Architecture MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Architecture - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is Vimana.

Key Points

• In South Indian temple architecture, the term Vimana refers to the pyramidal or stepped structure built directly above the sanctum (garbhagriha).
• The Vimana is often elaborately decorated with intricate carvings, sculptures, and ornamental details, showcasing the artistic skill of ancient Indian craftsmen.
• This feature is a distinguishing aspect of Dravidian temple architecture, commonly seen in temples of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala.
• The Vimana serves not only as an architectural feature but also as a symbolic representation of the sacred Mount Meru, believed to be the center of the universe in Hindu cosmology.
• Famous examples of Vimanas can be seen in temples like the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur and the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai.

Additional Information

• Adhisthana:
  • The Adhisthana is the base or platform on which the temple structure is built. It provides stability and often contains ornamental moldings.
• Jagati:
  • The Jagati refers to a raised platform that surrounds the temple, often used for circumambulation (pradakshina) by devotees.
• Mandapa:
  • A Mandapa is a pillared hall or pavilion in a temple, used for congregational purposes, rituals, and ceremonies. It is often located in front of the sanctum.
• South Indian Temple Architecture:
  • South Indian temples are primarily built in the Dravidian architectural style, characterized by towering gopurams (gateway towers), Vimanas, and intricate carvings.
  • The temple layout often includes key components like the Garbhagriha (sanctum), Vimana, Mandapa, and Prakara (enclosure walls).

The correct answer is Both 1 and 2.

Key Points

Temple of Bhitargaon, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh -

• The Bhitargaon Temple is a terraced brick building fronted with a terracotta panel.
• Built in the 5th century during the Gupta period, it is the oldest remaining brick/terracotta Hindu shrine with a roof and a high shikhara, though its upper chamber did sustain some damage in the 18th century.
• The temple at Bhitargaon in Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh) is one of the earliest surviving brick temples of India. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• It was built in the 5th century A.D during the Gupta Empire. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• It is the oldest remaining terracotta Hindu shrine with a roof and a high Shikhara (spire) which paved the way for the elaborate Nagara style of temple architecture in North India.
• Over generations, worshipping was systematised and paved the way for the evolution of temple structures.
• Rock-cut architecture began to develop in the 3rd century BCE.
• Though the earliest rock-cut architecture is from the Mauryan dynasty, the Ajanta caves which belong to post Mauryan period are among the earliest rock-cut temples.

The correct answer is Gorakhnath temple.

• Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched 'recycled incense sticks' at an ashram of Gorakhnath Temple, in Gorakhpur.
• This initiative is taken to promote environment-friendly products in the market.
• The Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, a research institute of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has provided technical support in making these incense sticks.

Additional Information

Some other important temples and their districts:

The correct answer is Hampi.

• Vijaya Vittala or Vittala Temple is situated in Hampi, Karnataka.
  • It was built around 15th century AD during the reign of King Devaraya II (1422 - 1446 AD).

Key Points

• Vijaya Vittala or Vittala Temple:
  • Several portions of the temple were expanded and enhanced during the reign of Krishnadevaraya (1509 - 1529 AD).
  • This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the form of Vittala.
  • The temple is well-known for its exceptional architecture and unmatched craftsmanship.
  • This predominant monument of Hampi is a major attraction of Hampi and is a must-see for worshippers.

The correct answer is Mumbai.

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) was built in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee.
• It was originally named Victoria Terminus in her honor, located in Mumbai.
• The name of the station was changed to "Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus" In March 1996.
• A British architect Frederick William Stevens designed the terminus.
• It is on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.

Additional Information

• The list of World Heritage Sites is maintained by the international 'World Heritage Programme', administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.
• The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) seeks to encourage the identification, protection, and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity.
• This is embodied in an international treaty called the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, adopted by UNESCO in 1972.
• India has 40 world heritage sites that include 32 Cultural properties, 7 Natural properties, and 1 mixed site. 

The correct answer is Shiva.

