Art and Architecture Part-I: Ancient and Early Medieval
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Questions and Answers

What type of brick was primarily used in urban settlements of the Indus Valley Civilization?

  • Sun-dried Bricks
  • Burnt Bricks (correct)
  • Clay Bricks
  • Adobe Bricks

    • Which of the following structures is characteristic of Mauryan architecture?

  • Stone Fortresses
  • Cave Monasteries (correct)
  • Brick Houses
  • Wooden Temples

    • What was the primary purpose of the Mauryan pillars?

  • To serve as watchtowers
  • To disseminate Buddhist ideology and court orders (correct)
  • To act as boundary markers
  • To support public buildings

    • What material were the pillars of Ashoka primarily made from?

    <p>Chunar Sandstone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component of the Mauryan pillars is considered the lower capital?

    <p>Bell</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What were the languages used for inscriptions on Mauryan pillars?

    <p>Pali and Prakrit</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of the Achaemenid Empire, how are its pillars different from those of the Mauryan Empire?

    <p>Mauryan pillars are monolithic while Achaemenid pillars were constructed in pieces.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a primary feature of urban planning in the Indus Valley Civilization?

    <p>Grid pattern</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of a portico in temple architecture?

    <p>To house a large number of worshippers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the Vahana in temple architecture?

    <p>It is the vehicle or mount of the principal deity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During which stage of development did flat roofs get replaced by shikaras?

    <p>Stage II</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one significant feature of temples built in the Nagara style?

    <p>Temples are typically built on stone platforms with steps</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which temple is an example of two-storied temples found in the second stage of development?

    <p>Parvati temple at Nachna Kuthara</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What architectural change occurred in the main shrine during Stage IV?

    <p>The shrine became more rectangular</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where is the garbhagriha typically located in Nagara-style temples?

    <p>Under the tallest tower</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What best characterizes the emergence of temple architecture in the later stages?

    <p>Introduction of rectangular projections</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic feature of the Vesara style of temple architecture?

    <p>Temple pillars had mythical creature Yali engraved.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which dynasty is known for building the Kailashnath Temple at Ellora?

    <p>Rashtrakutas</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main building material used in Hoysala architecture?

    <p>Soft soapstone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which architectural feature is emphasized in Vijayanagara style?

    <p>Highly ornamental walls</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of temple architecture is identified with both Pala and Sena schools in Bengal?

    <p>Buddhist Viharas and Chaityas</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the Jagati in Hoysala architecture?

    <p>It is a platform for temples.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which feature exemplifies the hybrid nature of the Vesara style?

    <p>Open passageway and curvilinear shikhar.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which temple feature is not typically associated with the Chola style?

    <p>Highly ornamental geometric patterns.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the architectural feature that distinguishes Dravida style temples from Nagara style temples?

    <p>Enclosure within a compound wall</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which Pallava ruler is known for the expansion of the empire and major building works at Mahabalipuram?

    <p>Narasimhavarman I</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of a free-standing temple from the Rajasimha group?

    <p>Shore Temple</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the fierce dvarapalas commonly found at the entrance of South Indian temples known to guard?

    <p>The garbhagriha</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the entrance gateway found in Dravida style temples?

    <p>Gopuram</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about subsidiary shrines in Dravida temples is incorrect?

    <p>They are always part of the temple tower.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Dravida style temples, what shape is the main temple tower, or Vimana, compared to North Indian temples?

    <p>Pyramid-shaped and geometric</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common feature of South Indian temple complexes concerning water?

    <p>A large water reservoir or temple tank</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which cave complex is known for its Jaina Viharas and was patronised by King Kharvela?

    <p>Udaygiri - Khandagiri Caves</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the most notable feature of Cave 2 in Badami Cave Temples?

    <p>Relief of Lord Vishnu as Trivikrama</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following caves is known for its largest cave complex in India?

    <p>Junar Caves</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements correctly describes the Elephanta Caves?

    <p>They are Shaivite caves known for their sculptural art.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of caves does the Nasik Caves 'Pandav Leni' primarily consist of?

    <p>Only Viharas</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the characteristic architectural component referred to as Garbhagriha in Hindu temples?

    <p>The main deity's room</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The earliest known example of temple architecture in the Deccan region is found in which cave temple?

    <p>Badami Cave Temples</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which feature describes the Karle Caves, specifically 'Cave 8'?

