Q20. Khajuraho, described as a “City of the Gods,” was referred to in the eleventh century by:
[WBCS Prelims 2021]
A. Ibn Battuta
B. Ibn Sina
C. Abu Rihan Al-Biruni
D. Omar Khayyam
Answer: C. Abu Rihan Al-Biruni
Explanation: Al-Biruni referred to Khajuraho in his accounts of India. The site flourished under Chandela patronage and is renowned for its closely integrated Nagara architecture and sculpture.
Q19. Which Gupta-period temple is situated in Uttar Pradesh?
[UPPSC GIC Lecturer 2021]
A. Temple of Nachna Kuthara
B. Vishnu Temple of Tigawa
C. Shiva Temple of Bhumara
D. Dashavatara Temple of Deogarh
Answer: D. Dashavatara Temple of Deogarh
Explanation: Deogarh’s Dashavatara Temple is situated in present-day Uttar Pradesh and represents an important stage in Gupta structural temple architecture, particularly early Panchayatana and Nagara development.
Q18. Who was principally responsible for building the celebrated Ranakpur Jain Temple?
[RPSC Assistant Professor History 2021]
A. Vimal Vasahi
B. Dharna Shah
C. Vastupal
D. Tejpal
Answer: B. Dharna Shah
Explanation: Jain merchant Dharna Shah initiated the great Adinatha temple at Ranakpur with the support of Rana Kumbha. The complex is celebrated for its numerous intricately carved marble pillars.
Q17. Which statements regarding Ellora architecture are correct?
a. There are 34 rock-cut caves.
b. They represent Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism.
c. Kailasa Temple is Cave 10.
d. The monuments largely belong to Chalukya-Rashtrakuta times.
e. Kailasa was built under Krishna I.
[RPSC Assistant Professor History 2021]
A. a, b, c
B. b, c, d, e
C. a, d, e
D. a, b, d, e
Answer: D. a, b, d, e
Explanation: Ellora contains 34 caves representing three religions. Kailasa is Cave 16, not Cave 10, and its creation is particularly associated with Rashtrakuta king Krishna I.
Q16. Which of the following Buddha-life event and symbol pairs is NOT correctly matched?
[RPSC Assistant Professor History 2021]
A. Birth — Lotus
B. Great Departure — Footprint
C. Enlightenment — Bodhi Tree
D. Mahaparinirvana — Stupa
Answer: B. Great Departure — Footprint
Explanation: The Great Departure is generally represented by the riderless horse Kanthaka. Footprints symbolize Buddha’s presence or movement and are not the standard symbol of Mahabhinishkramana.
Q15. Sanchi Stupa is situated near which city?
[RRB NTPC CBT-I 2021]
A. Bhopal
B. Gwalior
C. Jhansi
D. Agra
Answer: A. Bhopal
Explanation: Sanchi is situated in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh, northeast of Bhopal and close to ancient Vidisha, an important commercial and cultural centre during early historical India.
Q14. Who originally commissioned the Great Stupa at Sanchi?
[RRB NTPC CBT-I 2021]
A. Ashoka
B. Chanakya
C. Bindusara
D. Chandragupta Maurya
Answer: A. Ashoka
Explanation: Emperor Ashoka commissioned the original brick core of Sanchi’s Great Stupa in the third century BCE. Later rulers enlarged it and added stone railings and toranas.
Q13. The Ajanta Caves are located near which city?
[RRB NTPC CBT-I 2021]
A. Nashik
B. Pune
C. Aurangabad
D. Mumbai
Answer: C. Aurangabad
Explanation: Ajanta lies in Maharashtra’s historic Aurangabad region, now within Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division. Its Buddhist caves occupy a dramatic horseshoe-shaped gorge of the Waghora River.
Q12. Which dynasty built the Pancha Rathas at Mahabalipuram?
[SSC CGL 2020]
A. Chera
B. Chola
C. Pallava
D. Satavahana
Answer: C. Pallava
Explanation: The Pancha Rathas were carved during Pallava rule, particularly around the reign of Narasimhavarman I. Each monolithic shrine experiments with a different architectural form.
Q11. Dharmaraja, Bhima, Arjuna and Nakula-Sahadeva are four of the Pancha Rathas. What is the fifth?
[SSC CGL 2020]
A. Bhishma Ratha
B. Draupadi Ratha
C. Krishna Ratha
D. Karna Ratha
Answer: B. Draupadi Ratha
Explanation: The five monolithic monuments are conventionally named after Draupadi and the five Pandavas, although these names were assigned later and do not identify their original dedications.
