GK Questions and Answers on the Nagara style of architecture

Most of the Indian art and architectural remains from the Ancient to Medieval are religious in nature. According to the Silpasastara, the north Indian temples are called Nagar style of architecture. It is characterized by a beehive shaped curvilinear tower made up of layer upon layer of architectural elements and a cruciform ground plan.

1. The Nagara style of architecture developed from__________.

A. Krishna River Basin and Kanyakumari

B. Himalayas to Vindhya

C. Aravali to Vindhya

D. Peninsular plateau to Kanyakumari

Ans: A

Explanation: The Nagara style of architecture developed between Himalayas to Vindhya. Hence, B is the correct option.

2.  Which of the following statement is correct about the Nagara style of architecture?

A.  Known for a square Sanctum Santorum

B. Known for Vimana or Shikhara, high walls and the gateway topped by gopuram

C. Both A and B

D. None of the above

Ans: A

Explanation: Temples which were built on the Nagara style were known a square sanctorum (garbhagriha) which curves towards the top to form a Shikhara. Hence, A is the correct option.

3. Match the following

      Set I

a. Rekha Deula

b. Pidha Deula

c. Khkhara Deula

d. Nat temple

     Set II

1. Tall building

2. Pyramid-shaped roof

3. Bottle-shaped roof

4. Dancing hall

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: B

Explanation: The correct match is given below-

Rekha Deula: Tall building

Pidha Deula: Pyramid-shaped roof

Khkhara Deula: Bottle-shaped roof

Nat temple: Dancing hall

Hence, B is the correct option.

4. Consider the following statement (s).

I. Ganga and Yamuna rivers are depicted in personified form at the entrance of Garbhagriha or sanctum sanctorum.

II. Dwarpalas are there on the entrance.

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

Code:

A. Only I

B. Only II

C. Both I and II

D. Neither I nor II

Ans: A

Explanation: In Nagara style of architecture, Ganga and Yamuna rivers are depicted in personified form at the entrance of Garbhagriha or sanctum sanctorum. Hence, A is the correct option.

5. Which of the following is/are not the component (s) of the Nagara style of architecture?

A. Garbhagriha (Sanctum with only one entrance)

B. Mandapa (Porch in front of Garbhagriha)

C. Both A and B

D. Only A

Ans: C

Explanation: The Nagara style of architecture guided is by the two components- first- Garbhgriha which a sanctum with only one entrance, in which prime deity is installed; second-Mandapa which is a porch in front of the Garbhagriha that is typically exposed from three sides for the worshippers to assemble for worship. Hence, C is the correct option.

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6. Consider the following statement (s).

I. Kankali Devi temple at Tigawa is the best example of Sandhara types of temple

II. Nirandhara type is an elaboration of the sandhara type of temples with addition of an ambulatory.

Which of the above statement (s) is/are correct about the typology of temples of Gupta period?

Code:

A. Only I

B. Only II

C. Both I and II

D. Neither I nor II

Ans: C

Explanation: The temples of Gupta period can be divided into five distinct types such as Sandhara; Nirandhara; Sarvotobhadra; Ayatkar; and Hollow circular. Kankali Devi temple at Tigawa is the best example of Sandhara types of templebecause it is a square building with flat roof and shallow porch which envisages the characteristics of Sandhara type. Nirandhara type has an elaboration of the sandhara type of temples with addition of an ambulatory around the sanctum and sometimes a second storey. Hence, C is the correct option.

7. Which of the following temple was built by Raja Bhimdev I of the Solanki Dynasty in 1026?

A. Sun temple at Modhera

B. Jain temples in Mount Abu

C. Both A and B

D. None of the above

Ans: A

Explanation: The Sun temple at Modhera was built by Raja Bhimdev I of the Solanki Dynasty in 1026. It is located in Mehsana district of Gujarat. Hence, A is the correct option.

8. Which of the following temple is popularly known as Black Pagoda?

A. Jagannath Temple

B. Lingaraja Temple

C. Baitala Deual Temple

D. Konark Sun Temple

Ans: D

Explanation: The Konark Sun Temple was built by King Narasimhadeva I of Eastern Ganga Dynasty. It is is popularly known as Black Pagoda because it great tower appeared black. Hence, D is the correct option.

9. Which of the following temple is locally called as Tini Mundiya temple?

A. Jagannath Temple

B. Lingaraja Temple

C. Baitala Deual Temple

D. Konark Sun Temple

Ans: D

Explanation: Baitala Deula Temple is located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. It is locally called as ‘Tini Mundiya Temple’. Hence, D is the correct option.

10. Consider the following statement (s).

I. The Lingaraja temple has four components such as deula, jagamohan, natamandap and bhoga-mandapa.

II. Lingraja temple is a dedicated to the Lord Shiva.

Which of the above statement (s) is/are correct about the Lingaraja temple?

Code:

A. Only I

B. Only II

C. Both I and II

D. Neither I nor II

Ans: C

Explanation: Lingaraja temple is one of the oldest temple of Odisha. It has four components namely, deula (structure containing the sanctum), jagamohan (assembly hall), natamandap (festival hall) and bhoga-mandapa (hall of offering). This temple is dedicated to the Lord Shiva. Hence, C is the correct option.

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