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

The correct answer is Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur.

Key Points

• Brihadeshwara Temple, also known as Raja Rajeswara Temple, is dedicated to Shiva and is located in Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu).
• It is one of the best examples of the Dravidian style of temple architecture built by Chola emperor Raja Raja Chola I ( 985-1014 AD) between 1003 AD and 1010 AD.
• The temple consists of a pyramidal spire and is adorned with sculptures and paintings inside as well as outside.
• The temple entered the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1987 and is also a part of "Great Living Chola Temples" along with the Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikondacholapuram and the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram.

Additional Information

  Pietra Dura is a fine inlay work with semi-precious stones.

Important Points

• Pietra Dura is an elaborate architectural technique introduced by Shah Jahan during his reign.
• His reign is known as the Golden Age of the Mughal Architecture who built some of the extraordinary buildings and forts like the Taj Mahal, the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and Shalimar Bagh.
• His buildings include Persian styles, fine white marbles, domes, symmetrical designs, curved lines, etc.
• One of the distinctive features of his building is Petra Dura or Parchin Kari where semi-precious stones like lapis lazuli, topaz, and onyx were carved into the fine marble to create different floral images.
• Pietra Dura inlays were prominent in the Red Fort at Delhi where a series of Pietra Dura were inlaid behind the emperor's throne.

Hence, we can conclude that Pietra Dura is a floral design embedded into marbles.Confusion Points

• Pietra Dura Coloured, hard stones placed in depressions carved into marble or sandstone create beautiful, ornate patterns with precious stones adorning the walls with flowers.

The correct answer is Jahanara.

• Shah Jahan's daughter Jahanara participated in many architectural projects of the new capital of Shahjahanabad (Delhi).

Key Points

• Jahanara was the daughter of Shah Jahan and the sister of Roshanara.
  • She devised many architectural projects in the new capital of Shah Jahan.
  • She designed an imposing double-storeyed caravan-serai having a garden and a courtyard. She also designed the bazaar of Chandni Chowk in Shahjahanabad (now Delhi).

Additional Information

• Shah Jahan, Mughal emperor of India (1628–1658) who built the Taj Mahal.
• He was the third son of the Mughal emperor Jahangir and the Rajput princess Manmati.
• Moti Masjid and the Jama Masjid, was built by Shah Jahan.
• At Delhi, Shah Jahan built a huge fortress-palace complex called the Red Fort.

Important Points

The correct answer is - Temple Construction

Key Points

• Mayamata
  • The Mayamata is an ancient text on architecture and town planning.
  • It provides detailed guidelines on the construction of houses, temples, and other structures, emphasizing Vastu Shastra.
• Manasara
  • The Manasara is a Sanskrit text that also deals with Vastu Shastra.
  • It elaborates on architectural principles, measurements, and proportions for constructing sacred and secular buildings.
• Kamikagama
  • The Kamikagama is part of the Agama literature, focusing on temple construction and rituals.
  • It includes specific instructions for building temples that are in alignment with Vastu Shastra principles.
• All three texts are primarily concerned with architecture, town planning, and temple construction, making Option 4 the correct answer.

Additional Information

• Vastu Shastra
  • Vastu Shastra is an ancient Indian science of architecture and space planning.
  • It integrates principles of design, layout, measurements, ground preparation, and spatial geometry.
  • Texts like Mayamata and Manasara are foundational to understanding Vastu Shastra.
• Agama Literature
  • The Agamas are a collection of scriptures that provide guidelines for temple construction and ritual practices.
  • They are divided into three main categories: Vaishnava, Shaiva, and Shakta.
  • The Kamikagama belongs to the Shaiva Agama tradition and is central to temple architecture.
• Temple Architecture
  • Indian temple architecture is classified into three main styles: Nagara (North Indian), Dravidian (South Indian), and Vesara (a mix of both).
  • Texts like the Mayamata, Manasara, and Kamikagama provide guidelines specific to these architectural styles.

The correct answer is - All the above

Key Points

• Kirtimukha
  • A decorative motif found in Maratha temple architecture.
  • Appears on various parts of the temple, including:
    • Door frames – symbolically guarding the sanctum.
    • Pillars and outer walls – often carved as ornamental features.
    • Shikhar (superstructure) – placed prominently at the top as a protective and auspicious emblem.
• Symbolism
  • Represents devouring ego and acts as a protective guardian of sacred spaces.
  • Derived from Puranic mythology, often associated with Lord Shiva’s iconography.

