Heritage Sites & Temples — Set 12

Correct Answer: B. Solanki period (11th-12th century)

The Navlakha Temple at Ghumli in Saurashtra dates to the Solanki (Chaulukya) period around the 11th-12th century CE. The name 'Navlakha' means nine lakh (900,000), referring to the legendary cost of construction. The temple is known for its exquisite stone carvings in the Maru-Gurjara style.

Correct Answer: A. Sun and Moon

The flag flying atop the Dwarkadhish Temple features the symbols of the Sun and Moon, representing eternity and the all-encompassing nature of Lord Vishnu. The flag is changed multiple times daily and the old flags are sold to devotees as sacred mementos. It is considered auspicious to purchase and keep a piece of this sacred flag.

Correct Answer: A. Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad is known for its numerous fortified gateways (darwazas) from the Sultanate period, with notable ones like Teen Darwaza, Delhi Darwaza, and Khanpur Darwaza. The original walled city of Ahmedabad had 12 main gates. Today, several of these ancient gateways survive as heritage structures within the UNESCO World Heritage City of Ahmedabad.

Correct Answer: C. Adinath (Rishabhadeva)

The Kirti Stambha at Palitana is dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain Tirthankara also known as Rishabhadeva. It is one of the prominent structures in the Palitana temple complex on Shatrunjaya Hill. The Shatrunjaya hill itself is considered sacred to Adinath who is believed to have attained liberation here in multiple past life cycles.

Correct Answer: B. Udayamati

Queen Udayamati, wife of Solanki king Bhimdev I, commissioned the construction of Rani ki Vav (Queen's Stepwell) in Patan around 1063 CE as a memorial to her husband. The name 'Rani ki Vav' literally means 'Queen's Stepwell.' For centuries the stepwell lay buried under silt from the Saraswati River floods until it was rediscovered and excavated in the 1940s.

Correct Answer: C. January

The Uttarardha Mahotsav (Modhera Dance Festival) is held annually in January, around the festival of Uttarayan (Makar Sankranti). It features classical Indian dance performances in front of the illuminated Modhera Sun Temple. The festival is organized by the Gujarat Tourism Corporation and has become one of the state's prestigious cultural events.

Correct Answer: C. Vanraj Chavda

Anhilwad Patan (modern Patan) was founded by Vanraj Chavda, the ruler of the Chavda dynasty, in 746 CE. Later the Solanki dynasty took over and made it the seat of their kingdom. Under the Solanki rulers, Patan became a great center of culture, trade, and temple building.

Correct Answer: B. Named after a local Rajput chief Champaraj

Champaner was originally named after a local Rajput chief named Champaraj, who is believed to have built a fort on the Pavagadh Hill. The city served as the capital of the Rajput Khichi Chauhans before being conquered by the Gujarat Sultanate. When Sultan Mahmud Begada captured it in 1484, he renamed it Muhammadabad.

Correct Answer: B. Patan

The Sankheshwar Parshwanath Jain Temple is located in Sankheshwar in the Patan district of Gujarat. It is one of the most significant Jain pilgrimage sites in Gujarat, dedicated to Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara. The temple attracts lakhs of Jain devotees every year.

Correct Answer: B. It is the kuldevi (family goddess) of the Kutch royal family and many Gujarati communities

The Ashapura Mata Temple at Mata no Madh in Kutch is highly significant as the kuldevi (clan/family goddess) of the Jadeja Rajput royal family of Kutch and many other Gujarati communities. The temple is visited by millions annually for religious ceremonies including weddings and thread ceremonies. Ashapura Mata (Goddess who fulfills wishes) is one of Gujarat's most revered regional deities.