    <p>A barrel-shaped Chaitya</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Indus Valley Civilization

    • Urbanization featured organized town planning with a grid pattern.
    • Types of structures included dwelling houses, public buildings, and baths.
    • Materials utilized consisted of burnt bricks in urban areas and sun-dried bricks in rural areas, along with stone and copper.

    Mauryan and Post-Mauryan Art and Architecture

    • Wood-based structures and secular construction marked the period.
    • Iron pillars, such as those made from Chunar sandstone, are significant; Mauryan pillars differ from Achaemenid pillars by being rock-cut and monolithic.
    • Key religious structures included stupas, chaityas, and viharas dedicated to Buddhist teachings.
    • Inscriptions on stone pillars were common across the Mauryan Empire; capital figures often depicted animals.

    Elephanta Caves

    • Located on Gharapuri, Konkan Island, featuring Shaivite caves patronized by the Rashtrakutas in the 8th century CE.
    • Important sculptures include Maheshmurti, Nataraja Shiva, and others.

    Udaygiri-Khandagiri Caves

    • Patronized by King Kharvela, consisting of 35 caves that include both natural and artificial formations.
    • Notable caves like Ranigumpha and Hathigumpha showcase plain interiors with pillared verandahs.

    Karle Caves (Karli)

    • Home to both chaitya and vihara structures, with Cave 8 as the most famous, featuring a barrel-shaped chaitya.

    West India Caves

    • Pitalkhora Caves comprise 14 rock caves serving as chaityas and viharas.
    • Junar Caves in Pune represent the largest cave complex in India, featuring both chaityas and a Hindu temple.
    • Nasik Caves, known as Pandav Leni, consist of 22 vihara-only caves, categorized as Hinayana caves.

    Badami Cave Temples

    • Badami, capital of the Chalukyas, includes four cave temples reflecting Hinduism and Jainism.
    • Significant carvings include Nataraja and Lord Vishnu as Trivikrama.

    Gupta Period

    • Often regarded as a classical age, from c. 300–600 CE, highlighting a crucial stage in temple architecture development.
    • Early stone and brick temples can be traced at sites like Tigawa, Bhumara, and Sanchi, featuring sanctums (Garbhagrihas), mandapas, and shikharas.

    Temple Architecture Components

    • Sanctum Sanctorum (Garbhagriha): Main deity room.
    • Mandapa: Entrance hall designed to accommodate worshippers.
    • Shikhara: Tower structure that varies in design.
    • Vahana: Mount of the principle deity placed in the sanctum area.

    Stages of Development in Temple Architecture

    • Early temples had flat roofs; later designs began incorporating shikaras.
    • Emergence of the Panchayatan style featuring subsidiary shrines surrounding the main deity.
    • Characteristics evolved through multiple stages, culminating in circular temple designs with shallow projections.

    Northern and Southern Temple Styles

    • Nagara style prevalent in northern India, featuring a stone platform and centralized shikhara over the Garbhagriha.
    • Dravida style in southern India is characterized by enclosed compounds and gopurams at entrance gates, with a stepped pyramid shape (Vimana).

    Mahendravarman’s Rock-Cut Temples

    • Mandapas at Mahabalipuram are known for intricate sculptures and distinct rathas.
    • Significant structures include the Shore Temple and Kailashnath Temple.

    Vesara Style

    • Hybrid architectural style combining Nagara and Dravidian features, prominent in Karnataka.
    • Key dynasties like Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, and Hoysalas contributed to this style with intricate carvings and designs.

    Hoysala Art

    • Characterized by temple designs with a stellate plan, soft soapstone materials, and zigzag patterns utilized in decoration.
    • Notable temples include Hoysaleswara at Halebid and Vijayanarayana at Belur.

    Vijayanagara Style

    • Combined elements from various Indian architectural styles, notably embracing Indo-Islamic influences.
    • Features include ornate walls, monolithic pillars, and larger unfinished temple complexes.

    Pala and Sena Schools

    • Dominated the Bengal region, known for their contributions to Buddhist architecture, emphasizing viharas, chaityas, and stupas amidst a tolerant approach to various religions.

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    Description

    Explore the fascinating world of ancient and early medieval art and architecture in this quiz. Delve into the intricacies of the Indus Valley Civilization, including urbanization, town planning, and the materials used in various structures. Test your knowledge on specific features like dwelling houses, public buildings, and notable Mauryan art.

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