Architecture in Ancient India (Part-I)

Total Questions: 50

31. Consider the following statements related to the folk paintings of India and choose the correct answer : [Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2020]

Statement I : The themes of Pattachitra paintings are inspired from Jagannath and Vaishnav Cults
Statement II : Manjusha paintings are executed on boxed of jute and paper
Statement III : Pithora paintings are made by some tribal communities of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh

Correct Answer: (d) All the three statements are correct
Solution:The art of Pattachitra belongs to state of Odisha andis closely connected to the Lord Jagannath and Vaishnav cults Manjusha art is a folk art of Bhagalpur, Bihar and is one of the oldest painting art of India. Manjushas are temple shaped boxes comprising eight pillars.

These are made of bamboo, jute and paper and are painted using only three colours Pink, Green and Yellow. These boxes are used in Bishahart Puja. Pithora painting is a ritualistic painting practiced by the tribes in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.

32. What is/are common to the two historical places known as Ajanta and Mahabalipuram ? [I.A.S. (Pre) 2016]

1. Both were built in the same period.
2. Both belong to the same religious denomination.
3. Both have rock-cut monuments.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

Correct Answer: (b) 3 only
Solution:Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) is located on the hillock town, overlooking the Coromandel coast of Bay of Bengal in Chengalpattu district of Tamil Nadu. It is also called "Mahadapas Rock Cut Caves. It was established during 7 to the 10th century of Pallava dynasty.

Whereas Ajanta Caves in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar district of Maharashtra including 30 Rock-cut caves were built in 2nd century B.C. to 7th century AD.

Thus, both were not built in the same period. So, statement (1) is wrong. Both Ajanta and Mahabalipuram are rock cut-monument. So, statement (3) is correct. Mahabalipuram Monuments are related to Shiva or Vishnu whereas Ajanta has series of 29 Buddhist Cave Temple. Thus, statement (2) is also incorrect.

33. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer from the codes given below : [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2014]

List-IList-II
A. Hampi1. Puducherry
B. Nagarjunakonda2. Karnataka
C. Shishupalgarh3. Andhra Pradesh
D. Arikamedu4. Odisha

Code :

ABCD
(a)2341
(b)3241
(c)1324
(d)4231
Correct Answer: (a)
Solution:The correctly matched pairs are -
List-IList-II
A. HampiKarnataka
B. NagarjunakondaAndhra Pradesh
C. ShishupalgarhOdisha
D. ArikameduPuducherry

34. Who built the Konark Sun Temple ? [R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1999, U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1995, 1993]

Correct Answer: (a) Narasimhadeva Varma
Solution:Konarka Sun Temple is a 13ᵗʰ-century Sun Temple on Odisha, India, built by King Narasimhadeva Varman-1 of Eastern Ganga Dynasty. It was conceived as ha huge solar chariot with twelve pairs of exquisitely ornamental wheels dragged by seven rearing horses.

The monument was also called as Black Pagoda by European sailors. In contrast, the Jagannath Temple in Puri was called the White Pagoda.

35. Which among these is known as 'Black Pagoda' ? [U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2009]

Correct Answer: (c) Konark Sun Temple
Solution:Konarka Sun Temple is a 13ᵗʰ-century Sun Temple on Odisha, India, built by King Narasimhadeva Varman-1 of Eastern Ganga Dynasty. It was conceived as ha huge solar chariot with twelve pairs of exquisitely ornamental wheels dragged by seven rearing horses.

The monument was also called as Black Pagoda by European sailors. In contrast, the Jagannath Temple in Puri was called the White Pagoda.

36. Where is 'Black Pagoda' ? [Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre)2010]

Correct Answer: (b) Konark
Solution:Konarka Sun Temple is a 13ᵗʰ-century Sun Temple on Odisha, India, built by King Narasimhadeva Varman-1 of Eastern Ganga Dynasty. It was conceived as ha huge solar chariot with twelve pairs of exquisitely ornamental wheels dragged by seven rearing horses.

The monument was also called as Black Pagoda by European sailors. In contrast, the Jagannath Temple in Puri was called the White Pagoda.

37. Which one of the following is Sun temple ? [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2006]

Correct Answer: (c) Konark temple
Solution:Konarka Sun Temple is a 13ᵗʰ-century Sun Temple on Odisha, India, built by King Narasimhadeva Varman-1 of Eastern Ganga Dynasty. It was conceived as ha huge solar chariot with twelve pairs of exquisitely ornamental wheels dragged by seven rearing horses.

The monument was also called as Black Pagoda by European sailors. In contrast, the Jagannath Temple in Puri was called the White Pagoda.

38. The Sun Temple of Modhera lies in which state ? [Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2011]

Correct Answer: (b) Gujarat
Solution:The Sun Temple of Modhera is in Gujarat. King Bhimadeva-I of Solanki dynasty built this temple.

The temple, built of in Maru-gurjara architectural style, consists of the main temple shrine (garbhagriha), a hall (gadhamandapa), an outer hall or assembly hall (Sabhamandapa or rangamandapa) and a sacred pool (Kunda) which is now called Ramakunda.

The Sabhamandapa does not form part of the main body, but it is a distinct structure placed a little away in front of the main temple shrine. The main temple shrine and the Sabhamandapa are built on a paved platform and the kunda lies in their front. This east facing temple is built of bright yellow sandstone.

39. Which one of the following Sun Temples is located in Patan, Gujarat ? [R.A.S./R.A.S. (Pre) 1992]

Correct Answer: (a) Modhera
Solution:The Sun Temple of Modhera is in Gujarat. King Bhimadeva-I of Solanki dynasty built this temple.

The temple, built of in Maru-gurjara architectural style, consists of the main temple shrine (garbhagriha), a hall (gadhamandapa), an outer hall or assembly hall (Sabhamandapa or rangamandapa) and a sacred pool (Kunda) which is now called Ramakunda.

The Sabhamandapa does not form part of the main body, but it is a distinct structure placed a little away in front of the main temple shrine. The main temple shrine and the Sabhamandapa are built on a paved platform and the kunda lies in their front. This east facing temple is built of bright yellow sandstone.

40. Lingaraj Temple is located at - [U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2004, I.A.S. (Pre) 2001]

Correct Answer: (a) Bhubaneswara
Solution:Lingaraja Temple is one of the most popular temples of Odisha. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva who is also known as Lingraj. Lingraj temple is approximately 180 ft. in height and enshrines a huge statue of Lord Shiva. This temple is built in Nagara architecture style and is one of the most excellent examples of this architecturural form.