Q31. The historic ‘Sonargaon’ or ‘Sonar Quila’ is physically situated on which geographical formation?
Temples, Forts, Palaces and Monuments: RAS Prelims MCQs
106 RAS Prelims MCQs on temples, forts, palaces and monuments of Rajasthan test builders, features and locations. Temple styles, the UNESCO hill forts, Kumbhalgarh, Jaisalmer, Amber and Jaipur monuments appear again and again, often through one distinguishing detail, so link each monument to its builder, its district and its feature.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 31–40 of 106 questions
Q32. Read Statement I and Statement II carefully regarding the Brahma Temple in Pushkar and choose the correct option.
Statement I: The Brahma Temple in Pushkar is the only temple in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma.
Statement II: Historical evidence shows the existence of a few other Brahma temples in India, such as those in Asotra (Rajasthan) and Kumbakonam (Tamil Nadu).
Statement I: The Brahma Temple in Pushkar is the only temple in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma.
Statement II: Historical evidence shows the existence of a few other Brahma temples in India, such as those in Asotra (Rajasthan) and Kumbakonam (Tamil Nadu).
Explanation
The Brahma temple of Pushkar is widely known as the most famous temple of Brahma, but it is not the only one. Others exist, for example at Asotra in Rajasthan and Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, so Statement I is incorrect and Statement II is correct.
Q33. Which of the following features is most closely associated with the architectural style of the Nathdwara temple?
Explanation
The Nathdwara temple of Shrinathji looks like a haveli, a large residence, because it was planned as the home of the deity. It does not follow the usual Nagara temple plan.
Q34. Identify the correct statement regarding the Dilwara Jain Temples.
Explanation
The Pittalhar temple at Dilwara is known for its large brass image of Adinath, the first Tirthankara. The temples were built by Solanki-period patrons and are in marble, not red sandstone.
Q35. Consider the following structural elements found in Rajasthani fort architecture:
I. Pols (Gateways)
II. Burj (Bastions)
III. Kangura (Battlements)
IV. Chhatri (Cenotaphs/Pavilions)
V. Jharokha (Overhanging enclosed balconies)
Which of the above combination of architectural elements served primarily defensive or military purposes?
I. Pols (Gateways)
II. Burj (Bastions)
III. Kangura (Battlements)
IV. Chhatri (Cenotaphs/Pavilions)
V. Jharokha (Overhanging enclosed balconies)
Which of the above combination of architectural elements served primarily defensive or military purposes?
Explanation
Pols (gateways), Burj (bastions) and Kangura (battlements) were defensive features. Chhatris and Jharokhas were mainly decorative or for comfort and viewing, so I, II and III are the answer.
Q36. The Nathdwara temple has historically been the focal point for the development of which traditional art form?
Explanation
Nathdwara became the centre for Pichhwai painting, the large cloth paintings hung behind the idol of Shrinathji. The Bani Thani style belongs to Kishangarh and Phad to Bhilwara.
Q37. The ‘Padmini Palace’ is a prominent historical monument located within which of the following fort complexes?
Explanation
The Padmini Palace is inside the Chittorgarh Fort. It is linked with Rani Padmini, who is associated with the siege of Chittorgarh by Alauddin Khalji.
Q38. Match List-I (Gates/Structures) with List-II (Forts where they are located) and select the correct answer.
| Gates/Structures | Forts |
|---|---|
| A. Padan Pol | i. Mehrangarh Fort |
| B. Loha Pol | ii. Jaisalmer Fort |
| C. Ganesh Pol | iii. Chittorgarh Fort |
| D. Akhai Pol | iv. Amber Fort |
Explanation
Padan Pol is a gate of Chittorgarh, Loha Pol of Mehrangarh, Ganesh Pol of Amber and Akhai Pol of Jaisalmer. This gives A-iii, B-i, C-iv, D-ii.
Q39. Which of the following accurately describes the concept of a ‘living fort’, a title most famously attributed to Jaisalmer Fort?
Explanation
A living fort is one where many civilians live inside the walls, as at Jaisalmer, where houses, shops and temples stand inside the fort. It does not mean a garrison or a fort made of wood.
Q40. In the architectural design of Ranakpur Jain Temple, what is the significance of the architect ‘Depa’ (or Depak)?
Explanation
Depa (Depak) was the architect of the Ranakpur temple, and he is said to have planned it from a divine vision seen by the patron Dharna Shah. He was not a foreign expert and did not carve all the pillars himself.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 31 | (d) Trikuta Hill |
| 32 | (d) Statement I is incorrect, but Statement II is correct. |
| 33 | (c) A layout resembling a residential haveli rather than the design of a traditional Nagara temple. |
| 34 | (a) The Pittalhar Temple is famous for its massive brass image of the first Tirthankara, Adinath. |
| 35 | (a) I, II, and III |
| 36 | (b) Pichhwai painting |
| 37 | (c) Chittorgarh Fort |
| 38 | (a) A-iii, B-i, C-iv, D-ii |
| 39 | (a) A fort where a significant civilian population resides within the fortification walls. |
| 40 | (b) He designed the temple layout based on a divine vision experienced by the chief patron, Dharna Shah. |
Key facts from Temples, Forts, Palaces and Monuments
- Maha-Maru is the Rajasthan regional variation of the Nagara style of temple architecture.
- Kumbhalgarh was designed by Mandan under Rana Kumbha, and its innermost section, Katargarh, was his residence.
- The Ranakpur Jain temple is known for its 1,444 uniquely carved marble pillars.
- The Jaivana at Jaigarh Fort is a large wheeled cannon.
- Jaisalmer Fort, on Trikuta Hill, is a living fort with 99 bastions.
- The Kirti Stambh at Chittorgarh is a seven-storied pillar built by the Jain merchant Jija Bhargava.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Temples, Forts, Palaces and Monuments?
This page has 106 practice MCQs on Temples, Forts, Palaces and Monuments (Rajasthan History, Art and Culture). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which Rajasthan forts are in the UNESCO Hill Forts group?
Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Ranthambore, Gagron, Amer and Jaisalmer, inscribed together in 2013 as the Hill Forts of Rajasthan. Forts such as Taragarh in Ajmer are not part of the inscribed group.
What is a living fort?
A fort where a large civilian population still lives inside the fortification walls. Jaisalmer Fort is the best-known example, with homes, shops, temples and hotels inside its walls on Trikuta Hill.
Who designed Kumbhalgarh?
The architect Mandan, under the patronage of Rana Kumbha, who built many of the fortresses of Mewar. Kumbhalgarh also served as a refuge for the Mewar royal family in crises and is known for its long encircling wall.