Architecture in Ancient India MCQ Practice Questions

Correct Answer: (D) Nagara School of Architecture

The Chandellas of Bundelkhand (9th century CE), a dynasty founded by Nannuka, initially ruled as feudatories of the Gurjara−Pratiharas of Kannauj, and were involved in conflicts with the Pratiharas, the Palas, and the Kalachuris of Chedi (who bordered the Chandellas on the south).
The Chandellas are well-known for their art and architecture, most notably for the fully developed Nagara- style temples at their original capital Khajuraho. The Lakshmana Temple (c. 930–950 CE), the Vishvanatha Temple (c. 999-1002 CE), and the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple (c. 1030 CE) were constructed during the reigns of Chandella rulers Yashovarman, Dhanga, and Vidyadhara respectively. They also commissioned a number of water bodies, palaces and forts at other places, including their strongholds of Jayapura-Durga (modern Ajaigarh), Kalanjara (modern Kalinjar), and their later capital Mahotsava-Nagara (modern Mahoba).

Correct Answer: (B) Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli

Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneshwar was built in 11th century A.D. Rockcut monuments at Mahabalipuram are 7th century AD creation. At Udaygiri, Varaha image is 5th century creation. Rock cut elephant at Dhauli was created during the reign of Ashoka (273-232BC). This is the oldest among the four.

Correct Answer: (A) Chandela

Khajuraho temple evidences the excellence of Chandela architecture. These temples are located in Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh. They were built between 950 to1050 A.D. Kandariya Mahadev temple is the best among these temples.

Correct Answer: (C) Hindu and Jain

Khajuraho is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in Madhya Pradesh. Most of these were built between 950 to1050 A.D. by Chandela dynasty. According to historical records, there were 85 temples built at the site of Khajuraho.

Correct Answer: (B) Shiva

Matangesvara Temple of Khajuraho is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple was built during King Dhanga’s reign between 950 to1050 AD. These temples were constructed in Nagara architecture.

Correct Answer: (C) Dashavatara

Dashavatar Temple is located in Jhansi, built during Gupta period. Rest in options are located in Khajuraho, built by Chandelas.

Correct Answer: (D) Mandu fort

Khajuraho temples, Bhimbetka rock shelters and Sanchi stupa are listed among the UNESCO world heritage site in India. Mandu fort is not listed in the world heritage site.

Correct Answer: (B) Teli Temple of Gwalior

Teli Temple of Gwalior presents a perfect fusion of the Northern and Southern architectural styles of India. The Shikhar (pinnacle) of the Temple is Dravidian in style, whereas the ornamentation is done in the Nagara style.

Correct Answer: (A) Bhavnagar

The Palitana temple of Jainism is located on Shatrunjaya hill near the city of Palitana in Bhavnagar district, Gujarat. This temple dedicated to 1st Jain Thirthankara Adinatha.

Correct Answer: (A) Bhubaneswara

Lingaraja Temple is one of the most popular and tallest temples of Odisha. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva who is also known as Lingraj. Lingaraj temple is approximately 180 ft. in height and enshrines a huge statue of Lord Shiva. This temple is built in Nagara architecture style and is one of the most excellent examples of this architecturural form.

Correct Answer: (C) Wood

The idols of Lord Jagannatha, Subhadra and Balbhadra in Sanctum sanctorum are made of neem wood. Neem wood is chosen because the Bhavishya Purana declares it to be the most auspicious wood from which to make lord Vishnu idols. The wood icon is re-painted every year before the Ratha-yatra. It is replaced with a newly carved image every 12 or 19 years approximately or more precisely according to the Luni-solar Hindu calendar when its month of Asadha occurs twice in the same year.

Correct Answer: (C) Cambodia

Angkor Wat is a temple complex in south-east Asian nation of Kampuchea (Now Cambodia) built by Khmer King Suryavarman - II in the beginning of 12th century in his capital Yashodhara Pura (Present Angakor). Devoted to Lord Vishnu, it is the largest group of Hindu temples built in the Dravidian style of architecture.

Correct Answer: (D) Ornamental and multi-storied structures upon the gateways.

Gopuram is a monumental tower, usually, ornate at the entrance of any temple especially in southern India. This forms a prominent feature of Hindu temples of the Dravidian style. The gopuram’s origin can be traced back to early structures of the Tamil kings Pallavas and by the twelfth century under the Pandya rulers. These gateways became a dominant feature of a temple’s outer appearance, eventually overshadowing the inner sanctuary which became hidden from the view by the gopuram’s enormous size.

Correct Answer: (A) Pallavas

Mahabalipuram is well known for its architectural beauty and is recognized as a world heritage monument by the UNESCO. Shore temple, Rathas (Chariots) carved out of a single rock, Arjuna penance and other cave temples are some of the famous wonders. Mahabalipuram was a place of pilgrimage even before the Pallava period and the Pallava king Narasimha Varman-I (630-668 AD) built these beautiful temples in Mamallan style, including the present Shore temple. Mahabalipuram was a famous centre of Pallava art and architecture.
Draupadi Rath is the smallest rath in monolithic temples or rath constructed in Mamallya style in Pallava period. There is no ornamentation found. It is pinned over lions and elephant-like sculptures.

Ancient History

Architecture in Ancient India MCQ Practice Questions