90. The UNESCO-protected Mahabodhi Temple Complex is found in which state?
[SSC CHSL Tier-I — 17 Nov 2025, Shift 3]
A. Haryana
B. Bihar
C. Punjab
D. Assam
Answer: B. Bihar
Explanation: The Mahabodhi Temple Complex stands at Bodh Gaya in Bihar, where Buddhist tradition places the Buddha’s enlightenment. UNESCO inscribed it in 2002. The temple and Bodhi Tree area are major pilgrimage and historical landmarks of Buddhism.
89. Evaluate these statements about Agra Fort:
I. It is not a UNESCO site.
II. It was a principal Mughal imperial residence.
Which is correct?
[SSC CHSL Tier-I — 15 Nov 2025, Shift 3]
A. Statement I only
B. Statement II only
C. Both statements
D. Neither statement
Answer: B. Statement II only
Explanation: Agra Fort became a World Heritage Site in 1983, so the first assertion is false. The fort was a major seat of Mughal political and residential life before the imperial court shifted its central focus to Shahjahanabad.
88. Why does UNESCO attach exceptional global significance to the Western Ghats?
[SSC CGL — 17 Sept 2025, Shift 2]
A. Because they classify urban rivers
B. Because of monsoon influence and major biodiversity
C. Because they house Arctic wildlife
D. Because they are a desert volcanic plateau
Answer: B. Because of monsoon influence and major biodiversity
Explanation: The Western Ghats intercept moist monsoon winds and form one of the world’s important biodiversity hotspots. High endemic species richness and threatened habitats contribute to their exceptional natural value. A serial group of Western Ghats sites entered UNESCO’s list in 2012.
87. How many pairs of elaborately sculpted wheels represent the chariot of the Konark Sun Temple?
[SSC CGL — 15 Sept 2025, Shift 1]
A. 10 pairs
B. 11 pairs
C. 12 pairs
D. 13 pairs
Answer: C. 12 pairs
Explanation: The thirteenth-century Konark Sun Temple in Odisha is conceived as a monumental stone chariot drawn by seven horses. Its twenty-four sculpted wheels form twelve pairs. This celebrated architectural form is a central reason for its worldwide recognition.
86. Identify the mountain chain inscribed by UNESCO for its extraordinary biological richness.
[RRB NTPC UG CBT-I — 8 Aug 2025, Shift 3]
A. Satpura Range
B. Western Ghats
C. Eastern Ghats
D. Chotanagpur Plateau
Answer: B. Western Ghats
Explanation: The Western Ghats stretch along much of the western side of peninsular India. They contain species-rich forests, many endemic plants and animals, and significant watersheds. UNESCO added a serial selection of Western Ghats sites to its World Heritage List in 2012.
85. Which group of Indian temples is particularly celebrated for sculpted erotic imagery and UNESCO status?
[SSC Selection Post (Matriculation) — 1 Aug 2025, Shift 1]
A. Brihadisvara Temple
B. Konark Sun Temple
C. Khajuraho Temples
D. Meenakshi Temple
Answer: C. Khajuraho Temples
Explanation: The Khajuraho Group of Monuments in Madhya Pradesh consists mainly of Hindu and Jain temples built under Chandela patronage. Their sophisticated Nagara architecture and sculptural programmes are internationally celebrated. UNESCO placed the group on its World Heritage List in 1986.
84. Which listed building belongs to an Indian UNESCO World Heritage property?
[SSC Selection Post (Matriculation) — 30 Jul 2025, Shift 1]
A. Fort St George
B. Basilica of Bom Jesus
C. Auroville Matrimandir
D. Chandannagar Strand
Answer: B. Basilica of Bom Jesus
Explanation: The Basilica of Bom Jesus is in Old Goa and belongs to UNESCO’s Churches and Convents of Goa property, inscribed in 1986. It is an important monument of Portuguese-era religious architecture and is associated with the relics of St Francis Xavier.
83. Jaipur’s UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory is situated in which state?
[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-I — 21 Jun 2025, Shift 1]
A. Rajasthan
B. Madhya Pradesh
C. Gujarat
D. Bihar
Answer: A. Rajasthan
Explanation: Jantar Mantar in Jaipur, Rajasthan, was built under Sawai Jai Singh II in the eighteenth century. Its large masonry instruments facilitated astronomical measurements and calendrical calculations. UNESCO designated the Jaipur observatory a World Heritage Site in 2010.
82. The World Heritage-listed Kakatiya Rudreshwara, or Ramappa, Temple is in which state?
[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-I — 17 Jun 2025, Shift 1]
A. Karnataka
B. Telangana
C. Andhra Pradesh
D. Gujarat
Answer: B. Telangana
Explanation: Ramappa Temple is located at Palampet in Telangana and exemplifies thirteenth-century Kakatiya temple architecture. Noted for ornamental carving and distinctive building techniques, it entered UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2021 under the name Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple.
81. Which statement about Sanchi’s Great Stupa is incorrect?
[MPPSC Assistant Professor, History Paper II — 1 Jun 2025]
A. Henry Taylor rediscovered the monument in 1818
B. Its original core dates to Ashoka
C. The original stupa was made of brick
D. Its sculpted railing was erected by the Vakatakas
Answer: D. Its sculpted railing was erected by the Vakatakas
Explanation: Ashoka commissioned the original brick stupa at Sanchi in the Mauryan period. Later expansion and decorative works are associated mainly with the Shunga and Satavahana eras, not the Vakatakas. UNESCO inscribed Sanchi’s Buddhist monuments in 1989.
