GK Questions and Answers on the Dravida style of architecture

The Dravida style of architecture is an architectural idiom that emerged in the southern part of the Indian subcontinent or South India, reaching its final form by the sixteenth century. The temples under the Dravida style were constructed in five different shapes such as square-shaped, rectangular shaped, major circular, circular and octagonal shaped.

1. The Dravida style of architecture flourished between__________.

A. Krishna River Basin and Kanyakumari

B. Godavari River Basin and Krishna River Basin

C. Ganga River Basin and Kanyakumari

D. Ganga River Basin and Narmada River Basin

Ans: A

Explanation: The Dravida style of architecture flourished between Krishna River Basin and Kanyakumari. Hence, A is the correct option.

2. Match the following

      Set I

a. Square-shaped

b. Rectangular

c. Major-circular

d. Octagonal

     Set II

1. Ashthabhuji

2. Gaja-pristha

3. Shala

4. Kuta

Code:

       a     b     c       d

A.    4    3     2       1

B.    1    2     3       4

C.    4    3     1       2

D.    2    4     1       3

Ans: A

Explanation: The correct match is given below-

Square-shaped: Kuta

Rectangular: Shala

Major-circular: Gaja-pristha

Octagonal: Ashthabhuji

Hence, A is the correct option.

3. Which of the following is the characteristic of the Dravida style of architecture?

A. It is characterized by a beehive shaped curvilinear tower (called a Shikhara) made up of layer upon layer of architectural elements and a cruciform ground plan.

B. It has pyramidical shaped central tower (called Vimana in Dravida style).

C. Both A & B

D. Only A

Ans: B

Explanation: Dravida style of architecture has pyramidical shaped central tower (called Vimana in Dravida style). In this style, there is only one single Shikhara or Vimana. Hence, B is the correct option.

4. Consider the following statement (s).

I. Pallava Temple architecture led to the origin of three distinct spheres of South Indian architecture- mandapa, ratha and large temples.

II. Pallava style is believed to originate from the time of Mahendravarman I.

Which of the above statement (s) is/are correct about South Indian architecture?

Code:

A. Only I

B. Only II

C. Both I and II

D. Neither I nor II

Ans: C

Explanation: Pallava style culminated as the Dravida style of architecture. It was originated during the reign of the Mahendravarman I. It was originated in three distinct spheres such as mandapa, ratha and large temples. Hence, C is the correct option.

5. Which of the following temple is the example of Dravida style of architecture?

A. Sun temple

B. Brihadisvara Temple

C. Dashavatara temple

D. Khajuraho Temple

Ans: B

Explanation: 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 an exemplary example of a fully realized Dravidian architecture. It is called as Dhakshina Meru. Hence, B is the correct option.

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6. Consider the following statement (s).

I. Temples were fortified with three square concentric walls and with gates on the four sides.

II. The front wall has an entrance gateway in its centre, which is known as a gopuram.

Which of the above statement (s) is/are correct about features of the Dravida style of architecture?

Code:

A. Only I

B. Only II

C. Both I and II

D. Neither I nor II

Ans: C

Explanation: Unlike the Nagara temple, the Dravida temples were fortified with three square concentric walls and with gates on the four sides. The front wall has an entrance gateway in its centre, which is known as a gopuram. Hence, C is the correct option.

7. Which of the following dynasty had made substantial contribution to the evolution of Dravidian architecture?

A. Chalukyas

B. Hoysalas

C. Vijayanagara Empire

D. Mauryan Empire

Ans: D

Explanation: According to the Silpasastras, various kingdoms and empires such as the Cholas, the Chera, the Kakatiyas, the Pandyas, the Pallavas, the Gangas, the Kadambas, the Rashtrakutas, the Chalukyas, the Hoysalas, and Vijayanagara Empire among others have made substantial contribution to the evolution of Dravidian architecture. Hence, D is the correct option.

8. Which of the following architecture included the cutting of a single piece of rock into temple?

A. Odisha style of architecture

B. Ratha Temple architecture

C. Mahendra style of architecture

D. Mamalla Style

Ans: B

Explanation: Ratha architecture included the cutting of a single piece of rock into temple. In this architecture, the temples were carved out from top to bottom. Hence, B is the correct option.

9. Which of the following temple was built by the Paramesvaravarman II?

A. Kailasa Temple

B. Mukunda Temple

C. Baikunth Perumal Temple

D. Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple

Ans: C

Explanation: Baikunth Perumal Temple in Uthiramerur, a village in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. It was built by the Paramesvaravarman II. Hence, C is the correct option.

10. Consider the following statement (s).

I. The duration of Chola dynasty is considered as the golden age of architecture in South India.

II. Brihadeeswarar Temple is a part of the UNESCO world heritage site known as the 'Great Living Chola Temples'.

Which of the above statement (s) is/are correct about Dravida style of architecture of Chola Dynasty?

Code:

A. Only I

B. Only II

C. Both I and II

D. Neither I nor II

Ans: C

Explanation:  The duration of Chola dynasty is considered as the golden age of architecture in South India. Brihadeeswarar Temple is a perfect illustration of the great heights achieved in the field of architecture by the Chola rulers. It is a homage paid to Lord Shiva and is a display of power of Raja Raja Chola I. It is a part of the UNESCO world heritage site known as the 'Great Living Chola Temples'. Hence, C is the correct option.

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