Challenge Prelims V1.0 – Day 39 – GS Paper (Indian Art & Culture)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the art and architectural developments during the Delhi Sultanate period:

1. Construction of Qutub Minar was started by Qutbuddin Aibak.
2. New style of music known as Qawwalis was introduced during the reign of Firoz Shah Tughlaq
3. Amir Khusrau’s famous work Khazainul-Futuh deals with the rise of Ghiasuddin Tughlaq.

How many of the statements given above is/are correct?

2. With reference to the cultural history of Mughals in India, consider the following statements:

1. The Indo-Islamic architecture in India began with the rule of Mughals.
2. The decorative motifs in Akbar’s tomb in Sikandra include elements like lotus and swastika.
3. Buland Darwaza was built by Akbar to commemorate his victory over Gujarat.

How many of the statements given above is/are correct?

3. Consider the following statements regarding Kalinga school of temple architecture:

1. Large gopurams and water tanks are present in temple premises.
2. It is characterised by ‘mandaps’ or dance pavilions.
3. It is a sub-style of Dravida style of temple architecture.

How many of the statements given above is/are correct?

4. How many of the following statements was/were correct regarding the Vijayanagara architecture?

1. The temples had the presence of large Raya Gopurams.
2. Kalyanamandapam with carved pillars were located in temple premises.
3. Elephant was the most common animal found in temple pillars.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

5. How many of the following is/are the striking feature(s) of the Tughlaq architecture?

1. Buildings with sloping walls
2. Extensive use of red sandstone
3. Buildings having minimum decoration

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

6. Consider the following statements with reference to the history of rock cut architecture in India:

1. The use of chaitya arch in stone was seen for the first time in Barabar Caves.
2. Barabar Caves are carved out of single monolithic granite rock.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

7. With reference to Hoysala architecture, consider the following statements:

1. The style of architecture is considered an intermediate between Indo-Aryan and Dravidian traditions.
2. The temples have a star-shaped base, with the main structure standing on a raised platform.
3. They extensively used sandstones to make intricate sculptural carvings.

How many of the statements given above is/are correct?

8. Consider the following statements regarding the Nagara architecture and Dravida architecture:

1. The vimana of the Dravida architecture has a step-like structure as compared to the Nagara style which is curved in shape.
2. Dvarapalas (doorkeepers) at the entrance are a common feature of the temples of the Nagara school of architecture.
3. In Dravida architecture, the garbhagriha of the main temple is sometimes located in one of the smallest towers as it is the oldest part of the temple.

How many of the statements given above is/are not correct?

9. Consider the following statements regarding the Nagara style of temple architecture:

1. In the Latina style of temple architecture the buildings are shorter and show a gentle rise as compared to phamsana type.
2. In many Nagara-style temples both phamsana and latina types of shikhara can be seen for manadapa and garbhagriha of a same temple respectively.
3. In the Vallabhi type of architecture buildings have a rectangular roof and are also known as wagon vaulted roofs.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

10. Arrange the following components of temple architecture in the correct sequence while entering a Nagara Style temple.

1. Garbhagriha
2. Mandapa
3. Antarala

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

11. How many of the following are the main features of Dravidian style temple architecture?

1. Sculptures of Dvarapalas (doorkeepers) on the gateways of temples.
2. Multiple shikharas rising together as a cluster.
3. Presence of a large water reservoir within the temple complex.
4. Images of mithunas and the river goddesses at the entrance of garbhagriha.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

12. Consider the following statements:

1. Rekhapida, Pidhadeul, Khakra are the temple architectural features belong Odisha.
2. Tessellation and pietra dura are techniques use for decoration of surface and walls in the Indo-Islamic Architecture.

Which of the statements given above is/are not correct?

13. Consider the following statements:

1. This style was developed under the patronage of Adil Shah.
2. Its architecture is unique in the use of three-arched facade and bulbous dome.
3. Gol Gumbad is one the finest example of this architecture.

Which of the following schools of architecture is best described by the above statements?

14. Consider the following pairs regarding different kinds of shrines in temples:

Type of Shrine: Feature

1. Sandhara: Shrine with pradikshinapath
2. Nirandhara: Shrine without pradakshinapath
3. Sarvatobhadra: Shrine which can be accessed from all sides

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

15. How many of the following monuments is/are examples of Mandu architecture?

1. Hindola Mahal
2. Gol Gumbad
3. Jahaaz Mahal

Select the correct answer using the code given below.