Additional Information

• Maratha Temple Architecture
  • Flourished between the 17th and 18th centuries under the Maratha rule in Maharashtra.
  • Known for its star-shaped platforms, curvilinear shikhars, and richly carved elements.
• Common Features
  • Use of basalt stone or black stone.
  • Decorative elements like Kirtimukha, lotus motifs, and mythological scenes are common.
• Functional Purpose
  • Kirtimukha serves both ornamental and ritual protective functions.

The correct answer is Akbar.

Confusion Points

• Red Fort at Delhi was built by Shah Jahan.
• But the Red Fort at Agra was built by the Mughal emperor Akbar.

Key Points

• The Agra Fort was built by the Mughal emperor Akbar.
  • Agra Fort is a historical fort in the city of Agra, India.
  • The construction of the Agra Fort was started around 1565 when the initial structures were built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar and later taken over by his grandson Shah Jahan, who added most of the marble works to the fort.
  • In 1983, the Agra Fort was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Agra Fort, also known as Red Fort, is a large 16th-century red sandstone fort located on the Yamuna River in the historic city of Agra, west-central Uttar Pradesh, north-central India.

Additional Information 

• Akbar
  • Abu'l-Fath Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar, popularly known as Akbar the Great, and also as Akbar I, was the third Mughal emperor, who reigned from 1556 to 1605.
  • Akbar succeeded his father, Humayun, under a regent, Bairam Khan, who helped the young emperor expand and consolidate Mughal domains in India.

The correct answer is Yampuri.

Key Points

• The traditional Rod puppet of Bihar is known as Yampuri.
• These puppets are made of wood. 
• Puppetry is one of the traditional art forms which is used as an effective medium of entertainment and communication.
• It is an art form, not only provides entertainment but also conveys a meaningful and useful message.

​ 

• Puppetry of:

The correct answer is Chandela.

Key Points

• The Chandela clan of Rajputs is associated with the Khajuraho temple.
  • The Chandela is a Rajput clan found in North India.
  • The Chandela dynasty is famous in Indian history for King Vidyadhar, who repulsed the attacks of Mahmud of Ghazni.
  • His love for sculptures is shown in the temples of Khajuraho and Kalinjar fort.
  • The Chandelas ruled over central India from the 9th to the 13th century.

Important Points

• Khajuraho was an ancient city in Madhya Pradesh.
  • It was the capital of the Chandelas from the 10^th to 12^th century.
  • The majority of temples at Khajuraho are either Hindu (Saiva or Vaisnava) or Jain.
  • Khajuraho is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
  • The temples at Khajuraho are famous for their erotic sculptures.
  • They were built during the reign of the Chandela dynasty.

Additional Information 

• The Parmars established themselves as the rulers of Malwa in central India in the 9th century.
  • Their capital was at Dhar.
  • The Paramaras ruled until 1305 when Malwa was conquered by Alauddin Khalji, the Khilji Sultan of Delhi.
• The Vaghela Dynasty was concentrated in the town of Dholka, Gujrat.

The correct answer is Akbar.

Key Points

• Murshidabad originally called Makhsudabad was reputedly founded by the Mughal emperor Akbar in the 16th century.
  • In 1704 the nawab (ruler) Murshid Qulī Khan (following Aurangzeb’s orders) transferred the capital there from Dacca (now Dhaka, Bangladesh) and renamed the town Murshidabad.

Additional Information 

• Akbar (1542- 1605)
  • He reigned from 1556 to 1605.
  • He constructed Fatehpur Sikri and made it his capital in 1569.
  • Buland Darwaza was constructed at the gate.
  • He started a new religion Din-i Ilahi in 1582.
  • Abul Fazl wrote his biography titled Akbarnama.
  • Nine of his courtiers were known as Navratnas.
    • They were Todar Mal, Abul Fazal, Faizi, Birbal, Tansen, Abdur Rahim Khana-i-Khana, Mullah-do-Pyaza, Raja Man Singh, and Fakir Aziao-Din.
  • He married a Hindu princess Harka Bai who is commonly known as Jodha Bai.
  • Akbar captured the historic fortress of Chitor in 1568.
  • He abolished the pilgrimage tax by Hindus in 1563.
  • He also abolished the Jizyah tax in 1564.
  • He also introduced the Mansabdari System or the rank-holder system to organize the nobility and army.

The correct answer is Buland Darwaza.

• To commemorate his victory over Gujarat, Akbar built 'Gate of Magnificence' the highest gateway of India at Fatehpur Sikri. AKA the Buland Darwaza.

Key Points

• Buland Darwaza
  • or the loft gateway at Fatehpur Sikri was built by the great Mughal emperor, Akbar in 1573.
  • Akbar built the Buland Darwaza to commemorate his victory over Gujarat.
  • It is the highest gateway in the world and an astounding example of Mughal architecture.
  • It is made of red and buff sandstone and decorated by carving and inlaying of white and black marble.
  • An inscription on the central face of the Buland Darwaza throws light on Akbar's religious tolerance and broad-mindedness.

