Exams > NCERT > History
INTRODUCTION TO INDIAN ART PART - I MCQs
Total Questions : 20
| Page 1 of 2 pages
Question 1. Q. Which among the following factors is/are associated with the Hoysala style of temple architecture, making it distinct from the other styles.
Which of the statements given above is /are correct?
- They are the perfect examples of Dravida style temples.
- The temples use soapstone as a building material.
- They have star-like ground plans.
Which of the statements given above is /are correct?
Answer: Option C. -> 2 and 3 only
:
C
Explanation:
The Hoysalas of Karnataka rose to prominence in South India and were the most prominent patrons of temple architecture. There are remains of around a hundred temples in Belur, Halebid and Somnathpur. Perhaps the most characteristic feature of these temples is that they grow exceedingly complex, with so many projecting angles arising from the previously straight square temple, that the plan of these temples starts to look like a star, and is thus known as a stellate plan.
The temples are made of soapstone, which is a relatively soft stone, so the artists were able to carve their sculptures intricately.
The Hoysaleswara Temple (Lord of Hoysalas) in Halebid, Karnataka, is a masterpiece of the Hoysala style. It was designed in dark slate stone by the King of Hoysala in 1150. Hoysala temples are sometimes referred to as hybrid or vesara because their unique style does not seem to be completely dravida or nagara.
:
C
Explanation:
The Hoysalas of Karnataka rose to prominence in South India and were the most prominent patrons of temple architecture. There are remains of around a hundred temples in Belur, Halebid and Somnathpur. Perhaps the most characteristic feature of these temples is that they grow exceedingly complex, with so many projecting angles arising from the previously straight square temple, that the plan of these temples starts to look like a star, and is thus known as a stellate plan.
The temples are made of soapstone, which is a relatively soft stone, so the artists were able to carve their sculptures intricately.
The Hoysaleswara Temple (Lord of Hoysalas) in Halebid, Karnataka, is a masterpiece of the Hoysala style. It was designed in dark slate stone by the King of Hoysala in 1150. Hoysala temples are sometimes referred to as hybrid or vesara because their unique style does not seem to be completely dravida or nagara.
Question 2. Q. With reference to the tradition Indian bronze sculpture consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is /are correct?
- The Nalanda school of bronze casting emerged during the rule of the Pala dynasty.
- The iconic bronze image of Nataraja,is associated with Chola school.
Which of the statements given above is /are correct?
Answer: Option C. -> Both 1 and 2
:
C
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct:
Nalanda, a bronze-casting school, originated around the ninth century during the reign of the Pala Dynasty in the Bihar and Bengal regions. In the gap of a few centuries, the sculptors of Kurkihar near Nalanda were able to revive the classical style of the Gupta era. Notable sculptures of this school include a magnificent bronze of four armed Avalokitesvara, in an elegant tribhanga posture. Worship of female goddesses has been introduced, and is part of the development of the Vajrayana period of Buddhism.Worship of Tara Images have become quite famous. Sitting on a throne, she is supported by a curvilinear lotus plant, and her right hand is in the abhaya mudra.
Statement 2 is correct:
Bronze casting and bronze depictions of traditional icons have reached a high stage of growth in South India during the Middle Ages during the Chola period in Tamil Nadu from the tenth to the twelfth century. The revered patron of the tenth century was the widowed queen of Chola, Sembiyan MahaDevi. A wide variety of Shiva iconography has grown in the Thanjavur (Tanjore) area of Tamil Nadu. Many of the emblematic sculptures of the Chola School include the image of Nataraja, the image of Kaliyamadan, etc.
:
C
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct:
Nalanda, a bronze-casting school, originated around the ninth century during the reign of the Pala Dynasty in the Bihar and Bengal regions. In the gap of a few centuries, the sculptors of Kurkihar near Nalanda were able to revive the classical style of the Gupta era. Notable sculptures of this school include a magnificent bronze of four armed Avalokitesvara, in an elegant tribhanga posture. Worship of female goddesses has been introduced, and is part of the development of the Vajrayana period of Buddhism.Worship of Tara Images have become quite famous. Sitting on a throne, she is supported by a curvilinear lotus plant, and her right hand is in the abhaya mudra.
