Question Bank — A Journey through Indian Architecture

QUESTION BANK

Chapter 3: A Journey through Indian Architecture
(Exploring Society: India and Beyond | Grade 8 Part 2)

Section A — MCQs (10 questions, 1 mark each)

1. Which Harappan city made extensive use of stone because it was locally available?
   a) Mohenjo-daro
   b) Dholavira
   c) Shringaverpur
   d) Rani ki Vav

2. The main stupa at Sanchi was originally commissioned by:
   a) Kharavela
   b) Ashoka
   c) Rajaraja Chola I
   d) Shah Jahan

3. In rock-cut architecture, the practice of walking clockwise around a stupa is called:
   a) Pradakshina
   b) Circumambulation
   c) Both a and b
   d) Neither a nor b

4. Assertion (A): The Brihadiswara Temple at Thanjavur has a huge vimana over 60 metres high.
   Reason (R): It was built by Rajaraja Chola I around 1010 CE.
   a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
   b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
   c) A is true but R is false.
   d) A is false but R is true.

5. The Rani ki Vav is an outstanding example of:
   a) Rock-cut caves
   b) Stepwell architecture
   c) Stupa architecture
   d) Indo-Saracenic architecture

6. Assertion (A): The Jama Masjid of Ahmedabad shows a blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural elements.
   Reason (R): It was constructed with the help of local Hindu and Jain artisans.
   a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
   b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
   c) A is true but R is false.
   d) A is false but R is true.

7. The charbagh garden layout seen in the Taj Mahal is of:
   a) Indian origin
   b) Persian inspiration
   c) European origin
   d) Chinese origin

8. Which structure is an example of Indo-Saracenic architecture?
   a) Dilwara Temples
   b) Mysuru Palace
   c) Sanchi Stupa
   d) Dholavira

9. The central courtyard design in traditional houses is found in:
   a) Shekhawati havelis only
   b) Chettinad houses only
   c) Both Shekhawati havelis and Chettinad houses
   d) Neither

10. The six-pointed star on Humayun’s Tomb is also known in Islamic tradition as:
    a) Star of David
    b) Seal of Solomon
    c) Lotus motif
    d) Jali pattern

Section B — Very Short Answer (6 questions, 2 marks each)

1. What is meant by ‘pradakshina’ in the context of Indian architecture?
2. State any two features of Harappan wells that prevented them from collapsing.
3. Identify the main elements of a classical temple as shown in the ground plan of the Brihadiswara Temple.
4. What is the significance of the central courtyard in traditional havelis and Chettinad houses?
5. Name the two types of towers found above the garbhagriha in north and south Indian temples.
6. Why were stepwells like Rani ki Vav important both functionally and socially?

Section C — Short Answer (5 questions, 3 marks each)

1. Explain how Dholavira’s architecture differed from that of most other Harappan cities.
2. Compare the architectural features of the Sanchi Stupa and the Ellora rock-cut caves.
3. Give reasons why many traditional water structures in India are facing problems today.
4. Describe the blend of architectural styles visible in the Jama Masjid of Ahmedabad.
5. How does the temple plan represent the human body (Purusha) both horizontally and vertically?

Section D — Long Answer (3 questions, 5 marks each)

1. Analyse the causes behind the evolution of temple architecture from modest Gupta-period structures to vast temple complexes by the 11th–13th centuries. Discuss its consequences for art, learning and society.
2. Examine the significance of water structures in Indian architecture with examples from Harappan times to the medieval period. How do they reflect adaptation to India’s climate?
3. Discuss the features of Indo-Islamic architecture as seen in the Jama Masjids of Ahmedabad and Delhi. What role did local craftsmanship play in its development?

Section E — Source-Based (2 questions, 4 marks each)

Source 1

“Architecture—the art and techniques of design and construction, which combine functional and aesthetic aspects—is not only an art but also a highly technical field, in which India has excelled for several millennia. As with any other Indian art, these accomplishments have evolved in time and developed great geographical diversity.”

1.1 What does the passage describe as the dual nature of architecture? (1)
1.2 Name any two periods or structures mentioned in the chapter that show geographical diversity. (1)
1.3 How does the chapter illustrate that Indian architecture evolved over time? (1)
1.4 Why is it not possible to study all aspects of Indian architecture in one chapter according to the text? (1)

Source 2

(Refer to Fig. 3.2 – Timeline of structures)
The timeline shows monuments ranging from Dholavira (2600 BCE) to the Mysuru Palace (20th century), including Sanchi Stupa, Ellora caves, Brihadiswara Temple, Rani ki Vav, Taj Mahal and others.

2.1 Which monument on the timeline belongs to the Harappan period? (1)
2.2 Name one structure from the timeline that belongs to the 11th century CE. (1)
2.3 What does the wide span of the timeline indicate about Indian architecture? (1)
2.4 Identify any two religious traditions represented in the monuments shown on the timeline. (1)