Art Of India - Architecture - Quiz, Flashcards & Trivia

1. Columned hall which precedes the shrine-chamber:

A columned hall which precedes the shrine-chamber is called a mandapa. This term is commonly used in Indian architecture to refer to a pillared hall or pavilion that serves as an entrance or gathering space before entering the main shrine or temple. The mandapa is typically characterized by its rows of columns supporting a roof, creating a covered space for rituals, ceremonies, or congregation. It provides a transition between the outer world and the sacred inner chamber, allowing devotees to prepare themselves before entering the shrine.

Explanation

A columned hall which precedes the shrine-chamber is called a mandapa. This term is commonly used in Indian architecture to refer to a pillared hall or pavilion that serves as an entrance or gathering space before entering the main shrine or temple. The mandapa is typically characterized by its rows of columns supporting a roof, creating a covered space for rituals, ceremonies, or congregation. It provides a transition between the outer world and the sacred inner chamber, allowing devotees to prepare themselves before entering the shrine.

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3. The tower that rises up over Northern temples:

The correct answer is "shikhara, sikhara." Both spellings refer to the same architectural feature, which is a tower that rises up over Northern temples. The term is commonly used in Hindu temple architecture and is typically characterized by its pyramidal shape. The shikhara/sikhara is often adorned with intricate carvings and serves as a prominent and visually striking element of the temple's design.

Explanation

The correct answer is "shikhara, sikhara." Both spellings refer to the same architectural feature, which is a tower that rises up over Northern temples. The term is commonly used in Hindu temple architecture and is typically characterized by its pyramidal shape. The shikhara/sikhara is often adorned with intricate carvings and serves as a prominent and visually striking element of the temple's design.

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5. Top of stupa, where the Chattri and Yasti are found.

The term "harmika" refers to the top of a stupa where the Chattri and Yasti are found. The Chattri is an umbrella-like structure that symbolizes protection and represents the Buddha's teachings. The Yasti is a pole that rises from the center of the Chattri and is believed to connect heaven and earth. The harmika is an important architectural feature in Buddhist stupas, representing the spiritual pinnacle and serving as a focal point for worship and reverence.

Explanation

The term "harmika" refers to the top of a stupa where the Chattri and Yasti are found. The Chattri is an umbrella-like structure that symbolizes protection and represents the Buddha's teachings. The Yasti is a pole that rises from the center of the Chattri and is believed to connect heaven and earth. The harmika is an important architectural feature in Buddhist stupas, representing the spiritual pinnacle and serving as a focal point for worship and reverence.

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6. Monk cells:

A vihara is a type of Buddhist monastery or temple where monks live and practice their religious rituals. In this context, "monk cells" refers to the individual living quarters or cells within a vihara where the monks reside. Therefore, the correct answer is "vihara" as it directly relates to the given term and its meaning.

Explanation

A vihara is a type of Buddhist monastery or temple where monks live and practice their religious rituals. In this context, "monk cells" refers to the individual living quarters or cells within a vihara where the monks reside. Therefore, the correct answer is "vihara" as it directly relates to the given term and its meaning.

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7. Water-pot. Used architecturally for the topmost element of the north Indian shikhara:

The water-pot, known as "kalasha," is used as the topmost element of the north Indian shikhara in architectural design. The kalasha is a sacred symbol in Hinduism and is often placed on the pinnacle of temples or other religious structures. It is believed to represent abundance, purity, and fertility. The use of the kalasha in the shikhara design adds a spiritual and aesthetic element to the architecture, emphasizing the religious significance of the structure.

Explanation

The water-pot, known as "kalasha," is used as the topmost element of the north Indian shikhara in architectural design. The kalasha is a sacred symbol in Hinduism and is often placed on the pinnacle of temples or other religious structures. It is believed to represent abundance, purity, and fertility. The use of the kalasha in the shikhara design adds a spiritual and aesthetic element to the architecture, emphasizing the religious significance of the structure.

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8. Southern temples:

The answer is "dravidian" because Southern temples in India are predominantly built in the Dravidian architectural style. This style is characterized by pyramid-shaped towers called gopurams, intricate carvings, and vibrant colors. The Dravidian style originated in the southern part of India and is most commonly associated with temples in states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. These temples are known for their grandeur and architectural beauty, attracting millions of devotees and tourists from around the world.

Explanation

The answer is "dravidian" because Southern temples in India are predominantly built in the Dravidian architectural style. This style is characterized by pyramid-shaped towers called gopurams, intricate carvings, and vibrant colors. The Dravidian style originated in the southern part of India and is most commonly associated with temples in states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. These temples are known for their grandeur and architectural beauty, attracting millions of devotees and tourists from around the world.

