Q70. How many horses are represented pulling the monumental chariot of the Konark Sun Temple?
[SSC CGL 2025]
A. 5
B. 6
C. 8
D. 7
Answer: D. 7
Explanation: Konark represents Surya’s celestial chariot with seven horses, conventionally associated with the seven days of the week, and 24 richly carved wheels arranged in twelve pairs.
Q69. What is a prominent architectural feature of the Sun Temple at Modhera?
[SSC CGL 2025]
A. Gopuram
B. Garuda pillar
C. Stepped tank
D. Vimana
Answer: C. Stepped tank
Explanation: Modhera’s Surya Kund is a large geometrically arranged stepped reservoir containing numerous miniature shrines. It forms an integral ceremonial and architectural component of the temple complex.
Q68. In Nagara temple architecture, the projecting central offset of a wall face is known as:
[SSC CGL 2025]
A. Karna Sringa
B. Pratiratha
C. Anuratha
D. Bhadra
Answer: D. Bhadra
Explanation: Bhadra denotes the principal central projection of a temple wall. Such projections create the articulated exterior plans characteristic of increasingly complex Nagara temple architecture.
Q67. Which statement about the early sixth-century Deogarh Temple is correct?
[SSC CGL 2025]
A. It follows a Panchayatana layout and is an early Nagara example
B. It was built by Chandela rulers
C. Its chief deity is Shiva
D. It is entirely rock-cut
Answer: A. It follows a Panchayatana layout and is an early Nagara example
Explanation: Deogarh’s Dashavatara Temple is a Gupta-period Vishnu temple combining a raised platform, Panchayatana arrangement and developing Nagara superstructure, making it important in temple architectural evolution.
Q66. Which architectural element is characteristic of the Nagara style of northern and central India?
[SSC CGL 2025]
A. Vimana
B. Shikhara
C. Barrel-vaulted mandapa
D. Gopuram
Answer: B. Shikhara
Explanation: The curvilinear shikhara rising over the garbhagriha is the most recognisable feature of the Nagara tradition, unlike the progressively tiered vimana characteristic of southern Dravida temples.
Q65. What is the typical form of the simplest Nagara-style shikhara?
[SSC CGL 2025]
A. Circular base with domes
B. Square base with curving walls
C. Triangular base
D. Rectangular base with domes
Answer: B. Square base with curving walls
Explanation: The basic Latina or Rekha-Prasada shikhara rises from a square sanctum and curves inward toward the summit, usually terminating in an amalaka and kalasha.
Q64. The carved wheels of the Konark Sun Temple principally symbolize:
[SSC CGL 2025]
A. Planets
B. Divisions of time
C. Festivals
D. Weapons
Answer: B. Divisions of time
Explanation: Konark’s elaborate wheels carry calendrical and temporal symbolism. The twelve pairs correspond to divisions of the year, while spokes and shadows can also signify divisions of time.
Q63. Consider the following statements about Ellora:
- The site is associated exclusively with Buddhism.
- Kailasa Temple was constructed of dressed stone and kiln-fired bricks.
[UPSC CDS-II 2025]
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both
D. Neither
Answer: D. Neither
Explanation: Ellora contains Buddhist, Hindu and Jain monuments. Kailasa was not assembled from masonry; it was excavated monolithically from the basalt cliff under Rashtrakuta patronage.
Q62. What is notable about carvings at the entrances of the Sanchi Stupa?
[RRB NTPC UG CBT-I 2025]
A. Mauryan royal portraits
B. Jataka story narratives
C. Only Buddha’s post-enlightenment life
D. Only mythical creatures
Answer: B. Jataka story narratives
Explanation: Sanchi’s toranas are covered with narrative reliefs including Jataka tales, events from Buddha’s life and Buddhist symbols, making them major sources for early Buddhist art.
Q61. Consider the following statements about stupas:
A. “Stupa” refers to something raised by accumulation.
B. The specifically Buddhist custom of erecting stupas as memorials to the dead was pre-Buddhist.
[RPSC RAS Prelims 2025]
A. Only A is true
B. Only B is true
C. Both are true
D. Both are false
Answer: A. Only A is true
Explanation: Stupa denotes a mound or accumulated structure. Earlier burial mounds existed, but the characteristic religious stupa tradition tested here developed particularly through Buddhist relic worship.
