Which is the first building that was constructed entirely of marble and in which Pietra Dura was used?
The Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah in Agra is the first Mughal building constructed entirely of white marble and the first to extensively use the Pietra Dura technique for surface decoration. Built by Nur Jahan for her father (Itmad-ud-Daulah, who was Mirza Ghiyas Beg) between 1622 and 1628, it marks the architectural transition from Akbar to Shah Jahan. The correct answer is (C) Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah.
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The Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah is the first Mughal building entirely constructed from white marble and the earliest to feature the intricate Pietra Dura inlay on a significant scale. Built by Empress Nur Jahan for her father (Mirza Ghiyas Beg) during the reign of Jahangir, it is sometimes referred to as the “Jewel Box” or “Baby Taj.” Its construction and style foreshadowed the grand marble structures and sophisticated decorative techniques that would define Shah Jahan’s architecture.