Key Points

• Elephanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a collection of cave temples predominantly dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
• The 'City of Caves', on an island in the Sea of Oman close to Bombay, contains a collection of rock art linked to the cult of Shiva.
• The Elephanta Caves are located in Western India on Elephanta Island (otherwise known as the Island of Gharapuri), which features two hillocks separated by a narrow valley.
• The Elephanta Caves are considered to be a contribution by the Kalachuris and the latest rules to contribute were the Rashtrakutas.

The correct answer is Sun Temple, Konark.

Key Points

• Konark Sun Temple (Konark Surya Mandir) is a 13th-century CE  Sun Temple at Konark about 35 kilometers northeast from Puri on the coastline of Odisha, India.
• The temple is attributed to king Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty about 1250 CE.
• Dedicated to the Hindu Sun God Surya, what remains of the temple complex has the appearance of a 100-foot (30 m) high chariot with immense wheels and horses, all carved from stone. 
• It is a classic illustration of the Odisha style of Architecture or Kalinga Architecture.
• This temple was called the "Black Pagoda" in European sailor accounts as early as 1676 because it looked like a great tower that appeared black.
• Declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1984, it remains a major pilgrimage site for Hindus, who gather here every year for the Chandrabhaga Mela around the month of February.
• Konark Sun Temple is depicted on the reverse side of the Indian currency note of Rs 10 to signify its importance to Indian cultural heritage.

Additional Information

• Brihadishvara temple, also called Rajarajeswaram or Peruvudaiyār Kōvil, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located on the South bank of Kaveri river in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India.
• The Shri Jagannath Temple is an important Hindu temple dedicated to Jagannath, a form of Vishnu, in Puri in the state of Odisha on the eastern coast of India. The present temple was rebuilt from the 10th century onwards, on the site of an earlier temple, and begun by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, first of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.
• Meenakshi Temple is a historic Hindu temple located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River in the temple city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is dedicated to Thirukamakottam Meenakshi, a form of Parvati, and her consort, Sundareshwar, a form of Shiva.
• Image of Sun Temple Konark:

​The correct answer is Hampi.

Key Points

• The Heritage site that has the Dravidian style of architecture is Hampi.
• Hampi also referred to as the Group of Monuments at Hampi, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Karnataka.
• The ruins at Hampi are a collection of heritage sites depicting the fine Dravidian style of art and architecture. 
• The Virupaksha Temple is the most important heritage monument on this site, which continues to be a very important religious center for the Hindus.
• The Dravida style of architecture is an architectural idiom that emerged in the southern part of the Indian subcontinent or South India,
• The temples under the Dravida style were constructed in five different shapes such as square-shaped, rectangular-shaped, major circular, circular, and octagonal-shaped.
• Brihadishvara Temple, also called Rajarajesvaram or Peruvudaiyar Koyil, is dedicated to Shiva located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, It is one of the largest South Indian temples and the Chennakesava Temple in Belur, Hoysaleswara temple in Halebidu, and the Kesava Temple in Somanathapura, etc an exemplary example of a fully realized Dravidian architecture.

Additional Information

The Correct Answer is Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah.

Key Points

• Qutab-ud-din Aibak:
  • Qutab-ud-din Aibak was the first Muslim ruler of Delhi, ruled from 1206 to 1210 AD.
  • He constructed a Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque at Delhi and Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra at Ajmer.
  • He initiated the construction of Qutb Minar and was completed by Iltutmish.
  • He died in 1210 while playing Chaugan or Polo.
• Iltutmish (1211-1236):
  • He succeeded to the throne after Qutub-ud-din-Aibak.
  • He was the third ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, belonging to the Mamluk dynasty.
  • He constituted a corp of forty loyal slave Amirs known as Turkan-i-Chihalgani also called Chalisa.
  • He introduced the silver coin (tanka) and copper coin (Jittal).
  • He made Delhi the capital in place of Lahore. 
• Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah (1580-1612):
  • He was the fifth sultan of the Qutub Shahi dynasty of Golkonda
  • He founded the city of Hyderabad, in South-central India and built its architectural centerpiece, the Charminar. 
  • He founded the city of Hyderabad and named it as Bhagyanagar after his Hindu mistress Bhagamati.
  • The Charminar was built by him, in 1591 to commemorate the end of the plague in the city, in Indo Islamic style of architecture.

