Temple and rock-cut architecture — UPSC Prelims PYQs

Which of the following temples has/have a Nagara-style shikhara? 1. Malegitti Shivalaya, Badami 2. Huchimalligudi Temple, Aihole 3. Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh 4. Virupaksha Temple, Pattadakal Select the answer using the code given below:

The Hallisalasya painting in the Bagh Caves represents:

Which one of the following statements with regard to the Moidams, built by the Tai-Ahom kingdom and inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is/are correct? 1. They acted as army fortresses. 2. They were recreation centres of the Royals and Nobles. 3. They were burial grounds of the Royals and Nobles. 4. They were battle drill centres of the Royals and Nobles. Select the answer using the code given below:

Who among the following rulers of Vijayanagara Empire constructed a large dam across Tungabhadra River and a canal-cum-aqueduct several kilometres long from the river to the capital city?

With reference to ancient India, consider the following statements: 1. The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin. 2. Stupa was generally a repository of relics. 3. Stupa was a votive and commemorative structure in Buddhist tradition. How many of the statements given above are correct?

The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new Circuit House near Somnath Temple at Veraval. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Somnath Temple? 1. Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines. 2. A description of Somnath Temple was given by Al- Biruni. 3. Pran Pratishtha of Somnath Temple (installation of the present day temple) was done by President S. Radhakrishnan. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Which one of the following statements about Sangam literature in ancient South India is correct?

Consider the following pairs: Historical place Well - known for 1. Burzahom: Rock-cut shrines 2. Chandra - ketugarh: Terracotta art 3. Ganeshwar: Copper artefacts Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

With reference to Chausath Yogini Temple situated near Morena, consider the following statements: 1. It is a circular temple built during the reign of the Kachchhapaghata Dynasty. 2. It is the only circular temple built in India. 3. It was meant to promote the Vaishnava cult in the region. 4. Its design has given rise to a popular belief that it was the inspiration behind the Indian Parliament building. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Which one of the following statements is correct?

With reference to the history of India, consider the following pairs: Famous Place: Present State 1. Bhilsa: Madhya Pradesh 2. Dwarasamudra: Maharashtra 3. Girinagar: Gujarat 4. Sthanesvara: Uttar Pradesh Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Building ‘Kalyana Mandapam’ was a notable feature in the temple construction in the kingdom of

Consider the following pairs: Famous Place Region 1. Bodhgaya Baghelkhand 2. Khajuraho Bundelkhand 3. Shirdi Vidarbha 4. Nasik (Nashik) Malwa 5. Tirupati Rayalaseema Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

What is/are common to the two historical places known as Ajanta and Mahabalipuram? 1. Both were built in the same period. 2. Both belong to the same religious denomination. 3. Both have rock-cut monuments. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Consider the following pairs: Place of Pilgrimage Location 1. Srisailam Nallamala Hills 2. Omakareshwar Satmala Hills 3. Pushkar Mahadeo Hills Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

With reference to the art and archaeological history of India, which one among the following was made earliest?

With reference to the Indian history of art and culture, consider the following pairs. Famous works of sculpture Site A grand image of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana with numerous celestial musicians above and the sorrowful figures of his followers below Ajanta A huge image of Varaha Avatar (boar incarnation) of Vishnu, as he rescues Goddess Earth from the deep and chaotic waters, sculpted on the rock Mount Abu “Arjuna’s Penance”/“Descent of Ganga” sculpted on the surface of huge boulders Mamallapuram Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

With reference to the cultural history of India, the term ‘Panchayatan’ refers to:

With reference to the history of Indian rock-cut architecture, consider the following statements: 1. The caves at Badami are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India. 2. The Barabar rock-cut caves were originally made for Ajivikas by Emperor Chandragupta Maurya. 3. At Ellora, caves were made for different faiths. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas, while the others are called Viharas. What is the difference between the two?

The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are the: