Temple Architecture — Set 3
Arts & Culture · मंदिर स्थापत्य · Questions 21–30 of 70
The temple style found in the Himalayan regions of Himachal and Uttarakhand is often called?
Correct Answer: D. Pahadi or Hill style
• **Hill temples often** = Hill temples often use wood and slate to withstand heavy snowfall. • **Feature** — They frequently feature pent roofs or tiered tower structures known as Pagoda styles. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Option A]: [why wrong]; [Option B]: [why wrong]; [Option C]: [why wrong].
Which part of the temple is often topped by a 'Kalasha' or sacred pot?
Correct Answer: A. Shikhara
• **Kalasha** = Shikhara'. • **Context** — The Kalasha is the crowning element of the temple tower, symbolizing abundance and purity. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Option A]: [why wrong]; [Option B]: [why wrong]; [Option C]: [why wrong].
The Thousand Pillar Temple at Hanamkonda was built under the patronage of which dynasty?
Correct Answer: C. Kakatiya
• **The Kakatiya style** = noted for its star-shaped plans and richly carved black basalt pillars. • **Context** — This temple is dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Surya. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Option A]: [why wrong]; [Option B]: [why wrong]; [Option C]: [why wrong].
What is the primary material used in the construction of the temples at Hampi?
Correct Answer: A. Granite
• **Granite was abundantly** = Granite was abundantly available in the local landscape and provided extreme durability for the massive structures. • **Context** — The ruins of Hampi showcase the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Option A]: [why wrong]; [Option B]: [why wrong]; [Option C]: [why wrong].
The Martand Sun Temple in Kashmir is built in which architectural style?
Correct Answer: C. Karkota
• **Karkota** = Karkota'. • **Feature** — It features a unique courtyard and a distinct fluted column design. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Option A]: [why wrong]; [Option B]: [why wrong]; [Option C]: [why wrong].
The temple tank, an essential part of Dravida architecture, is locally known as?
Correct Answer: A. Pushkarini
• **A Pushkarini is** = a sacred water body used for ritual bathing before entering the temple. • **Context** — It is often rectangular with stone steps on all sides. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Option A]: [why wrong]; [Option B]: [why wrong]; [Option C]: [why wrong].
The Lad Khan Temple at Aihole is an early example of which dynasty's architecture?
Correct Answer: A. Badami Chalukya
• **Badami Chalukya** = Badami Chalukya'. • **Feature** — Aihole is known as the 'Cradle of Indian Temple Architecture' due to its numerous experimental designs. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Option A]: [why wrong]; [Option B]: [why wrong]; [Option C]: [why wrong].
The 'Meenakshi Amman Temple' in Madurai is famous for its 'Hall of Thousand Pillars'. Which dynasty gave it its current form?
Correct Answer: D. Nayaka
• **Meenakshi Amman Temple** = While its roots are ancient, the Madurai Nayakas greatly expanded the temple in the 17th century. • **Feature** — The complex is world-famous for its massive and colorful Gopurams. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Option A]: [why wrong]; [Option B]: [why wrong]; [Option C]: [why wrong].
Which temple architecture term refers to the stone balcony or window with lattice work?
Correct Answer: B. Gavaksha
• **A Gavaksha is** = a horseshoe-shaped arch or window used to decorate the walls of North Indian temples. • **Context** — It evolved from early Buddhist chaitya arches found in cave architecture. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Option A]: [why wrong]; [Option B]: [why wrong]; [Option C]: [why wrong].
The temples of the Pala and Sena dynasties in Bengal and Bihar are primarily made of?
Correct Answer: B. Terracotta and Brick
• **Due to the** = Due to the scarcity of stone in the alluvial plains, terracotta became the primary medium for artistic expression. • **Feature** — These temples feature unique curved roofs called 'Bunglow' or 'Chala' styles. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Option A]: [why wrong]; [Option B]: [why wrong]; [Option C]: [why wrong].