Architecture in Ancient India (Part-I)

Total Questions: 50

1. The associated of Khajuraho Temple Architecture were - [43ʳᵈ B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1999, M.P.P.S.C. (Pre) 1993]

Correct Answer: (a) Chandela
Solution:Khajuraho temple proves the excellence of Chandela architecture. These temples are located in Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh. They were built between 10ᵗʰ-12ᵗʰ century.

Kandariya Mahadev temple is the best among these temples.

The temples are famous for their nagara-style architectural symbolism and their erotic sculptures. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2. The Temple of Kandariya Mahadev at Khajuraho was built by - [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1991]

Correct Answer: (d) Chandela
Solution:Khajuraho temple proves the excellence of Chandela architecture. These temples are located in Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh. They were built between 10ᵗʰ-12ᵗʰ century. Kandariya Mahadev temple is the best among these temples.

The temples are famous for their nagara-style architectural symbolism and their erotic sculptures. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3. Which dynasty gave India its famous temples of khajuraho ? [M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2005, 2010]

Correct Answer: (c) Chandelas
Solution:Khajuraho temple proves the excellence of Chandela architecture. These temples are located in Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh. They were built between 10ᵗʰ-12ᵗʰ century. Kandariya Mahadev temple is the best among these temples.

The temples are famous for their nagara-style architectural symbolism and their erotic sculptures. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

4. The rulers of Chandela built - [M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1999]

Correct Answer: (d) Khajuraho
Solution:Khajuraho temple proves the excellence of Chandela architecture. These temples are located in Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh. They were built between 10ᵗʰ-12ᵗʰ century. Kandariya Mahadev temple is the best among these temples.

The temples are famous for their nagara-style architectural symbolism and their erotic sculptures. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

5. The temples of Khajuraho are related with - [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1993]

Correct Answer: (c) Hindu and Jain
Solution:Khajuraho is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in Madhya Pradesh. Most of these were built between 10ᵗʰ-12ᵗʰ century A.D. by Chandela dynasty. According to historical records, there were 85 temples built at the site of Khajuraho.

6. The temples of Khajuraho were built by the rulers of which of the following dynasties ? [M.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2014]

Correct Answer: (c) Chandel
Solution:Khajuraho is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in Madhya Pradesh. Most of these were built between 10ᵗʰ-12ᵗʰ century A.D. by Chandela dynasty. According to historical records, there were 85 temples built at the site of Khajuraho.

7. Matangesvara Temple at Khajuraho is dedicated to [U.P.P.C.S. (GIC) 2010]

Correct Answer: (b) Shiva
Solution:Matangesvara Temple of Khajuraho is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple was built during King Dhanga's reign. These temples were constructed in Nagara architecture.

8. Which of the following temples is not located at Khajuraho ? [M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2010]

Correct Answer: (c) Dashavatara
Solution:Dashavatar Temple is located in Devgarh (Lalitpur), built during Gupta period. Rest in options are located in Khajuraho, built by Chandelas. Built in the Gupta Period, the Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh shows the ornate Gupta style architecture.

Dashavatara, the 10 avatars of Vishnu, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. They represent the 10 times Vishnu descends to earth in order to restore cosmic order.

9. With reference to Chausath Yogini Temple situated near Morena, consider the following statements : [I.A.S. (Pre) 2021]

1. It is a circular temple built during the reign of Kachchhapaghata Dynasty
2. It is the only circular temple built in India.
3. It was meant to promote the Vaishnava cult in the region.
4. Its design has given rise to a popular belief that it was the inspiration behind the Indian Parliament building.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Correct Answer: (c) 1 and 4
Solution:The Chausath Yogini temple is in Morena district (M.P.). According to an inscription dated to 1323 CE (Vikram Samvat 1383), the temple was built by the Kachchhapaghata king Devapala.

Hence statement 1 is correct. The uniquencess of this Yogini temple is its circular shape that is popularly believed to have inspired the design of the Indian Parliament.

The circular shape is likely to have represented a Sri Yantra in which the Yoginis reside, with the Supreme Yogini or Maha Sakti residing in the centre (represented by the circular central main shrine).

It is not the only circular temple built in India. Hence statements 2 and 3 are not correct and statement 4 is correct. Hence option (c) is the correct answer.

10. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer from the codes given below : [U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2017]

List-IList-II
A. Stupa1. Bagh
B. Painting2. Sanchi
C. Headless statue of Kanishka3. Deogarh
D. Dashavatara Temple4. Mathura

Code :

ABCD
(a)1234
(b)2143
(c)4321
(d)3214
Correct Answer: (b)
Solution:The correctly matched list is as follows -
List-IList-II
A. StupaSanchi (M.P)
B. PaintingBagh (M.P.)
C. Headless statue of KanishkaMathura (U.P.)
D. Dashavatara TempleDeogarh (U.P.)