50. As of 2021, which of these places had UNESCO World Heritage status?
[MP Forest Guard / Jail Prahari — 1 Jun 2023, Shift 3]
A. Bada Imambara
B. Fatehpur Sikri
C. Lakshman Temple at Sirpur
D. Raisen Fort
Answer: B. Fatehpur Sikri
Explanation: Fatehpur Sikri in Uttar Pradesh was inscribed in 1986. Founded by Akbar in the sixteenth century, its fortified palace and religious complex contains notable examples of Mughal architecture, including the Jama Masjid, Panch Mahal and Buland Darwaza.
49. Which UNESCO-listed Indian monument is not principally associated with Buddhist heritage?
[MPTET Varg 2, Social Science — 11 May 2023, Shift 1]
A. Nalanda Mahavihara
B. Mahabodhi Temple Complex
C. Ajanta Caves
D. Khajuraho Group of Monuments
Answer: D. Khajuraho Group of Monuments
Explanation: The temples of Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh belong mainly to Hindu and Jain traditions, unlike the other listed sites which are closely linked to Buddhism. The Chandela-era Khajuraho group was inscribed by UNESCO in 1986.
48. Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO natural heritage property, is in which state?
[SSC MTS — 8 Sept 2023, Shift 2]
A. Assam
B. Gujarat
C. Karnataka
D. West Bengal
Answer: A. Assam
Explanation: Kaziranga National Park is in Assam and contains important grassland, wetland and forest habitats. It is especially renowned for conserving the greater one-horned rhinoceros. UNESCO inscribed Kaziranga in 1985 for its outstanding natural significance.
47. Which king initiated the construction of the Great Stupa at Sanchi?
[SSC MTS — 8 Sept 2023, Shift 1]
A. Samudragupta
B. Bimbisara
C. Ashoka
D. Chandragupta Maurya
Answer: C. Ashoka
Explanation: The original core of the Great Stupa at Sanchi was commissioned by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka in the third century BCE. Later dynasties expanded and decorated it. Sanchi was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1989.
46. Which of these is widely regarded as the oldest Buddhist stupa complex?
[SSC MTS — 4 Sept 2023, Shift 2]
A. Dhamek Stupa
B. Mahabodhi Stupa
C. Kesariya Stupa
D. Sanchi Stupa
Answer: D. Sanchi Stupa
Explanation: The Great Stupa at Sanchi has a Mauryan-period origin associated with Ashoka and is among India’s oldest stone Buddhist monuments. Its later gateways and railings are major sources for early Buddhist visual culture. UNESCO inscribed Sanchi in 1989.
45. Which Mughal emperor had the Taj Mahal built?
[SSC MTS — 12 Sept 2023, Shift 3]
A. Humayun
B. Jahangir
C. Akbar
D. Shah Jahan
Answer: D. Shah Jahan
Explanation: Shah Jahan commissioned the Taj Mahal at Agra as a mausoleum for Mumtaz Mahal. Its white marble, garden arrangement and decorative stone inlay epitomise Mughal funerary architecture. The monument was among India’s first World Heritage inscriptions in 1983.
44. In which city is the UNESCO-listed Red Fort Complex situated?
[SSC MTS — 13 Sept 2023, Shift 3]
A. Lucknow
B. Delhi
C. Indore
D. Ahmedabad
Answer: B. Delhi
Explanation: Delhi’s Red Fort was built under Shah Jahan as the palace-fort of Shahjahanabad. Its red sandstone enclosure, ceremonial halls and palace buildings reflect Mughal planning and aesthetics. UNESCO inscribed the Red Fort Complex in 2007.
43. The Ellora cave monuments are near which city?
[Delhi Police Constable — 17 Nov 2023, Shift 2]
A. Fatehpur Sikri
B. Aurangabad
C. Indore
D. Delhi
Answer: B. Aurangabad
Explanation: The Ellora Caves lie near Aurangabad, now officially Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, in Maharashtra. The rock-cut Buddhist, Hindu and Jain cave monuments demonstrate striking artistic achievement and religious coexistence. UNESCO recognised Ellora as World Heritage in 1983.
42. At which cave complex is the famous rock-cut Kailasa Temple located?
[SSC Stenographer — 12 Oct 2023, Shift 3]
A. Khandagiri Caves
B. Ellora Caves
C. Ajanta Caves
D. Elephanta Caves
Answer: B. Ellora Caves
Explanation: The massive Kailasa Temple is Cave 16 at Ellora in Maharashtra. It is an extraordinary monolithic excavation commonly associated with Rashtrakuta patronage. Ellora’s broader group of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain caves was inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage in 1983.
41. In which state is the Hampi Utsav celebrated?
[SSC GD 2022 — conducted 16 Jan 2023, Shift 3]
A. Karnataka
B. Kerala
C. Tamil Nadu
D. Andhra Pradesh
Answer: A. Karnataka
Explanation: Hampi Utsav celebrates the cultural legacy of the former Vijayanagara capital in Karnataka. The site’s monumental temples, mandapas, market streets and royal remains are globally famous. UNESCO inscribed the Group of Monuments at Hampi in 1986.
