Architecture in Ancient India (Part-I)

Total Questions: 50

41. Which among the following is the largest and the tallest surviving temple in Orissa ? [U.P.P.C.S. (GIC) 2010]

(a) Brahmesvara Temple
(b) Jagannath
(c) Lingaraja Temple
(d) Rajarani Temple

Correct Answer: (c) Lingaraja Temple

Solution:Lingaraj temple of Odisha is the largest and tallest temple among the given option. It is app. 180 ft. in height.

The temple represents the quintessence of the Kalinga architecture and culminating the medieval stages of the architectural tradition at Bhubaneswar. The temple is believed to be built by the kings from the Somavamsi dynasty, with later additions from the Ganga rulers. The temple is built in the Deula style that has four components namely, vimana (structure containing the sanctum), jagamohana (assembly hall), natamandira (festival hall) and bhoga-mandapa (hall of offerings), each increasing in the height to its predecessor. The temple complex has 108 other shrines and is enclosed by a large compound wall.

42. Jagannath temple is located in state of - [M.P.P.S.C. (Pre) 1995]

(a) Bengal
(b) Orissa
(c) Kerala
(d) Uttar Pradesh

Correct Answer: (b) Orissa

Solution:Jagannath temple (Puri) is located in Orissa (Odisha) state. The famous Lingaraj temple (Bhubaneswara) and Konarka Sun Temple (Puri) are also in Odisha, built in Nagara style.

43. The Temple of Bhubaneswara and Puri was built in : [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1997]

(a) Nagara style
(b) Dravidian style
(c) Besara style
(d) None of the above

Correct Answer: (a) Nagara style

Solution:Jagannath temple (Puri) is located in Orissa (Odisha) state. The famous Lingaraj temple (Bhubaneswara) and Konarka Sun Temple (Puri) are also in Odisha, built in Nagara style.

44. The idols Lord Jagannath, Subhadra and Balbhadra in sanctum sanctorum at Jagannath Puri Temple are made up of - [Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2019]

(a) Stone
(b) Metal
(c) Wood
(d) Glass

Correct Answer: (c) Wood

Solution:The idols of Lord Jagannatha, Subhadra and Balbhadra in Sanctum sanctorum are made of neem wood. Neem wood is chosen because the Bhavishya Purana declares it to be the most auspicious wood from which to make lord Vishnu idols. The wood icon is re-painted every year before the Ratha-yatra. It is replaced with a newly carved image every 12 or 19 years approximately or more precisely according to the Luni-solar Hindu calendar when its month of Asadha occurs twice in the same year.

45. Angkor Wat Vishnu Temple is located is : [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1995, 1992]

(a) Java
(b) Sumatra
(c) Cambodia
(d) Champa

Correct Answer: (c) Cambodia

Solution:Angkor Wat is a temple complex in south-east Asian nation of Kampuchea (Now Cambodia) built by Khmer King Suryavarman-II in the beginning of 12ᵗʰ century in his capital Yashodhara Pura (Present Angakor). Devoted to Lord Vishnu, it is the largest group of Hindu temples built in the Khmer style of architecture.

46. In which country is the "Angkor-Wat Temple" complex located ? [Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2011]

(a) Indonesia
(b) Myanmar
(c) Sri Lanka
(d) Kampuchea

Correct Answer: (d) Kampuchea

47. The initial design and construction of which massive temple took place during the reign of Suryavarman-II ? [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1993, I.A.S. (Pre) 2006]

(a) Sri Mariamman Temple
(b) Angkor Wat Temple
(c) Batu Caves Temple
(d) Kamakhya Temple

Correct Answer: (b) Angkor Wat Temple

48. Which is Borobudur Stupa situated ? [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2013]

(a)Cambodia
(b) java
(c) Sumatra
(d) Borneo

Correct Answer: (b) java

Solution:The famous stupa of Borabudur is located at Java Island of Indonesia. This is a world heritage site declared by UNESCO.

49. 'Gopuram' the temples of Dravidian style stands for : [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1998]

(a) Sancturary
(b) Paintings on the walls
(c) Pinnacle
(d) Ornamental and multi-storied structures upon the gateways.

Correct Answer: (d) Ornamental and multi-storied structures upon the gateways.

Solution:Gopuram is a monumental tower, usually, ornate at the entrance of any temple especially in southern India. This forms a prominent feature of Hindu temples of the Dravidian style. The gopuram's origin can be traced back to early structures of the Tamil kings Pallavas and by the twelfth century under the Pandya rulers. These gateways became a dominant feature of a temple's outer appearance, eventually overshadowing the inner sanctuary which became hidden from the view by the gopuram's enormous size.

50. Rock-cut temples of Mahabalipuram were built by : [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1994]

(a) Pallavas
(b) Cholas
(c) Chalukyas
(d) Rashtrakutas

Correct Answer: (a) Pallavas

Solution:Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) is well known for its architectural beauty and is recognized as a world heritage monument by the UNESCO. Shore temple, Rathas (Chariots) carved out of a single rock, Arjuna penance and other cave temples are some of the famous wonders. Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) was a place of pilgrimage even before the Pallava period and the Pallava king Narasimha Varman built these beautiful temples, including the present Shore temple. Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) was a famous centre of Pallava art and architecture.

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