Heritage Sites & Temples — Set 8
Gujarat GK · विरासत स्थल और मंदिर · Questions 71–80 of 120
The Jain temples at Taranga Hill in Gujarat are famous for which Tirthankara?
Correct Answer: B. Ajitanatha
The Jain temples at Taranga Hill in Mehsana district are primarily dedicated to Ajitanatha, the second Tirthankara of Jainism. The main Ajitanatha Temple was built during the Solanki period (12th century). Taranga is an important Jain pilgrimage destination in northern Gujarat.
The Patan Patola Heritage is inscribed in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Patola refers to:
Correct Answer: B. A double-ikat woven silk saree
Patola is a type of double ikat woven silk saree produced in Patan, Gujarat, using a highly intricate technique where both warp and weft threads are tie-dyed before weaving. The craft has been practiced for over 700 years and is now done by only a few remaining families. A single Patola saree can take 4-6 months to weave.
The Gomti Ghat at Dwarka is famous as a sacred bathing place associated with:
Correct Answer: B. Lord Krishna's departure from Dwarka
The Gomti Ghat at Dwarka is a sacred bathing place on the Gomti River where it meets the Arabian Sea. It is associated with Lord Krishna's departure from Dwarka and the eventual submergence of the ancient city. Pilgrims take a holy dip at this ghat before visiting the Dwarkadhish Temple.
The Prag Mahal Palace in Bhuj was built in which architectural style?
Correct Answer: B. Italian Gothic
The Prag Mahal Palace in Bhuj was built in 1865 in the Italian Gothic architectural style by Maharao Pragmalji II of Kutch. It was designed by Colonel Henry Saint Wilkins and took 7 years to build. The palace features a 45-meter high clock tower (Ghanta Ghar) which was partially damaged in the 2001 earthquake but has since been restored.
The Vijay Vilas Palace in Mandvi, Kutch, was used as a filming location for which Bollywood movie?
Correct Answer: B. Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam
The Vijay Vilas Palace in Mandvi, Kutch, was used as a filming location for the Bollywood movie 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam' (1999) directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The palace was built in 1929 by Maharao Khengarji III for his son Prince Vijayarajji. It features elements of Rajput architecture and is set on a private beach.
How many times in total has the Somnath Temple been reportedly destroyed and rebuilt over history?
Correct Answer: D. 17 times
According to historical accounts, the Somnath Temple has been destroyed and rebuilt at least 17 times over its history, making it a symbol of resilience in Hindu culture. Various Muslim rulers including Mahmud of Ghazni, Alauddin Khilji, and Aurangzeb reportedly destroyed or damaged the temple. The current structure, inaugurated in 1951, is the latest rebuilt version.
The Somnath Jyotirlinga is revered as the 'Mritunjaya Linga' meaning:
Correct Answer: B. The Linga that conquers death
The Somnath Jyotirlinga is called 'Mritunjaya Linga' meaning the Linga that conquers death or the conqueror of death. The name 'Somnath' means 'Lord of the Moon' (Soma = Moon, Nath = Lord), linking it to the legend of the Moon God being cured of a curse by worshipping Shiva here. It is one of the most sacred Jyotirlingas in all of India.
Mahmud of Ghazni's attack on Somnath in 1025 CE was his how many-th expedition to India?
Correct Answer: C. 17th
Mahmud of Ghazni's raid on Somnath in 1025 CE was his 17th expedition to India. This attack was the most destructive of all his raids, and he reportedly destroyed the Jyotirlinga idol and looted enormous wealth. The raid on Somnath has been one of the most discussed events in medieval Indian historiography.
The Somnath Temple Trust was established to manage the temple after reconstruction. Who was its first president?
Correct Answer: B. K.M. Munshi
K.M. Munshi, the noted Gujarati author and statesman, was the first president of the Somnath Trust which managed the reconstruction and management of the temple. He wrote the book 'Somnath: The Eternal Shrine' depicting the temple's history. His dedication to the restoration of Somnath is considered one of his greatest contributions.
Dwarka is believed to have been submerged in the sea. Underwater excavations have found structures dating to approximately:
Correct Answer: B. 3,500 years ago
Underwater excavations off the coast of Dwarka by the Archaeological Survey of India's Marine Archaeology Unit have revealed structures and artifacts dating to approximately 3,500 years ago. These findings lend credence to the legend of the ancient city of Dwarka built by Lord Krishna being submerged by the sea. The Mahabharat mentions that Dwarka was swallowed by the sea after Krishna's death.