Heritage Sites & Temples — Set 3

Correct Answer: C. Gujarat Sultanate

The Jama Masjid at Champaner is a remarkable example of Gujarat Sultanate architecture blending Islamic and Hindu elements. It was built during the reign of Mahmud Begada who made Champaner his capital in the 15th century. The mosque features intricate stone carvings that show strong Hindu craftsmanship influences.

Correct Answer: B. Gir Somnath

Somnath Temple is located in Prabhas Patan in the Gir Somnath district of Gujarat, on the shores of the Arabian Sea. The district was named after the famous temple. Somnath has been described by traveler Al-Biruni in his 11th-century writings as one of the most magnificent temples.

Correct Answer: B. Shatrunjaya Hills

The Palitana Jain temples are located on the Shatrunjaya Hills near Bhavnagar in Gujarat. The hill has over 900 temples dedicated to various Tirthankaras, making it one of the most sacred Jain pilgrimage sites. Palitana is considered the holiest pilgrimage destination (tirtha) in Jainism.

Correct Answer: C. Dharmanatha (15th Tirthankara)

The Hathisingh Jain Temple in Ahmedabad is dedicated to Dharmanatha, the 15th Tirthankara. It was built in 1848 by a wealthy Jain merchant named Hathisingh. The temple is built entirely of white Rajasthan marble and is considered one of the most beautiful Jain temples in India.

Correct Answer: B. Intricate stone lattice windows (jali work)

The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque in Ahmedabad is world-famous for its exquisite stone lattice windows (jali work), particularly the 'Tree of Life' window depicting interwoven palm and fern fronds. Built in 1573 CE, it is one of the last built mosques of the Sultanate period. This jali design has become an iconic symbol of Ahmedabad.

Correct Answer: B. Bhimdev I

Rani ki Vav was built by Queen Udayamati in memory of her husband King Bhimdev I (Bhima I) of the Chaulukya (Solanki) dynasty. The construction was undertaken around 1063 CE after the king's death. The stepwell served both as a water storage structure and a sacred space for religious rituals.

Correct Answer: B. Vav or Vaav

In Gujarat, stepwells are locally called 'Vav' or 'Vaav', which is the Gujarati term for this type of water structure. The most famous example is the Rani ki Vav in Patan. Stepwells served as important community spaces for social gatherings, rest, and religious ceremonies throughout Gujarat's history.

Correct Answer: B. Equinoxes

The Modhera Sun Temple is precisely aligned so that the rising sun illuminates the idol of Lord Surya during the equinoxes (when day and night are equal). This shows the advanced astronomical knowledge of the Solanki period architects. The large stepped tank, Surya Kund, in front of the temple reflects the temple's image at sunrise.

Correct Answer: D. Maru-Gurjara style

The Solanki period temples of Gujarat predominantly follow the Maru-Gurjara architectural style, which is a sub-style of the North Indian Nagara tradition. This style is characterized by curvilinear towers (shikharas), ornate carvings, and intricate sculptural decoration. Both Modhera Sun Temple and Rani ki Vav exemplify this style.

Correct Answer: C. Both Sapta Puri and Char Dham

Dwarka holds the distinction of being included in both the Sapta Puri (seven sacred Hindu cities) and the Char Dham (four sacred pilgrimage sites). It is therefore doubly significant in the Hindu pilgrimage tradition. The city is also associated with Lord Krishna who is believed to have established his kingdom here.