Q10. The Khajuraho Temples are located in which state?
[SSC CGL 2019]
A. Andhra Pradesh
B. Uttarakhand
C. Uttar Pradesh
D. Madhya Pradesh
Answer: D. Madhya Pradesh
Explanation: Khajuraho lies in Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh. The surviving Chandela temples form one of India’s most celebrated ensembles of mature Nagara architecture and sculpture.
Q9. Lomas Rishi Cave is located in which state?
[SSC MTS 2019]
A. Jharkhand
B. Bihar
C. Madhya Pradesh
D. Chhattisgarh
Answer: B. Bihar
Explanation: The Lomas Rishi Cave forms part of the Mauryan Barabar cave group in Bihar. Its carved chaitya-arch façade preserves stone imitations of much earlier wooden architectural techniques.
Q8. Which statements about temple architecture are correct?
- Freestanding masonry temples developed significantly during the Gupta period.
- Lad Khan Temple at Aihole belongs to the Early Chalukyan tradition.
- Khajuraho’s major temple compartments are internally and externally integrated.
- Kailasanatha at Kanchi was the earliest freestanding Dravidian temple.
[RPSC RAS Prelims 2018]
A. 1, 3 and 4
B. 1 and 2
C. 1, 2 and 4
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D. 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Gupta architecture encouraged freestanding temples; Lad Khan belongs to the Aihole-Chalukya tradition; and Khajuraho achieved integrated plans. The claim about Kailasanatha being the earliest freestanding Dravidian temple is incorrect.
Q7. The famous Ajanta cave paintings are principally associated with which period?
[West Bengal Police Constable 2018]
A. Gupta period
B. Rashtrakuta period
C. Pala period
D. Maurya period
Answer: A. Gupta period
Explanation: The greatest surviving Ajanta murals belong broadly to the Gupta-Vakataka cultural age of the fifth century CE, though the cave complex contains an earlier phase beginning centuries before.
Q6. Consider the following statements regarding Nagara temple architecture:
- It is commonly found between the Himalayas and Vindhyas.
- Its most striking feature is a pyramidal shikhara.
[UPSC NDA 2017]
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both
D. Neither
Answer: A. 1 only
Explanation: Nagara is the major northern temple tradition, but its characteristic tower is generally curvilinear. The stepped pyramidal vimana is principally associated with the Dravida style.
Q5. The famous Lingaraja Temple of Odisha was principally constructed under which dynasty?
[UPPSC GIC Lecturer History 2017]
A. Ganga
B. Somavamshi
C. Chola
D. Hoysala
Answer: B. Somavamshi
Explanation: Construction of the Lingaraja Temple is principally associated with Somavamshi patronage, with later additions under subsequent rulers. It became a landmark of mature Kalinga temple architecture.
Q4. What is common to the historical sites of Ajanta and Mahabalipuram?
- Both were constructed in the same period.
- Both belong to the same religion.
- Both contain rock-cut monuments.
[UPSC CSE Prelims 2016]
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. None
Answer: B. 3 only
Explanation: Ajanta is principally Buddhist and developed over multiple phases; Mahabalipuram is predominantly Hindu and Pallava-period. Their important common feature is the presence of rock-cut architecture.
Q3. The famous Sanchi Stupa was originally commissioned by:
[RRB NTPC 2016]
A. Bindusara
B. Ashoka
C. Chandragupta Maurya
D. Kanishka
Answer: B. Ashoka
Explanation: Ashoka established Sanchi’s original brick stupa in the third century BCE. The monument was subsequently enlarged and embellished, especially with stone railings and narrative gateways.
Q2. Which of the following was created earliest?
[UPSC CSE Prelims 2015]
A. Lingaraja Temple, Bhubaneswar
B. Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli
C. Rock-cut monuments at Mahabalipuram
D. Varaha image at Udayagiri
Answer: B. Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli
Explanation: Dhauli’s rock-cut elephant belongs to the Mauryan-Ashokan age of the third century BCE, considerably predating Gupta Udayagiri, Pallava Mahabalipuram and medieval Lingaraja Temple.
Q1. What is the fundamental architectural difference between a Buddhist Chaitya and a Vihara?
[UPSC CSE Prelims 2013]
A. Chaitya is a place of worship; Vihara is a monastic dwelling
B. Vihara is a place of worship; Chaitya is a royal palace
C. Both are exclusively stupas
D. Chaitya is a residence while Vihara is a gateway
Answer: A. Chaitya is a place of worship; Vihara is a monastic dwelling
Explanation: A chaitya is primarily a congregational prayer hall, generally focused on a stupa, whereas a vihara is a monastery containing residential cells for Buddhist monks around a hall or courtyard.
