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Temple Architecture

6 UPSC Prelims MCQs tagged "Temple Architecture". Free practice with answer keys, explanations, and timed mock tests on Anantam IAS.

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  1. The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new Circuit House near Somnath Temple at Veraval.…

    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:

    1. A1 and 2 only
    2. B2 and 3 only
    3. C1 and 3 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: A

    Statement 1 is correct. One of the 12 holy Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva is in Jyotirlinga here in Somnath.

    Statement 2 is correct. Al Biruni writes that the temple was built of stone and constructed about 100 years before Mahmud's attack (which would date it to the 10th century) and that it was set in a fortress surrounded by the sea on 3 sides.

    Statement 3 is incorrect. The Pran Pratishtha (consecration) of the present-day Somnath Temple in 1951 was performed by India's first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, at the invitation of K.M. Munshi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He remarked that it symbolized a victory of reconstruction over destruction.

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    Art & Culture UPSC 2022 Hard

  2. With reference to Chausath Yogini Temple situated near Morena, consider the following statements: 1.…

    With reference to Chausath Yogini Temple situated near Morena, consider the following statements: 1. It is a circular temple built during the reign of 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?

    1. A1 and 2
    2. B2 and 3 Only
    3. C1 and 4
    4. D2, 3 and 4
    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: C

    Statement 1 is correct: (Circular temple, Kachchhapaghata Dynasty) The Chausath Yogini Temple near Morena is a circular temple complex built during the reign of the Kachchhapaghata dynasty, estimated to be around the 11th century CE.

    Statement 2 is incorrect: (Not the only circular temple) While the Chausath Yogini Temple is a well-known example, it's not the only circular temple in India. There are other circular temples across the country, such as the Shiva temple at Bhringari in Andhra Pradesh.

    Statement 3 is incorrect: (Vaishnava cult) The temple is not primarily associated with the Vaishnava cult, which worships Vishnu. The specific dedication of the temple is debated, with some theories suggesting a connection to Shaktism or Tantric practices.

    Statement 4 is correct: (Inspiration for Parliament building) There's a popular belief that the circular design of the Chausath Yogini Temple might have inspired the architects of the Indian Parliament building in New Delhi. However, there's no definitive historical evidence to confirm this connection.

    Therefore, the correct statements are 1 and 4.

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    Art & Culture UPSC 2021 Medium

  3. Building ‘Kalyaana Mandapas’ was a notable feature in the temple construction in the kingdom…

    Building 'Kalyaana Mandapas' was a notable feature in the temple construction in the kingdom of

    1. AChalukya
    2. BChandela
    3. CRashtrakuta
    4. DVijayanagara
    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: D

    The Vijayanagara style of architecture is characterized by the addition of elaborate 'Kalyana Mandapas' (marriage halls) within the temple complex, intended for the ceremonial marriage of the deity. Other distinct features of this period include the 'Amman Shrine' (for the principal deity's consort), tall 'Raya Gopurams' (gateways), and highly decorated pillars featuring mythical animals like the 'Yali' or charging horses.

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    Art & Culture UPSC 2019 Medium

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

    With reference to the cultural history of India, the term 'Panchayatan' refers to

    1. Aan assembly of village elders
    2. Ba religious sect
    3. Ca style of temple construction
    4. Dan administrative functionary
    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: C

    Panchayatan (from Sanskrit: pañcha = five + āyatana = dwelling or shrine) refers to a style of temple architecture in which the main shrine is surrounded by four subsidiary shrines at the four corners of the temple platform. This layout symbolizes the worship of five deities (Panchadevata), typically: - Shiva - Vishnu - Shakti (Devi) - Surya (Sun) - Ganesha or Skanda It was popularized during the Gupta period and became a hallmark of Nagara-style temple architecture in North India.

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    Art & Culture UPSC 2014 Medium

  5. Consider the following statements regarding the famous Brihadeshwara Temple of Thanjavur:

    Consider the following statements regarding the famous Brihadeshwara Temple of Thanjavur:

    1. AOnly 1 and 2
    2. BOnly 3
    3. COnly 2 and 3
    4. D1, 2 and 3
    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: B

    The Brihadeshwara Temple was built by Rajaraja I of the Chola dynasty around 1010 CE, not the Chalukyas, so statement 1 is wrong. Sangam literature predates the 11th-century temple by centuries and contains no description of it, making statement 2 wrong. It is part of the UNESCO-listed Great Living Chola Temples, so only statement 3 holds.

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    Art and Culture UPSC GPSC-2026 Medium

  6. Which of the following is/are famous for Sun temples? 1. Arasavalli 2. Amarakantak 3.…

    Which of the following is/are famous for Sun temples? 1. Arasavalli 2. Amarakantak 3. Omkareshwar Select the correct answer using the code given below :

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 and 3 only
    3. C1 and 3 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: A

    Statement 1 is Correct: Arasavalli, located in the Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, is home to the famous Sun Temple (Suryanarayana Temple). It was built in the 7th century AD by King Devendra Varma of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. The temple is designed such that the sun's rays fall on the feet of the deity twice a year.

    Statement 2 is Incorrect: Amarakantak in Madhya Pradesh is a significant pilgrimage site known as the source of the Narmada, Son, and Johila rivers. While it houses several ancient temples built by the Kalachuri dynasty (such as the Narmada Udgam Temple), it is not famous for a Sun temple.

    Statement 3 is Incorrect: Omkareshwar, located on the Mandhata island in the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh, is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a major Shaivite pilgrimage center and does not host a famous Sun temple.

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    Art & Culture UPSC 2017 Hard