 Important Points

• Kashmiri Gate:-
  • This gate is located in Delhi, it is the northern gate to the historic walled city of Delhi.
  • It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan
  • The gate is so named because it was at the start of a road that led to Kashmir.
• ​India Gate:-
• The official name Delhi Memorial was originally called All-India War Memorial.
  • The monumental sandstone arch in New Delhi
  • dedicated to the troops of British India who died in wars fought between 1914 and 1919.
  • India Gate, which is located at the eastern end of the Rajpath (formerly called the Kingsway)
• Gateway of India:-
  • ​To commemorate the 1911 royal visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai (erstwhile Bombay)
  • The first structure to welcome visitors entering the city by sea, it is popularly called ‘Taj Mahal of Mumbai’.

The correct answer is Aurangzeb.

The Mughal emperor Aurangzeb took Bijapur and Golconda under him.

Key Points

Golconda Fort

• Golconda fort is located in the western part of Hyderabad in Telangana State.
• The name of the fort has been derived from the Telugu words "Golla" and "Konda" which together means 'Shepherd's Hill'.
• It was originally known as Mankal and built on a hilltop in the year 1143.
• It was originally a mud fort under the reign of Rajah of Warangal.
• Later it was fortified between 14th and 17th centuries by the Bahmani Sultans and then the ruling Qutub Shahi dynasty.
• This massive Golconda Fort with eight gates and 87 bastions.
• The outer fort occupies an area of three square kilometers, which is 4.8 kilometers in length.
• The inner fort contains ruins of palaces, mosques, and a hilltop pavilion, which rises about 130 meters high and gives a bird’s eye view of other buildings.

Bijapur

• Bijapur, officially known as Vijayapura (City of Victory).
• Bijapur is located in Karnataka state.
• Bijapur was a major site of Islamic architecture from the early Muslim period in India.
• The city was established in the 10th-11th century by the Kalyani Chalukyas.
• Gol Gumbaz is the largest Dome in India is situated in Bijapur

Additional Information

Akbar (AD 1556-1605)

• Akbar was the eldest son of Humayun and ascended the throne at the age of 14 at Kalanaur in 1556.
• He defeated Hemu in the Second Battle of Panipat in 1556 with the help of Bairam Khan.
• He defeated Rana Pratap of Mewar in the Battle of Haldighati in 1576.
• Buland Darwaza was constructed at Fatehpur Sikri at Agra after Akbar's victory over Gujarat in 1572 AD.
• Akbar built Agra Fort, Lahore Fort, and Allahabad Fort
• He built Humayun Tomb in Delhi.
• The Navratnas or the nine jewels of Akbar’s court were Raja Todar Mal (Finance Minister), Birbal (Administrator), Abul Fazal (scholar and statesman), Faizi (scholar and statesman), Tansen (Musician), Abdur Rahim Khana-i-Khana (statesman and Hindi poet), Mullah-do-Pyaza (Chief Advisor), Raja Man Singh (Mansabdhar and trusted General), and Fakir Aziao-Din (Chief Advisor).
• Abul fazl wrote Akbarnamah.
• Akbar is considered 'the real founder of the Mughal Empire'.
• He was buried at Sikandara near Agra.

Jahangir (AD 1605-1627)

• In 1605, Prince Salim succeeded with the title Jahangir (Conqueror of World) when he assumed the throne after the death of Akbar.
• He issued 12ordinances. He is known for his strict administration of justice.
• He established Zanjir-i-Adil (chain of justice) at Agra for the seekers of royal justice.
• He is the eldest son of Akbar was born at Fatehpur Sikri near Agra in 1596.
• He married Mehr-un-Nisa whom he gave the title of Nur Jahan (light of the world).
• Nurjahan exercised tremendous influence over state affairs. She was made the official Badshah Begum. 
• Jahangir issued coins jointly in Nurjahan's name and his own.
• He defeated and imprisoned his son, Khusrau Mirza.
•  He also beheaded Guru Arjun, the 5th Sikh Guru and one of the supporters of Khusrau Mirza.
• Captain Hawkins (1608-1611) and Sir Thomas Roe (1615-1616) visited Jahangir's court.
• Production of Tobacco started in his reign.
• He wrote his autobiography Tuzuk-i-Jahangir.
• He was buried in Lahore in 1627.

