and professional.
What if the question was about a historical hospital in India? Knowing the history of healthcare institutions provides context to the evolution of medicine and nursing in the country.
How to Approach the Question
This is a factual recall question based on Indian history.
First, identify the key subject of the question: the 'Jama Masjid in Delhi'.
Next, identify the core question: 'Who built it?'.
Review the options provided, which are all prominent Mughal emperors.
Access your historical knowledge to link the monument to the correct ruler. Shah Jahan's reign is famously associated with major construction projects in Delhi and Agra.
Select the option that correctly matches the builder to the monument.
Concept Tested & Keywords
Concept Tested: Mughal Architecture and History
Stem keywords: Jama masjid, Delhi, built
Lead-in keywords: Who
Question ID
Q8RLUgC7mL8dOQxBsIREaB
Practise the full NORCET 9 Prelims-2025
Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.