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9. The base of a temple:

The base of a temple is called "pitha". In Hindu temple architecture, the pitha is the platform or pedestal upon which the temple is built. It is an important element as it provides stability and elevation to the temple structure. The pitha is usually square or rectangular in shape and can have multiple tiers or levels. It serves as the foundation for the entire temple and is considered sacred. The pitha is often decorated with intricate carvings and designs, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the temple.

Explanation

The base of a temple is called "pitha". In Hindu temple architecture, the pitha is the platform or pedestal upon which the temple is built. It is an important element as it provides stability and elevation to the temple structure. The pitha is usually square or rectangular in shape and can have multiple tiers or levels. It serves as the foundation for the entire temple and is considered sacred. The pitha is often decorated with intricate carvings and designs, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the temple.

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10. Entrace way of southern temples:

The correct answer for this question is "gopuras, gopura." In southern temples, the entrance way is typically adorned with multiple gopuras. Gopuras are ornate, towering gateways that are a distinctive feature of South Indian temple architecture. They are often elaborately decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting various deities and mythological scenes. The plural form "gopuras" indicates that there are multiple gateways, while "gopura" refers to a single gateway. Therefore, both terms are correct in describing the entrance way of southern temples.

Explanation

The correct answer for this question is "gopuras, gopura." In southern temples, the entrance way is typically adorned with multiple gopuras. Gopuras are ornate, towering gateways that are a distinctive feature of South Indian temple architecture. They are often elaborately decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting various deities and mythological scenes. The plural form "gopuras" indicates that there are multiple gateways, while "gopura" refers to a single gateway. Therefore, both terms are correct in describing the entrance way of southern temples.

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11. Literally 'womb chamber,' the sanctum of a temple:

The term "garbhagriha" refers to the sanctum of a temple, which is literally translated as "womb chamber." This term is commonly used in Hindu temple architecture to describe the innermost and most sacred part of the temple where the main deity is housed. The use of the term "womb chamber" signifies the idea that the sanctum is seen as the place of creation and birth, symbolizing the divine presence of the deity within the temple.

Explanation

The term "garbhagriha" refers to the sanctum of a temple, which is literally translated as "womb chamber." This term is commonly used in Hindu temple architecture to describe the innermost and most sacred part of the temple where the main deity is housed. The use of the term "womb chamber" signifies the idea that the sanctum is seen as the place of creation and birth, symbolizing the divine presence of the deity within the temple.

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13. Most temples have a ________ entrance. (Cardinal direction)

Most temples are traditionally built facing the east, with the main entrance located on the eastern side. This is because the rising sun is considered auspicious and symbolizes the beginning of a new day. However, in some cases, temples may also have entrances facing other cardinal directions depending on the specific religious beliefs or cultural practices associated with that particular temple. In this case, the correct answer is "southern," indicating that the temple being referred to has its main entrance facing the south.

Explanation

Most temples are traditionally built facing the east, with the main entrance located on the eastern side. This is because the rising sun is considered auspicious and symbolizes the beginning of a new day. However, in some cases, temples may also have entrances facing other cardinal directions depending on the specific religious beliefs or cultural practices associated with that particular temple. In this case, the correct answer is "southern," indicating that the temple being referred to has its main entrance facing the south.

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15. Entrance way of northern temples:

The entrance way of northern temples is called a torana or toranas. A torana is a decorative gateway that is typically found in Hindu and Buddhist temples. It is often adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, and serves as a grand entrance to the temple complex. The plural form of torana is toranas.

Explanation

The entrance way of northern temples is called a torana or toranas. A torana is a decorative gateway that is typically found in Hindu and Buddhist temples. It is often adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, and serves as a grand entrance to the temple complex. The plural form of torana is toranas.

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18. "The radiating sun" in northern temples:

Amalaka is a term used in northern temples to refer to the radiating sun. This suggests that the amalaka is a decorative element or symbol typically found in the architecture of northern temples. It could be a representation of the sun, with its radiating rays, which holds significance in Hindu mythology and religious beliefs. The amalaka might be placed at the top of temple structures, serving as a visual representation of the divine presence and illuminating energy associated with the sun.

Explanation

Amalaka is a term used in northern temples to refer to the radiating sun. This suggests that the amalaka is a decorative element or symbol typically found in the architecture of northern temples. It could be a representation of the sun, with its radiating rays, which holds significance in Hindu mythology and religious beliefs. The amalaka might be placed at the top of temple structures, serving as a visual representation of the divine presence and illuminating energy associated with the sun.

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