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,** = called the Stupi or Shikhara. • **Context** — In North Indian Nagara style, the entire tower is called the Shikhara. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Option A]: [why wrong]; [Option B]: [why wrong]; [Option C]: [why wrong].
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. • **Context** — It consists of two main parts: the Deul (tower) and the Jagamohana (hall). • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Option A]: [why wrong]; [Option B]: [why wrong]; [Option C]: [why wrong].
The 'Mandapa' in a temple serves as a?
Correct Answer: D. Pillared assembly hall
• **Mandapa** = a large hall where devotees gather for rituals and prayers. • **Context** — It is situated in front of the Garbhagriha. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Option A]: [why wrong]; [Option B]: [why wrong]; [Option C]: [why wrong].
Where are the famous Dilwara Jain Temples located?
Correct Answer: C. Mount Abu
• **Mount Abu** = Mount Abu'. • **Feature** — The Dilwara Temples in Rajasthan are famous for their extraordinarily intricate marble carvings. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Option A]: [why wrong]; [Option B]: [why wrong]; [Option C]: [why wrong].
Which temple is located at the center of the Hampi ruins?
Correct Answer: C. Virupaksha Temple
• **The Virupaksha Temple** = dedicated to Lord Shiva and is the oldest functioning temple in Hampi. • **Feature** — It is famous for its tall Gopuram and beautiful wall paintings. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Option A]: [why wrong]; [Option B]: [why wrong]; [Option C]: [why wrong].
The 'Meenakshi Temple' in Madurai is built in which architectural style?
Correct Answer: D. Pandya-Nayaka
• **Meenakshi Temple** = The current structure of the Meenakshi Temple was mostly built during the Nayaka period. • **Data** — It is famous for its 14 towering Gopurams and the 'Hall of Thousand Pillars'. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Option A]: [why wrong]; [Option B]: [why wrong]; [Option C]: [why wrong].
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. • **Context** — Walking clockwise around the sanctum is a common ritual practice in Hindu worship. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Option A]: [why wrong]; [Option B]: [why wrong]; [Option C]: [why wrong].
The star-shaped ground plan is a unique feature of which temple style?
Correct Answer: C. Hoysala
• **Hoysala temples like** = Hoysala temples like those at Belur and Halebid are famous for their stellate (star-shaped) bases. • **Context** — This provided more wall space for intricate soapstone carvings. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Option A]: [why wrong]; [Option B]: [why wrong]; [Option C]: [why wrong].
The 'Amalaka' is a feature found on top of which type of temple tower?
Correct Answer: C. Shikhara
• **Amalaka** = a stone disk with ridges, looking like a fruit, placed at the top of a Nagara Shikhara. • **Feature** — It is a key identifying feature of North Indian temple architecture. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Option A]: [why wrong]; [Option B]: [why wrong]; [Option C]: [why wrong].
Which dynasty built the temples at Pattadakal?
Correct Answer: B. Chalukya
• **Pattadakal was the** = Pattadakal was the second capital of the Badami Chalukyas. • **Context** — It contains a group of ten temples that show a mix of Nagara and Dravida styles. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Option A]: [why wrong]; [Option B]: [why wrong]; [Option C]: [why wrong].