In Indo-Islamic architecture, the tall rectangular gateway or frame around a large arched entrance, projecting from the face of a building, is called:

In Indo-Islamic and Persian architecture, the "pishtaq" is a tall rectangular frame or gateway around a large arched entrance (iwan), which projects from the face of a building.

About the pishtaq:

• The word comes from Persian ("pish", front, and "taq", arch).
• It is usually much higher than the rest of the facade, and gives the building a grand and impressive appearance.
• It is often decorated with calligraphy (verses from the Quran), geometric patterns, floral designs, glazed tiles or inlay work.
• It is commonly framed by slender towers or minarets at its sides.
• It is a characteristic feature of Persian, Central Asian and Mughal architecture.

Examples:

• The main entrances of the Taj Mahal, with large pishtaqs on all four sides.
• Humayun's Tomb.
• The Buland Darwaza at Fatehpur Sikri.
• The Jama Masjid in Delhi.
• The Bibi ka Maqbara in Aurangabad.

NCERT on Indo-Islamic architecture:

NCERT explains that Mughal architecture combined Central Asian, Persian and Indian features, and mentions features such as the arch, the dome, the minaret and the pishtaq.

Other terms in Indo-Islamic architecture:

• "Mihrab": a niche in the wall of a mosque that shows the direction of Mecca (qibla), towards which Muslims face during prayer.
• "Minbar": a pulpit in a mosque, from which the imam gives the sermon.
• "Minaret": a tall tower from which the call to prayer (azan) is given.
• "Iwan": a vaulted hall open on one side.
• "Chhatri": a small domed pavilion on pillars, used as a decorative element.
• "Jali": a perforated stone screen.
• "Squinch": an arch across the corner of a square room, used to support a dome.
• "Char bagh": a garden divided into four parts.
• "Pietra dura": inlay of precious and semi-precious stones in marble.

Trabeate and arcuate:

Indian (pre-Sultanate) buildings used the "trabeate" system (beams and lintels), while Indo-Islamic buildings introduced the "arcuate" system (arches and domes).

Why not the other options?

• ✗A mihrab is a prayer niche.
• ✗A minbar is a pulpit.
• ✗A chhatri is a small domed pavilion.