Explanation:

x Recently, the step wells at the Qutb Shahi tombs of the Golconda fort was awarded UNESCO’s AsiaPacific award (2022) for cultural heritage conservation. x The Qutb-Shahi monuments in Golconda also incorporate lndo-lranian features from the Bahmani and Bijapuri kingdoms. They are distinguished by large arches, ornamental facades, corner minarets, and bulbous domes. Hence, statement 1 is correct. x They are generally built of ashlar stone and brick-and-lime masonry. The foliage and entwining creepers of the Qutb-Shahi stucco decorations exhibit considerable ingenuity, while the encaustic tiles and motherof-pearl inlay in the stones are exquisite. Hence, statement 2 is correct. x Some of the Golkonda tombs are double storeyed; 'Abdu'llah Qutb Shah's mausoleum is a huge twostoreyed monument. The profusion of little minarets and cupolas suggests Hindu influence. The archway in Hyderabad called the Char Minar (Four Minarets), however, is designed to symbolize the Shi'i faith of the Qutb-Shahi rulers. The four stately minarets, about 49 metres high, balance the four archways, one on each side of the square structure. The Mecca mosque on the western end-of the open roof is the embodiment of tranquillity and repose; it was completed about 1595. To the north of the Char Minar are four monumental portals measuring double the height of its arches. They are known as Char Kaman.