Temple Architecture — Set 1
Arts & Culture · मंदिर स्थापत्य · Questions 1–10 of 70
The 'Nagara' style of temple architecture is primarily associated with which geographical region of India?
Correct Answer: C. North India
The Nagara style is characterized by a beehive-shaped tower called a Shikhara. This style became popular in Northern India between the 5th and 13th centuries. Notable examples include the temples at Khajuraho and Konark.
What is the term for the innermost sanctum of a Hindu temple where the primary deity is placed?
Correct Answer: D. Garbhagriha
The Garbhagriha is a small, dark, and square chamber that houses the main idol. It literally translates to 'womb-house' in Sanskrit. In most styles, a tall tower is built directly above this specific chamber.
The monumental entrance towers found in Dravidian temple architecture are known as?
Correct Answer: B. Gopuram
Gopurams are elaborate gatehouses that often dwarf the main temple tower in South Indian complexes. They are decorated with intricate sculptures of various deities and mythical creatures. This feature became a prominent element during the Vijayanagara and Nayaka periods.
Which style of temple architecture is a hybrid or a mixture of the Nagara and Dravida styles?
Correct Answer: B. Vesara
Vesara style temples are found mainly in the Deccan region under the Chalukyas and Hoysalas. It combines the circular plan of the Dravida style with the tiered structure of the Nagara style. It is often described as an eclectic fusion of Indian regional traditions.
The Sun Temple at Konark, built in the shape of a colossal chariot, belongs to which regional architectural style?
Correct Answer: D. Kalinga style
The Kalinga style of Odisha is marked by the presence of a 'Deul' tower and a 'Jagamohana' hall. Konark's architecture features twelve pairs of carved wheels and seven stone horses. It is recognized as a masterpiece of ancient Indian engineering and artistry.
What is the ribbed stone disk found at the top of a Nagara style Shikhara called?
Correct Answer: A. Amalaka
The Amalaka is a stone disc with ridges on the rim that sits atop the main temple tower. It is said to resemble the fruit of the Indian gooseberry or amla. A pitcher-shaped vessel called the Kalasha is usually placed above it.
Which dynasty is credited with the construction of the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram?
Correct Answer: B. Pallava
The Pallavas pioneered rock-cut and structural stone architecture in South India. The Shore Temple is one of the oldest structural stone temples in the region. It reflects the early transition from cave shrines to free-standing monuments.
The 'Panchayatana' layout of a temple consists of how many subsidiary shrines along with the main shrine?
Correct Answer: C. Four
In a Panchayatana layout, the main shrine is surrounded by four smaller shrines at the corners. This design symbolizes the centrality of the primary deity within a cosmic order. The Lakshmana Temple in Khajuraho is a famous example of this style.
The assembly hall in a Hindu temple where devotees gather for prayers or rituals is called the?
Correct Answer: A. Mandapa
Mandapas are pillared halls located in front of the Garbhagriha. They can be classified as Ardha-mandapa, Maha-mandapa, or Nandi-mandapa depending on their size and function. Many temples feature multiple mandapas connected in a linear sequence.
Which temple in Thanjavur is famous for its massive Vimana and is a prime example of Chola architecture?
Correct Answer: A. Brihadisvara Temple
The Brihadisvara Temple was built by Raja Raja Chola I in the early 11th century. Its 66-meter high Vimana is one of the tallest in the world. The entire structure is made of granite and features a single-stone cap.