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

Last updated on Jul 21, 2025

Architecture MCQs are important for assessing one's understanding of this field of designing and constructing buildings and structures. Architecture plays a crucial role in shaping the physical environment, reflecting cultural values, and meeting functional needs. MCQs on architecture evaluate learners' knowledge of architectural styles, design principles, construction techniques, and famous architectural landmarks. By answering Architecture MCQs, individuals can enhance their comprehension of architectural elements, historical developments in architecture, and the social and environmental impact of architectural design. These Architecture MCQs contribute to developing a strong foundation in architectural knowledge and appreciation.

Latest Architecture MCQ Objective Questions

Architecture Question 1:

Where are the Buddhas of Bamiyan located?

  1. India
  2. Nepal
  3. Afghanistan
  4. China
  5. None of the above

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3 : Afghanistan

Architecture Question 1 Detailed Solution

  • The Buddhas of Bamiyan are located in the Hazarat region of Afghanistan.
  • Buddhas of Bamiyan are 2 statues of Gautama Buddha made in the 6th century.
  • The statues are made in Gandharan Style of Architecture.
  • They were destroyed by the Taliban in the year 2001.

Architecture Question 2:

What type of shrine is the Neeramankara Temple located in Nemam, Kerala, in India known to be?

  1. Sandhara type
  2. Sarvatobhadra type
  3. Mandapa type
  4. Nirandhara type

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : Sandhara type

Architecture Question 2 Detailed Solution

The Correct answer is Sandhara type.

Key Points

  • The Neeramankara Temple, located in Nemam, Kerala, is known to be built in the Sandhara type of shrine architecture.
  • The term Sandhara refers to a type of temple layout in which the structure is enclosed by walls and has a circumambulatory path (pradakshina patha) around the sanctum (garbhagriha).
  • Such temples are designed to allow devotees to perform pradakshina (circumambulation) of the deity housed in the sanctum.
  • This architectural style is commonly found in Indian temple architecture, particularly in regions where cultural and religious practices emphasize circumambulation as an integral part of worship.
  • The Neeramankara Temple reflects the traditional Kerala temple architecture, with its unique wooden carvings, sloped roofs, and intricate design elements.
  • The temple is a significant spiritual and cultural center in the region, drawing devotees and architecture enthusiasts alike.
  • Sandhara temples often include additional features such as mandapas (pillared halls) and ornamental gateways, enhancing the aesthetic and functional aspects of the shrine.

 Additional Information

  • Sarvatobhadra type
    • The Sarvatobhadra type of temple architecture is characterized by its symmetry and accessibility from all directions.
    • This type of temple often has entrances on all four sides, symbolizing the universal accessibility of the deity housed within.
    • It is commonly found in North Indian temple architecture.
    • Unlike the Sandhara type, it may or may not have a circumambulatory path.
  • Mandapa type
    • A Mandapa is a pillared hall or pavilion used for religious purposes, particularly in Hindu temples.
    • It is typically situated in front of the sanctum and serves as a place for devotees to gather and participate in rituals.
    • While Mandapas are part of temple complexes, they are not a standalone architectural style like Sandhara or Sarvatobhadra.
  • Nirandhara type
    • The Nirandhara type of temple is characterized by the absence of a circumambulatory path around the sanctum.
    • It focuses solely on the central sanctum and does not include space for devotees to perform pradakshina.
    • These temples are typically smaller and emphasize direct worship of the deity without circumambulation.

Architecture Question 3:

 In South Indian temple architecture, what is the name of the stepped or pyramidal structure built above the sanctum?

  1. Adhisthana
  2.  Vimana
  3. Jagati
  4. Mandapa

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2 :  Vimana

Architecture Question 3 Detailed Solution

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).

Architecture Question 4:

Who built the Rajarajeswara Temple in Thanjavur?

  1. Lalitaditya (699 AD - 736 AD)
     
  2. Chandragupta II (375 AD – 415 AD)
  3. Rajaraja I (985 AD – 1014 AD)
  4. Rajendra (1012 AD – 1044 AD)

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3 : Rajaraja I (985 AD – 1014 AD)

Architecture Question 4 Detailed Solution

The Correct answer is Rajaraja I (985 AD – 1014 AD).

Key Points

  • Rajaraja I, also known as Rajaraja Chola, was one of the greatest rulers of the Chola dynasty who ruled from 985 AD to 1014 AD.
  • The Rajarajeswara Temple, also known as the Brihadeshwara Temple, located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, was built by Rajaraja I.
  • This temple is an architectural marvel and one of the finest examples of Dravidian architecture.
  • The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is also referred to as the Big Temple.
  • It was built during the reign of Rajaraja I in the early 11th century and is considered one of the largest temples in India.
  • The temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the "Great Living Chola Temples."
  • The temple features a massive vimana (tower) that rises to a height of 63 meters, making it one of the tallest structures of its kind.
  • The inscriptions found in the temple provide valuable information about the Chola dynasty and its administrative systems.
  • The construction of the temple showcased the engineering and artistic brilliance of the Chola period.

