Q50. Mahabalipuram became an important centre of temple architecture under which kingdom?
[SSC CGL 2024]
A. Pallava
B. Chola
C. Chera
D. Chalukya
Answer: A. Pallava
Explanation: Pallava rulers transformed Mahabalipuram into a major architectural centre, producing excavated mandapas, monolithic rathas and structural temples between roughly the seventh and eighth centuries.
Q49. The Sanchi Stupa UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in:
[SSC CHSL 2024]
A. Bihar
B. Punjab
C. Madhya Pradesh
D. Rajasthan
Answer: C. Madhya Pradesh
Explanation: Sanchi lies in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh near Vidisha. Its Buddhist complex preserves stupas, monasteries, temples and exceptionally important sculptured gateways spanning several historical periods.
Q48. The Saptaratha temples at Mahabalipuram were built by the:
[WBPSC Food SI 2023 – Held 2024]
A. Cholas
B. Chalukyas
C. Pallavas
D. Pandyas
Answer: C. Pallavas
Explanation: Mahabalipuram’s ratha tradition developed under Pallava patronage. These monolithic shrines reproduce various architectural forms in stone and were crucial experiments in South Indian temple design.
Q47. Which important early Chola painting was discovered at Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur, in 1931?
[UPSC CDS 2024] Testbook
A. Buddha with chauri-bearers
B. Shiva as Yoga-Dakshinamurti
C. Yakshi Kali
D. Parshvanatha under a serpent hood
Answer: B. Shiva as Yoga-Dakshinamurti
Explanation: The Brihadisvara murals include the celebrated Chola representation of Shiva as Yoga-Dakshinamurti. These paintings provide valuable evidence of artistic activity within monumental Chola temple architecture.
Q46. Which temple is an example of Vesara-style architecture?
[CGPSC Preliminary Examination 2024]
A. Hoysaleshwara Temple
B. Kandariya Mahadeva Temple
C. Rama Temple, Ayodhya
D. None
Answer: A. Hoysaleshwara Temple
Explanation: Hoysaleshwara at Halebidu represents the highly ornate Deccan architectural tradition often classified under Vesara, combining southern and northern features with characteristic Hoysala innovations.
2023 Questions
Q45. With reference to ancient India, how many of the following statements regarding stupas are correct?
- The concept of the stupa is exclusively Buddhist in origin.
- Stupas generally functioned as repositories of relics.
- Stupas could be votive or commemorative structures.
[UPSC CSE Prelims 2023]
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. All three
D. None
Answer: B. Only two
Explanation: Relic repositories and votive or commemorative stupas were central to Buddhist architecture. However, funerary mound traditions existed before Buddhism, so the concept was not exclusively Buddhist in origin.
Q44. Dhanyakataka, a prominent Buddhist centre under the Mahasanghikas, was located in which region?
[UPSC CSE Prelims 2023]
A. Andhra
B. Gandhara
C. Kalinga
D. Magadha
Answer: A. Andhra
Explanation: Ancient Dhanyakataka, associated with Dharanikota-Amaravati in the lower Krishna region, developed into an important centre of Buddhism and the famous Amaravati artistic and architectural tradition.
Q43. Consider the following pairs:
- Besnagar — Shaivite cave shrine
- Bhaja — Buddhist cave shrine
- Sittanavasal — Jain cave shrine
How many pairs are correctly matched?
[UPSC CSE Prelims 2023]
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. All three
D. None
Answer: B. Only two
Explanation: Bhaja is an important Buddhist rock-cut complex and Sittanavasal is associated with Jainism. Besnagar is especially noted for the Heliodorus pillar rather than a Shaivite cave shrine.
Q42. The Stupa of Bharhut is a fine example of:
[RPSC RAS Prelims 2023]
A. Chola architecture
B. Kushan architecture
C. Gupta architecture
D. Shunga architecture
Answer: D. Shunga architecture
Explanation: Bharhut’s celebrated railings and narrative reliefs were largely developed during the Shunga period. Its art retains an early aniconic Buddhist tradition using symbols to represent Buddha.
Q41. Bhitargaon Brick Temple is a notable example of architecture belonging to the:
[SSC MTS 2023]
A. Mughal period
B. Gupta period
C. Mauryan period
D. Chola period
Answer: B. Gupta period
Explanation: Bhitargaon in Uttar Pradesh is among the finest surviving Gupta brick temples. Its terracotta panels and tall superstructure provide important evidence for early structural Hindu temple development.