​Shah Jahan (AD 1628-1658)

• Shahjahan was born to Jodhabai or Jagat Gosain in Lahore in 1592.
• Shahjahan ascended the throne in 1628.
• He was the youngest Prince to be appointed as the Governor of Deccan, at the age of 15.
• He was best known for his Deccan and foreign policies.
• Ahmedabad was annexed while Bijapur and Golconda accepted his suzerainty.
• In AD 1612, he got married to Arjamand Bano Begum (known as Mumtaz Mahal).
• Shahjahan's reign is said to have marked the pinnacle of the Mughal dynasty and empire.
• He is known for the promotion of art, culture, and architecture, during his reign.
• The Taj Mahal, Jama Masjid, and the Red Fort are some of the magnificent structures built during his reign.
• He was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb in Agra fort and died in captivity in AD 1658.
• Shahjahan was buried at Taj Mahal (Agra) besides his loving wife Mumtaz Mahal.

Aurangzeb (AD 1658-1707)

• Aurangzeb was the third son of Shahjahan born in the city of Dahod, Gujarat.
• He defeated Dara at Dharmat (1658), Samugarh (1658), and Deorai in which Samugarh was the decisive one and Deorai was the last one.
• He took the title of Alamgir in 1659.
• He captured Guru Teg Bahadur, the 9th Guru of Sikhs in 1675 and execute him when he refused to embrace Isalm.
• The 10th and last Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh son of Guru Teg Bahadur organized his followers into a community of warriors called Khalsa.
• He was called Zinda Pir or the living Saint.
• He built Bibi Ka Maqbara similar to Taj Mahal in Aurangabad.
• He died in 1707 and was buried at Khuldabad (Daulatabad).

The correct answer is Jahanara.

• Shah Jahan's daughter Jahanara participated in many architectural projects of the new capital of Shahjahanabad (Delhi).

Key Points

• Jahanara was the daughter of Shah Jahan and the sister of Roshanara.
  • She devised many architectural projects in the new capital of Shah Jahan.
  • She designed an imposing double-storeyed caravan-serai having a garden and a courtyard. She also designed the bazaar of Chandni Chowk in Shahjahanabad (now Delhi).

Additional Information

• Shah Jahan, Mughal emperor of India (1628–1658) who built the Taj Mahal.
• He was the third son of the Mughal emperor Jahangir and the Rajput princess Manmati.
• Moti Masjid and the Jama Masjid, was built by Shah Jahan.
• At Delhi, Shah Jahan built a huge fortress-palace complex called the Red Fort.

Important Points

The correct answer is Guwahati.

Key Points

• The Kamakhya Temple is located in Guwahati.
  • The Kamakhya Temple is a Hindu temple at Nilachal hills in Guwahati, Assam.
  • Dedicated to the mother goddess Kamakhya,[3][4] it is one of the oldest and most revered centres of Tantric practices.
  • The temple is the centre of the Kalachakra Tantra Marga and the site of the Ambubachi Mela, an annual festival that celebrates the menstruation of the goddess.
  • Structurally, the temple is dated to the 8th-9th century with many subsequent rebuildings—and the final hybrid architecture defines a local style called Nilachal type.

The correct answer is Kampahareswara.

Key Points

• The Great Living Chola Temples are a series of Hindu temples from the Chola empire in Tamil Nadu.
• These temples have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• These were constructed by kings of the Chola Empire, which spanned southern India and the neighbouring islands.
• The site includes three magnificent 11th and 12th-century temples:
  • Thanjavur's Brihadisvara Temple,
  • Gangaikondacholisvaram's Brihadisvara Temple,
  • Darasuram's Airavatesvara Temple.
• Rajendra I finished building the Gangaikondacholisvaram Temple in 1035.
• In contrast to Thanjavur's straight and harsh tower, its 53-meter vimana (sanctum tower) features recessed corners and a lovely upward curving movement.
• Rajaraja II built the Airavatesvara temple complex at Darasuram, which has a 24-meter vimana and a stone figure of Shiva.
• The temples provide witness to the Cholas' outstanding achievements in construction, sculpture, painting, and bronze casting.
• The Kampaheswarara Temple or kampa-hara-ishvarar is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Shiva. It is situated in Thirubuvanam, a village in Thanjavur district in the South Indian State of Tamil Nadu, on the Mayiladuthurai-Kumbakonam road. It is not one of the Great Living Chola Temples.

Vikramshila University was founded by Dharampal.

• Vikramshila was one of the important Buddhist monasteries in India during the Pala Empire.
• It was established by the great Pala emperor, Dharmapala during 8-9 CE.
• It is located in Antichik village of Bhagalpur district Bihar.
• It was built due to the decline in the quality of scholarship at Nalanda.

Additional Information

• It was excavated by B.P. Sinha and later by Archaeological Survey of India.
• It is a huge monastery with a stupa in the center.
• It was laid upon more than one hundred acres of land.
• It was destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khilji in 1193.