Ancient architecture holds a treasure trove of knowledge about the rich cultural and historical legacy of civilizations. In this article, titled Ancient Architecture GK MCQs With Answer & Explanation in English, we delve into the architectural marvels of the past through engaging multiple-choice questions.
Explore key facts, significant styles, and iconic structures while enhancing your general knowledge. Whether you’re preparing for exams or simply curious about architectural history, this comprehensive guide offers detailed answers and explanations to deepen your understanding.
1. Which of the following features of Indian temples resembles the pylons of the Egyptian temples?
- Lat
- Vimana
- Gopura
- Shikhara
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Answer: Gopura
Gopuras are elaborately decorated monumental entrance towers commonly found in South Indian temple architecture. They serve as gateways to Indian towns and temples, marking the transition from the outer world to the sacred space within the temple complex. Gopuras are known for their intricate sculptural details, often depicting mythological narratives, deities, and other religious motifs. While they share a purpose of demarcating the sacred space with the pylons of Egyptian temples, their architectural styles, designs, and artistic elements differ significantly.
2. Elephanta Caves are predominantly attributed to which Hindu God?
- Lord Shiva
- Lord Hanuman
- Lord Indra
- Lord Brahma
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Answer: Lord Shiva
The Elephanta Caves, situated on Elephanta Island near Mumbai, are renowned for their rock-cut cave temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The caves feature remarkable sculptures and reliefs that predominantly depict various aspects and forms of Lord Shiva, including the iconic Maheshamurti statue. These caves are considered an important site of Hindu art and are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. Which among the following Kings built the Kailashnath Temple of Ellora?
- Rashtrakuta king Krishna I
- Narasimhavarman II
- Rashtrakuta king Krishna II
- None of the above
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Answer: Rashtrakuta king Krishna I
The Kailashnath Temple at Ellora is a masterpiece of rock-cut architecture and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was commissioned by the Rashtrakuta king Krishna I in the 8th century. This temple is known for its grandeur and architectural ingenuity, as it is carved out of a single massive rock, representing Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva. The Kailashnath Temple is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing India’s rich heritage of rock-cut temples.
4. The Pagodas at Mahabalipuram had been constructed by ______?
- Cholas
- Chalukyas of Kalyani
- Pallavas
- Pandyas
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Answer: Pallavas
The Pagodas at Mahabalipuram, also known as the Seven Rathas, were constructed by the Pallava dynasty in the 7th century. These monolithic structures resemble chariots or temple chariots and are intricately carved from granite. Each of the rathas is dedicated to different deities, such as Draupadi, Bhima, and Arjuna. These structures represent early experiments in Dravidian temple architecture and are yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
5. Which among the following is the hallmark feature of the Dravida style of temple architecture?
- Shikara
- Gopura
- Vimana
- Mandapa
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Answer: Vimana
Vimana is a distinctive feature of Dravida style temple architecture, predominantly found in South India. It refers to the towering structure above the sanctum sanctorum or Garbhagriha in a Hindu temple. Vimanas are characterized by their elaborate and ornate architecture, often decorated with intricate carvings, sculptures, and reliefs. They symbolize the connection between the earthly and divine realms and are considered an essential element in South Indian temple architecture.
6. Which among the following is known as the earliest example of the Panchayatana style of temple?
- Dashavatara temple at Deogarh
- Temple at Pathari
- Shatrughneshwara temple at Bhubaneshwar
- Lakshmana temple at Sirpur
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Answer: Dashavatara temple at Deogarh
The Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh is an early example of the Panchayatana style of temple architecture. Built during the Gupta period (c. 320 AD to c. 600 AD), this temple layout features a central shrine dedicated to a principal deity, surrounded by four subsidiary shrines at the corners. This architectural style symbolizes the worship of a set of deities from various sects within a single temple complex.
7. Bishnupur, which is famous for terracotta temples, is located in which state of India?
- Orissa
- West Bengal
- Chhattisgarh
- Bihar
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Answer: West Bengal
Bishnupur, located in the state of West Bengal, is renowned for its terracotta temples. These temples are adorned with intricate terracotta panels depicting various mythological narratives, episodes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and scenes from everyday life. The temples of Bishnupur are significant examples of Bengal’s unique temple architecture.
8. In which of the following states in India are found the earliest known temples of the Gupta Period in good shape?
- Bihar
- Tamil Nadu
- Madhya Pradesh
- Jammu & Kashmir
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Answer: Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh is home to some of the earliest known temples from the Gupta period that are still in good condition. One such example is the Bhumara Temple, reflecting the architectural and artistic excellence of this era.
9. Which among the following place is not associated with Jain Temples?
- Sravanbelgola
- Palitana
- Khandgiri
- Ratnagiri
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Answer: Ratnagiri
Ratnagiri, a port town in Maharashtra, India, is not primarily associated with Jain temples. Instead, it is famous for its Buddhist heritage. Ratnagiri is known for its Buddhist monastery complex and various Buddhist sculptures, stupas, and artifacts.
10. In which of the following states, Devnimori stupa related to Buddhism is located?
- Madhya Pradesh
- Andhra Pradesh
- Karnataka
- Gujarat
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Answer: Gujarat
The Devnimori Stupa, linked to Buddhism, is situated in the state of Gujarat, India. Excavated by renowned archaeologist S.N. Chaudhary in 1959, this stupa is part of Gujarat’s rich Buddhist heritage, reflecting the spread and practice of Buddhism in the region during ancient times.
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