Statement 2 is correct:
Bronze casting and bronze depictions of traditional icons have reached a high stage of growth in South India during the Middle Ages during the Chola period in Tamil Nadu from the tenth to the twelfth century. The revered patron of the tenth century was the widowed queen of Chola, Sembiyan MahaDevi. A wide variety of Shiva iconography has grown in the Thanjavur (Tanjore) area of Tamil Nadu. Many of the emblematic sculptures of the Chola School include the image of Nataraja, the image of Kaliyamadan, etc.
Question 3. Q. With reference to the arts in Indus valley,consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is /are correct?
- Spinning of cotton was very common among the people in the Indus valley.
- Cinnabar was used by people as a cosmetic and facepaint.
- Gold ornaments were also used by the people in the Indus valley.
Which of the statements given above is /are correct?
Answer: Option D. -> 1, 2, and 3
:
D
Explanation:
All the above statements are correct:
Statement 1 is correct:
A large number of spindles and spindle whorls have been found in the houses of the Indus valley.This indicates that spinning of cotton and wool was very common. The other artifacts like the Bronze Dancing girl, Bearded man indicate that men and women wore two separate pieces of attire similar to the dhoti and shawl.
Statement 2 is correct:
It appears from archeological finds that the inhabitants of the Indus Valley were conscious of fashion. Different hairstyles were in vogue, and wearing a beard was common with men. Cinnabar was used as a cosmetic and facial polish, mascara and collyrium (eyeliner) were also known.
Statement 3 is correct:
The men and women of Harappan adorned themselves with a wide range of ornaments made from any possible item, ranging from precious metals and gemstones to bone and baked clay. Jewelry hoards found at Mohenjodaro and Lothal include gold and semi-precious stone necklaces, copper bracelets and beads, gold earrings and head ornaments, faience pendants and buttons, and steatite and gemstone beads.
:
D
Explanation:
All the above statements are correct:
Statement 1 is correct:
A large number of spindles and spindle whorls have been found in the houses of the Indus valley.This indicates that spinning of cotton and wool was very common. The other artifacts like the Bronze Dancing girl, Bearded man indicate that men and women wore two separate pieces of attire similar to the dhoti and shawl.
Statement 2 is correct:
It appears from archeological finds that the inhabitants of the Indus Valley were conscious of fashion. Different hairstyles were in vogue, and wearing a beard was common with men. Cinnabar was used as a cosmetic and facial polish, mascara and collyrium (eyeliner) were also known.
Statement 3 is correct:
The men and women of Harappan adorned themselves with a wide range of ornaments made from any possible item, ranging from precious metals and gemstones to bone and baked clay. Jewelry hoards found at Mohenjodaro and Lothal include gold and semi-precious stone necklaces, copper bracelets and beads, gold earrings and head ornaments, faience pendants and buttons, and steatite and gemstone beads.
Answer: Option C. -> Medhi - Anda - Harmika- Chhatri
:
C
Explanation:
Stupas were constructed over the relics of the Buddha. Besides architecture, stupas are significant for the depiction of various Jataka stories and sculptural reliefs. Many of the well-known stupas are located in Sanchi, Bairat, Bharhut, Amravati, Devnimori, etc.
The stupa originated as a simple semi-circular earth mound, later called anda. Gradually, it evolved into a more complex form, combining round and square shapes. The harmika, a balcony-like structure that depicted the abode of the gods, stood above the anda.A mast called the yashti, often surmounted by a chhatri or an umbrella, rose from the harmika. There was a railing around the mountain, separating sacred space from secular space.
:
C
Explanation:
Stupas were constructed over the relics of the Buddha. Besides architecture, stupas are significant for the depiction of various Jataka stories and sculptural reliefs. Many of the well-known stupas are located in Sanchi, Bairat, Bharhut, Amravati, Devnimori, etc.
The stupa originated as a simple semi-circular earth mound, later called anda. Gradually, it evolved into a more complex form, combining round and square shapes. The harmika, a balcony-like structure that depicted the abode of the gods, stood above the anda.A mast called the yashti, often surmounted by a chhatri or an umbrella, rose from the harmika. There was a railing around the mountain, separating sacred space from secular space.
Answer: Option B. -> Dashavatar temple, Deogarh
:
B
Explanation:
Option(a) is incorrect:
Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho:It was built in 954 by the Chandela king, Dhanga. It is dedicated to Vishnu and is the grandest temple of Khajuraho. It is a nagara temple,placed on a high platform and accessed by stairs.
