Temple Architecture — Set 6
Arts & Culture · मंदिर स्थापत्य · Questions 51–60 of 70
What is the crowning element of a South Indian temple tower called?
Correct Answer: B. Stupi
In Dravidian architecture, the dome-shaped top part of the Vimana is called the Stupi or Shikhara. In North Indian Nagara style, the entire tower is called the Shikhara. The Stupi is often topped with a metal Kalasha.
Which style of architecture is prominent in the temples of Odisha?
Correct Answer: D. Kalinga style
Kalinga architecture is a sub-style of the Nagara order with distinct regional features. It consists of two main parts: the Deul (tower) and the Jagamohana (hall). Examples include the Lingaraja and Konark temples.
The 'Mandapa' in a temple serves as a?
Correct Answer: D. Pillared assembly hall
The Mandapa is a large hall where devotees gather for rituals and prayers. It is situated in front of the Garbhagriha. Many large temples have multiple Mandapas like the Maha Mandapa and Nandi Mandapa.
Where are the famous Dilwara Jain Temples located?
Correct Answer: C. Mount Abu
The correct answer is 'Mount Abu'. The Dilwara Temples in Rajasthan are famous for their extraordinarily intricate marble carvings. They were built by the Solanki rulers between the 11th and 13th centuries. They are considered some of the most beautiful Jain monuments.
Which temple is located at the center of the Hampi ruins?
Correct Answer: C. Virupaksha Temple
The Virupaksha Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is the oldest functioning temple in Hampi. It was a major religious center of the Vijayanagara Empire. It is famous for its tall Gopuram and beautiful wall paintings.
The 'Meenakshi Temple' in Madurai is built in which architectural style?
Correct Answer: D. Pandya-Nayaka
The current structure of the Meenakshi Temple was mostly built during the Nayaka period. It is famous for its 14 towering Gopurams and the 'Hall of Thousand Pillars'. The temple is dedicated to Meenakshi, a form of Parvati.
What is the term for the path used for walking around the deity in a temple?
Correct Answer: B. Pradakshina Patha
Pradakshina Patha is the circumambulatory path around the Garbhagriha. Walking clockwise around the sanctum is a common ritual practice in Hindu worship. In some temples, this path is enclosed within the structure.
The star-shaped ground plan is a unique feature of which temple style?
Correct Answer: C. Hoysala
Hoysala temples like those at Belur and Halebid are famous for their stellate (star-shaped) bases. This provided more wall space for intricate soapstone carvings. The carving on these temples is extremely detailed and lace-like.
The 'Amalaka' is a feature found on top of which type of temple tower?
Correct Answer: C. Shikhara
The Amalaka is a stone disk with ridges, looking like a fruit, placed at the top of a Nagara Shikhara. It is a key identifying feature of North Indian temple architecture. It is usually topped by a metal Kalasha.
Which dynasty built the temples at Pattadakal?
Correct Answer: B. Chalukya
Pattadakal was the second capital of the Badami Chalukyas. It contains a group of ten temples that show a mix of Nagara and Dravida styles. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Karnataka.