Additional Information

  • Lalitaditya (699 AD - 736 AD)
    • Lalitaditya Muktapida was a ruler of the Karkota dynasty in Kashmir.
    • He is known for his military campaigns and for expanding his kingdom across northern India.
    • Lalitaditya is not associated with the construction of the Rajarajeswara Temple; he focused on other architectural projects in his region.
  • Chandragupta II (375 AD – 415 AD)
    • Chandragupta II, also known as Chandragupta Vikramaditya, was a ruler of the Gupta Empire.
    • He is famous for his patronage of art and literature and for promoting Hindu culture during his reign.
    • He is not related to the Rajarajeswara Temple; his contributions were focused on the Gupta period's cultural advancements.
  • Rajendra (1012 AD – 1044 AD)
    • Rajendra Chola I was the son and successor of Rajaraja I.
    • He expanded the Chola empire and undertook military expeditions, including campaigns to Southeast Asia.
    • While Rajendra carried forward the legacy of his father, the Rajarajeswara Temple was built during Rajaraja I's reign.

Architecture Question 5:

In which temple of Uttar Pradesh, the 'Recycled incense sticks', which are named 'Ashirwaad', made from flowers are being made?

  1. Prem temple
  2. Gorakhnath temple
  3. Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple
  4. Sarnath Temple
  5. None of the above

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2 : Gorakhnath temple

Architecture Question 5 Detailed Solution

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:

Temple District
Prem temple Mathura
Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Mathura
Sarnath Temple Varanasi
Tulsi Manas Temple Varanasi

Top Architecture MCQ Objective Questions

The Elephanta caves are dedicated to which deity?

  1. Shiva
  2. Tirthankar Mahavir
  3. Vishnu
  4. Buddha

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : Shiva

Architecture Question 6 Detailed Solution

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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.

 

Which of the following Heritage sites has the Dravidian style of architecture?

  1. Hampi
  2. Ellora
  3. Khajuraho
  4. Konark

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : Hampi

Architecture Question 7 Detailed Solution

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​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

Heritage site Description
Ellora

Ellora, considered amongst the finest examples of rock-cut architecture, dates back to the Rashtrakuta dynasty, about 1,500 years ago.

Maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), The Ellora Caves were declared a World Heritage Site in 1983.

Khajuraho

The Khajuraho temples feature Nagara-style architectural symbols. They are best known for the erotic sculptures that adorn the temple walls.

Built upon granite foundations, these temples are made using sandstone. Like most Hindu temples, the shrines at Khajuraho follow the Vastu-Purusha-Mandala design plan.

Konark The Sun Temple in Konark exhibits the traditional Odisha style of architecture, also known as Kalinga architecture, on a grand scale.

 

Which among the following temples of India is knowns as Black pagoda?

  1. Sun Temple, Konark
  2. Brihadeeswara Temple, Tanjore
  3. Lord Jagannath Temple, Puri
  4. Meenakshi Temple, Madurai

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : Sun Temple, Konark

Architecture Question 8 Detailed Solution

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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 MaduraiTamil NaduIndia. It is dedicated to Thirukamakottam Meenakshi, a form of Parvati, and her consort, Sundareshwar, a form of Shiva.
  • Image of Sun Temple Konark:

Who built the Indo-Islamic style of Charminar in 1591 to commemorate the end of the plague?

  1. Qutab-ud-din Aibak 
  2. Iltutmish
  3. Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah
  4. None

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3 : Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah

Architecture Question 9 Detailed Solution

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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.

Under the rule of which king was the Sun Temple at Konark built?

  1. Anantha Padmanbhan 
  2. Samudragupta
  3. Anantavarman Chodaganga 
  4. Narasimhadeva 1

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 4 : Narasimhadeva 1

Architecture Question 10 Detailed Solution

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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).

Who built the Kailash Temple at Ellora?

  1. Rajendra I
  2. Mahendra Varman I
  3. Mihir Bhoj
  4. Krishna I

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 4 : Krishna I

Architecture Question 11 Detailed Solution

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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.

 

Lord Buddha's statue in Rajgir is in the middle of _________________ lake.

  1. Muchalinda
  2. Ghora katora
  3. Vaitarni sarovar
  4. Power house

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2 : Ghora katora

Architecture Question 12 Detailed Solution

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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.

 ________ represents the high point of an eclectic art, which, in the 7th and 8th centuries under the Chalukya dynasty, achieved a harmonious blend of architectural forms from northern and southern India.

  1. Kochi
  2. Pattadakal
  3. Konark
  4. Bhimbetka

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2 : Pattadakal

Architecture Question 13 Detailed Solution

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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.

Who built the Moti Masjid in Red Fort at Delhi ?

  1. Aurangzeb
  2. Akbar 
  3. Humayun
  4. Shah Jahan

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : Aurangzeb

Architecture Question 14 Detailed Solution

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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.

Mughal Emperors Monuments Place
Akbar Agra Fort Agra
Panch Mahal Fatehpur Sikri
Jama Masjid with gateway Buland Darwaza Fatehpur Sikri
Humayun Tomb
Biga Begum (Hajji Begum) Delhi
Jahangir Shalimar Bagh Srinagar
Akbar’s Tomb Agra
Shah Jahan Red Fort Delhi
Jama Masjid using Red stone Delhi
Moti Masjid Agra
Taj Mahal Agra

Modhera Sun Temple is situated at:

  1. Jharkhand
  2. Madhya Pradesh
  3. Gujarat
  4. Odisha

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3 : Gujarat

Architecture Question 15 Detailed Solution

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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

States Important Temple
Jharkhand Baidyanath Temple
Madhya Pradesh Omkareshwar Temple
Odisha Jagannath Temple Sun Temple, Konark ·  Lingaraj Temple,

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