Option (b) is correct:
The Dashavatar temple at Deogarh was built in the early sixth century CE. This temple is the classic example for a late Gupta Period type of temple. This temple is in the panchayatana style of architecture where the main shrine is built on a rectangular plinth with four smaller subsidiary shrines at the four corners (making it a total number of five shrines, hence the name, panchayatana).It is an early example of a classic nagara style of temple.It is known for its sculptural reliefs of Lord Vishnu such as Sheshashayana,Nara-Narayan and Gajendramoksha.
Option(c) is incorrect:
Sun Temple, Konark: It was built in stone about 1240 by the rulers of the East Gang Dynasty. It is set on a high foundation, with its walls covered in extensive, detailed ornamental carving. These include twelve pairs of gigantic wheels carved with spokes and hubs, representing the wheels of the Sun god who, in mythology, rides a chariot driven by eight horses, carved here at the entrance stairs. The whole temple thus resembles a colossal processional chariot.
Option(d) is incorrect:
Brihadiswara Temple, Thanjavur: The magnificent Shiva Temple of Thanjavur, also known as Rajarajeswara, was completed about 1010 by Rajaraja Chola. It has a pyramidal multi-storeyed vimana that rises a massive seventy meters (approximately two hundred feet) topped by a monolithic shikhara that is an octagonal dome-shaped stupica. It is in this temple that, for the first time , two large gopuras (gateway towers) with an elaborate sculptural program were designed along with the temple. Huge Nandi-figures line the corners of the shikhara, and the kalasha on the top is around three meters and eight centimeters in height.
:
B
Explanation:
Option(a) is incorrect:
Lakshman Temple, Khajuraho:It was built in 954 by the Chandela king, Dhanga. It is dedicated to Vishnu and is the grandest temple of Khajuraho. It is a nagara temple,placed on a high platform and accessed by stairs.
Option (b) is correct:
The Dashavatar temple at Deogarh was built in the early sixth century CE. This temple is the classic example for a late Gupta Period type of temple. This temple is in the panchayatana style of architecture where the main shrine is built on a rectangular plinth with four smaller subsidiary shrines at the four corners (making it a total number of five shrines, hence the name, panchayatana).It is an early example of a classic nagara style of temple.It is known for its sculptural reliefs of Lord Vishnu such as Sheshashayana,Nara-Narayan and Gajendramoksha.
Option(c) is incorrect:
Sun Temple, Konark: It was built in stone about 1240 by the rulers of the East Gang Dynasty. It is set on a high foundation, with its walls covered in extensive, detailed ornamental carving. These include twelve pairs of gigantic wheels carved with spokes and hubs, representing the wheels of the Sun god who, in mythology, rides a chariot driven by eight horses, carved here at the entrance stairs. The whole temple thus resembles a colossal processional chariot.
Option(d) is incorrect:
Brihadiswara Temple, Thanjavur: The magnificent Shiva Temple of Thanjavur, also known as Rajarajeswara, was completed about 1010 by Rajaraja Chola. It has a pyramidal multi-storeyed vimana that rises a massive seventy meters (approximately two hundred feet) topped by a monolithic shikhara that is an octagonal dome-shaped stupica. It is in this temple that, for the first time , two large gopuras (gateway towers) with an elaborate sculptural program were designed along with the temple. Huge Nandi-figures line the corners of the shikhara, and the kalasha on the top is around three meters and eight centimeters in height.
Answer: Option B. -> 1 and 3 only
:
B
Explanation:
Pair 1 and 3 are correctly matched:
Gol Gumbaz is situated in Bijapur in the Bijapur District of Karnataka. It is the mausoleum of Muhammad Adil Shah (1626–1656) the seventh Sultan of the Adil Shahi Dynasty of Bijapur (1489–1686). Built by the ruler himself it is a striking edifice in spite of being unfinished. The tomb is a complex of buildings such as a gateway, a Naqqar Khana, a mosque and a sarai located within a large-walled garden.
Hindola Mahal is located at Mandu. It is one of a set of buildings making up the royal palace complex at Mandu, which consists of the Jahaz Mahal, the Hindola Mahal, the Tawili Mahal, and the Nahar Jharokha.Mandu is a typical representation of the medieval provincial style of art and architecture. It was a complex mix of official and residential-cum-pleasure palace, pavilions, mosques, artificial reservoirs, baolis, embattlements.