The correct answer is Narsimhadeva 1.

Key Points

• Sun Temple of Konark was built by King Narasimhadeva l of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty about 1250 CE. This temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Surya and is located 35 km northeast of Puri.
• The temple complex consists of a 100-foot high chariot with immense wheels and horses which is mainly in ruins.
• This temple complex was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984  for its architectural greatness and also for the sophistication and abundance of sculptural work.
• This temple also is known as the "Black Pagoda".
• Built-in the 13th century, the Konark temple was conceived as a gigantic chariot of the Sun God, with 12 pairs of exquisitely ornamented wheels pulled by seven horses.
• The temple is a perfect blend of Kalinga architecture, heritage, exotic beach, and salient natural beauty.
• It is protected under the National Framework of India by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act (1958) and its Rules (1959).

​

The correct answer is Krishna I.

Important Points

• Kailashnatha Temple also known as Kailash Temple is a famous temple located in Ellora, Maharashtra.
• Its construction is generally attributed to the eighth-century Rashtrakuta king Krishna I (756 – 773).
• It is a Hindu temple in the Dravidian architectural style.
• It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its historical importance.

The correct answer is Pattadakal.

Key Points

• Pattadakal:
  • Pattadakal represents the high point of eclectic art as designated by UNESCO.
  • In the 7th and 8th centuries under the Chalukya dynasty, achieved a harmonious blend of architectural forms from northern and southern India.
  • An impressive series of nine Hindu temples and a Jain sanctuary can be seen there.
  • It is located on the west bank of the Mallaprabha River in Bagalkot district in Karnataka.
  • The Hindu temples are generally dedicated to Shiva, but elements of Vaishnavism and Shaktism theology and legends are also featured.

​Additional Information

• Three very closely located sites in the State of Karnataka provide a remarkable concentration of religious monuments dating from the great dynasty of the Chalukya (c. 543-757).
• The three capital cities are- Aihole (ancient Aryapura), Badami, and Pattadakal, the 'City of the Crown Rubies' (Pattada Kisuvolal).
• The Pattadakal was, moreover, for a brief time the third capital city of the Chalukya kingdom; at the time the Pallava occupied Badami (642-55).
• While Aihole is traditionally considered the 'laboratory' of Chalukya architecture, with such monuments as the Temple of Ladkhan (c. 450) which antedate the dynasty's political successes during the reign of King Pulakeshin I.

The correct answer is Ghora Katora.

Important Points

• Bihar CM Nitish Kumar unveiled a 70 ft tall statue of Lord Buddha at Rajgir in Nalanda district on November 25, 2018.
• The statue has been installed above a 16 m radius pedestal in the middle of the lake Ghora katora.
• It has been made from cubic foot pink stone.
• Ghora katora lake is a natural lake surrounded by five hills.
• No petrol and diesel vehicles are allowed to ply there.

The correct answer is Aurangzeb.

Key Points

• Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) was built by Aurangzeb in 1659-60.
• Moti Masjid is located at the Red Fort Complex in New Delhi.
• It was made using white marble.

• Moti Masjid of Agra built by Shah Jahan. 

Additional Information 

List of Monuments built by Mughal emperors.

The correct answer is Gujarat.Key Points

•  Modhera Sun Temple is situated at Gujarat.
• As per Archeological Survey of India Modhera Sun Temple was built in 1026-27 CE during the reign of Bhima I of the Chaulukya dynasty.
• As you enter the historical complex, you first come across the magnificent kund known as the Ramakund, built in rectangular shape containing 108 shrines to various gods and demi-gods.
•  Three main shrines positioned on the three sides of the kund, dedicated to Ganesh and Vishnu and an image of Lord Shiva dancing the ‘tandav’.
• Walk up the steps to the ‘Sabha Mandap’ or the assembly and convene with sculpted renderings of twelve ‘Adityas’ (another name for the sun god).
• The twelve representations carved on the pillars represent the sun according to the twelve months.
• In October, 2022 Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendrabhai Modi Inaugurated Solar powered 3-D Projection Mapping Show and Heritage Lighting at the Temple. 

Additional Information