Historical Monuments — Set 2
Famous Places · ऐतिहासिक स्मारक · Questions 11–20 of 60
The Sanchi Stupa, one of the oldest stone structures in India, was originally commissioned by which ruler?
Correct Answer: C. Ashoka the Great
Emperor Ashoka originally built the Great Stupa at Sanchi in the 3rd century BCE to house relics of the Buddha. The current stone casing and the beautifully carved gateways were added during the Sunga and Satavahana periods. It is a major center for Buddhist pilgrimage and art.
Which dynasty is associated with the construction of the Khajuraho Group of Monuments?
Correct Answer: D. Chandela
The Chandela dynasty built these temples between 950 and 1050 CE in Madhya Pradesh. The temples are world-famous for their Nagara-style architecture and symbolic sculptures. Most of the surviving temples are dedicated to either Hindu or Jain deities.
The iron pillar, famous for its rust-resistant composition, is located within which monument complex?
Correct Answer: A. Qutub Minar
The iron pillar stands in the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque courtyard within the Qutub Minar complex in Delhi. It was originally erected by King Chandra, identified with Chandragupta II of the Gupta dynasty. It has remained largely corrosion-free for over 1,600 years.
Which monument in Delhi was built as a memorial to the Indian soldiers who died in the First World War?
Correct Answer: C. India Gate
India Gate was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and was inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The names of thousands of soldiers are inscribed on its walls. Since 1971, it has also housed the Amar Jawan Jyoti, the eternal flame for the unknown soldier.
The Brihadisvara Temple, an example of Dravidian architecture at its peak, was built by which Chola King?
Correct Answer: D. Rajaraja Chola I
Rajaraja Chola I completed this temple in Thanjavur around 1010 CE. It features a massive vimana (tower) that is over 60 meters high. The temple is made entirely of granite and is part of the 'Great Living Chola Temples' UNESCO site.
The Victoria Memorial, a large marble building in Kolkata, was dedicated to Queen Victoria by which Viceroy?
Correct Answer: A. Lord Curzon
Lord Curzon proposed the memorial in 1901 following the death of Queen Victoria. It was designed by William Emerson and serves as a museum highlighting Indian history under the British. The building incorporates Indo-Saracenic and European architectural styles.
Which historic fort is situated at the confluence of the Yamuna and the invisible Saraswati rivers?
Correct Answer: C. Allahabad Fort
Akbar built the Allahabad (Prayagraj) Fort in 1583 on the banks of the Sangam. It was once the largest fort built by Akbar, though only a portion is currently open to the public. It houses the ancient Akshayavat tree and the Ashoka Pillar.
The Bibi Ka Maqbara, often called the 'Taj of the Deccan', was built in memory of Dilras Banu Begum in which city?
Correct Answer: D. Aurangabad
Azam Shah, the son of Aurangzeb, commissioned this tomb in 1660 to honor his mother. It bears a striking resemblance to the Taj Mahal but is built on a smaller scale. The monument is located in Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar), Maharashtra.
Who was the ruler responsible for the construction of the Jantar Mantar observatories in several Indian cities?
Correct Answer: A. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II
Sawai Jai Singh II built five astronomical observatories in Delhi, Jaipur, Ujjain, Mathura, and Varanasi in the 18th century. The largest is located in Jaipur and features the world's largest stone sundial. These structures were built to compile more accurate astronomical tables.
The tomb of Humayun in Delhi was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. Who was the chief architect?
Correct Answer: C. Mirak Mirza Ghiyas
Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, a Persian architect, designed this tomb which was commissioned by Humayun's first wife, Bega Begum. It introduced the 'Charbagh' (four-quadrant garden) concept to Mughal architecture. Its design heavily influenced the later Taj Mahal.