Pair 2 is incorrectly matched:
Humayun, tomb: It is located in Delhi.The tomb was commissioned by Humayun's first wife Haji Begum.The tomb was built in 1570 and is of particular significance as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent.
:
B
Explanation:
Pair 1 and 3 are correctly matched:
Gol Gumbaz is situated in Bijapur in the Bijapur District of Karnataka. It is the mausoleum of Muhammad Adil Shah (1626–1656) the seventh Sultan of the Adil Shahi Dynasty of Bijapur (1489–1686). Built by the ruler himself it is a striking edifice in spite of being unfinished. The tomb is a complex of buildings such as a gateway, a Naqqar Khana, a mosque and a sarai located within a large-walled garden.
Hindola Mahal is located at Mandu. It is one of a set of buildings making up the royal palace complex at Mandu, which consists of the Jahaz Mahal, the Hindola Mahal, the Tawili Mahal, and the Nahar Jharokha.Mandu is a typical representation of the medieval provincial style of art and architecture. It was a complex mix of official and residential-cum-pleasure palace, pavilions, mosques, artificial reservoirs, baolis, embattlements.
Pair 2 is incorrectly matched:
Humayun, tomb: It is located in Delhi.The tomb was commissioned by Humayun's first wife Haji Begum.The tomb was built in 1570 and is of particular significance as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent.
Question 7. Q. With reference to the difference between Nagar and Dravida style of temple architecture consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is /are correct?
- The Dravadian temple has a compound wall unlike the nagar style.
- The shikhara in nagara style is pyramidal while the vimana in Dravidian temples are curvilinear.
- The Dravidian style has tall gateways called gopurams which are absent in Nagara style.
Which of the statements given above is /are correct?
Answer: Option B. -> 1 and 3 only
:
B
Explanation:
Statements 1 and 3 are correct:
Unlike the nagara temple, the dravidian temple is enclosed within a compound wall. There are lofty gateways on the walls of Dravida temple ,which is known as a gopuram.
Statement 2 is incorrect.
The shape of the main temple tower known as vimana in Dravidian style is like a stepped pyramid that rises up geometrically rather than the curving shikhara of North India.
Whereas at the entrance to the North Indian temple’s garbhagriha, it would be usual to find images such as mithunas and the river goddesses, Ganga and Yamuna, in the south you will generally find sculptures of fierce dvarapalas or the door-keepers guarding the temple. It is common to find a large water reservoir, or a temple tank,in Dravida style.
:
B
Explanation:
Statements 1 and 3 are correct:
Unlike the nagara temple, the dravidian temple is enclosed within a compound wall. There are lofty gateways on the walls of Dravida temple ,which is known as a gopuram.
Statement 2 is incorrect.
The shape of the main temple tower known as vimana in Dravidian style is like a stepped pyramid that rises up geometrically rather than the curving shikhara of North India.
Whereas at the entrance to the North Indian temple’s garbhagriha, it would be usual to find images such as mithunas and the river goddesses, Ganga and Yamuna, in the south you will generally find sculptures of fierce dvarapalas or the door-keepers guarding the temple. It is common to find a large water reservoir, or a temple tank,in Dravida style.
Question 8. Q. .Consider the following statements with reference to the “Seals” of Indus valley,
Which of the statements given above is /are correct?
- The common material used in seals is Bronze.
- The purpose of producing seals was mainly commercial.
- The seals bear the evidence of the Indus valley script.
Which of the statements given above is /are correct?
Answer: Option C. -> 2 and 3 only
:
C
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect:
Archaeologists have uncovered thousands of seals, usually made of steatite, and sometimes of agate, chert, bronze, faience and terracotta, with magnificent animal figures such as unicorn bull, rhinoceros, tiger, lion, bison, goat, buffalo, etc.
Statement 2 is correct:
The purpose of the creation of seals was mainly commercial. But the seals had both a religious and a commercial intent. For example, the seal of Pashupati depicts a human figure sitting cross-legged. The elephant and the tiger are shown on the right side of the seated figure, while the rhinoceros and the buffalo are shown on the left. In addition to these species, two antelopes are shown below the seat.0
Statement 3 is correct:
Each seal is engraved in the Indus script. It is a pictographic script that has yet to be deciphered.
