Heritage Sites & Temples — Set 6
Gujarat GK · विरासत स्थल और मंदिर · Questions 51–60 of 120
The Surya Kund (step tank) at Modhera has approximately how many small shrines?
Correct Answer: C. 108
The Surya Kund at the Modhera Sun Temple has 108 smaller shrines arranged around its steps, with the number 108 being sacred in Hinduism. The step tank is a rectangular water reservoir with steps on all four sides. It is used for the reflection of the sun's rays during sunrise at the equinoxes.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) maintains which of these major Gujarat heritage sites?
Correct Answer: B. Modhera Sun Temple
The Modhera Sun Temple is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as a protected monument. Since no religious worship is conducted at Modhera, ASI has sole custody of the site. In contrast, the Somnath and Dwarkadhish temples are managed by their respective trusts as active places of worship.
Siddi Saiyyed Mosque in Ahmedabad was built in which year?
Correct Answer: C. 1573 CE
The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque was built in 1573 CE, in the last year of the Gujarat Sultanate, by Sidi Saiyyed, an Abyssinian slave of Ahmed Shah's court. It is famous for the 10 stone latticework (jali) windows, of which the two at the rear depicting a tree of life are the most iconic. This mosque is now one of the symbols of Ahmedabad.
Mount Girnar is located near which city in Gujarat?
Correct Answer: B. Junagadh
Mount Girnar is located near the city of Junagadh in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat. The mountain is approximately 1,000 meters high and has religious significance for both Jains and Hindus. The annual Girnar Parikrama, a circumambulation of the mountain, is undertaken by thousands of pilgrims.
The 'Vaishnav Jan To' composition by Narsinh Mehta was sung by Mahatma Gandhi and associated with which temple town?
Correct Answer: C. Junagadh
Narsinh Mehta, the 15th-16th century poet-saint who composed the famous bhajan 'Vaishnav Jan To,' was born in Talaja and lived in Junagadh. The bhajan expresses the qualities of a true devotee of Vishnu and became a favorite prayer of Mahatma Gandhi. Narsinh Mehta is revered as the 'Adi Kavi' (first poet) of Gujarati literature.
The Teen Darwaza (Triple Gateway) in Ahmedabad was built in which century?
Correct Answer: B. 15th century
Teen Darwaza (Triple Gateway) in Ahmedabad was built in the 15th century CE, around 1415, during the reign of Ahmed Shah I. It served as the royal gateway from the palace to the Maidan Shah (now Manik Chowk). Teen Darwaza is now recognized as part of the Historic City of Ahmedabad UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Which Jain pilgrimage site in Gujarat has over 900 temples concentrated on a single hill?
Correct Answer: B. Shatrunjaya (Palitana)
Palitana on the Shatrunjaya Hills in Bhavnagar district has over 900 temples making it the most sacred pilgrimage site in Jainism. The entire hill was built up over a period of 900 years with temples donated by Jain pilgrims. Climbing the 3,800 steps to the summit is considered an act of great piety.
The Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is said to be which number among the 12 Jyotirlingas?
Correct Answer: C. 10th
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga near Dwarka is considered the 10th Jyotirlinga among the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The presiding deity is Nageshwar (Lord of Serpents) and the goddess is Nagalai. This temple is mentioned in the Shiva Purana.
The Lothal archaeological site in Gujarat is famous as an ancient seaport of which civilization?
Correct Answer: B. Indus Valley/Harappan Civilization
Lothal was an important city of the Indus Valley (Harappan) Civilization, located in the Ahmedabad district of Gujarat. It is famous for having one of the world's earliest known docks, which connected the city to an ancient course of the Sabarmati River. The site is maintained by ASI and has a well-known museum.
The Calico Museum of Textiles in Ahmedabad is renowned for its collection of:
Correct Answer: B. Ancient Indian textiles and costumes
The Calico Museum of Textiles in Ahmedabad is one of the world's finest textile museums, housing a superb collection of ancient and royal Indian textiles, costumes, and embroideries. It was founded by the Sarabhai family. The museum's collection includes rare Mughal-era textiles, Patola sarees, temple hangings, and folk embroideries.