:
C
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect:
Archaeologists have uncovered thousands of seals, usually made of steatite, and sometimes of agate, chert, bronze, faience and terracotta, with magnificent animal figures such as unicorn bull, rhinoceros, tiger, lion, bison, goat, buffalo, etc.
Statement 2 is correct:
The purpose of the creation of seals was mainly commercial. But the seals had both a religious and a commercial intent. For example, the seal of Pashupati depicts a human figure sitting cross-legged. The elephant and the tiger are shown on the right side of the seated figure, while the rhinoceros and the buffalo are shown on the left. In addition to these species, two antelopes are shown below the seat.0
Statement 3 is correct:
Each seal is engraved in the Indus script. It is a pictographic script that has yet to be deciphered.
Answer: Option A. -> Ellora
:
A
Explanation:
Ellora is located about a hundred kilometers from Ajanta and has thirty-two Buddhist, Brahmanic and Jain caves. It is a rare art-historical site in the country as it has monasteries affiliated with the three religions from the 5th century BC to the 11th century BC.
The sculptures at Ellora are monumental, among the Shaivite themes, Ravana shaking Mount Kailash, Andhakasurvadha, Kalyanasundara are profusely depicted, while the various Vishnu avatars are depicted among the Vaishnavite themes.
Several guilds came from different locations, such as Vidarbha, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, and carved the sculptures. It is the most diverse location in India in sculptural types.
Cave No. 16 is known as the Kailash leni. The rock-cut Kailash Temple, inspired by Mount Kailash, was carved out of a single rock. It is considered to be the largest single monolithic excavation in the world . It was built in the 8th century by King Krishna I of Rashtrakuta.
:
A
Explanation:
Ellora is located about a hundred kilometers from Ajanta and has thirty-two Buddhist, Brahmanic and Jain caves. It is a rare art-historical site in the country as it has monasteries affiliated with the three religions from the 5th century BC to the 11th century BC.
The sculptures at Ellora are monumental, among the Shaivite themes, Ravana shaking Mount Kailash, Andhakasurvadha, Kalyanasundara are profusely depicted, while the various Vishnu avatars are depicted among the Vaishnavite themes.
Several guilds came from different locations, such as Vidarbha, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, and carved the sculptures. It is the most diverse location in India in sculptural types.
Cave No. 16 is known as the Kailash leni. The rock-cut Kailash Temple, inspired by Mount Kailash, was carved out of a single rock. It is considered to be the largest single monolithic excavation in the world . It was built in the 8th century by King Krishna I of Rashtrakuta.
Answer: Option D. -> Polychrome pottery is found in abundant numbers.
:
D
Explanation:
Indus Valley pottery consists mostly of very fine wheel-made products, very few of which are hand-made. Plain pottery is more popular than painted pottery. Plain pottery is usually red clay, with or without a fine red or gray slip. Polychrome pottery is rare and consists mostly of small vases decorated with geometric patterns in red, black and green, sometimes white and yellow.
The incised ware is also rare, and the incised decoration was confined to the bases of the pots, often inside, and to the dishes of the offering stalls. Perforated pottery has a wide hole at the bottom and small holes all over the wall, which was presumably used to strain liquor.Pottery for domestic purposes can be found in as many shapes and sizes as could be built for everyday practical use. Straight and circular forms are an exception, while graceful curves are the standard.
:
D
Explanation:
Indus Valley pottery consists mostly of very fine wheel-made products, very few of which are hand-made. Plain pottery is more popular than painted pottery. Plain pottery is usually red clay, with or without a fine red or gray slip. Polychrome pottery is rare and consists mostly of small vases decorated with geometric patterns in red, black and green, sometimes white and yellow.
The incised ware is also rare, and the incised decoration was confined to the bases of the pots, often inside, and to the dishes of the offering stalls. Perforated pottery has a wide hole at the bottom and small holes all over the wall, which was presumably used to strain liquor.Pottery for domestic purposes can be found in as many shapes and sizes as could be built for everyday practical use. Straight and circular forms are an exception, while graceful curves are the standard.
Latest Videos
Latest Test Papers
Login With Google
Old way of Login
Login With Email