Q41. The ‘Garbhagriha’ in Rajasthan’s Nagara style temples refers specifically to:
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 41–50 of 106 questions
Q42. The unique layout of Jaipur city and its royal palaces heavily relied on the principles of which ancient Indian architectural text?
Explanation
Jaipur was planned on the principles of Vastu Shastra along with the classical Shilpa Shastra. Its nine blocks, wide streets and orientation reflect these texts.
Q43. The Eklingji Temple complex is comprised of 108 distinct shrines. Which sect of Shaivism is primarily associated with this historic temple?
Explanation
The Eklingji temple complex near Udaipur has 108 shrines. It is linked with the Lakulisha or Pashupata sect of Shaivism, which was the family tradition of the Guhila rulers of Mewar.
Q44. Identify the incorrect pair regarding the palaces situated within the City Palace of Udaipur.
Explanation
Amar Vilas is a raised garden, Bheem Vilas holds miniature paintings and the Fateprakash Palace has the Crystal Gallery. The Sheesh Mahal is a hall of mirror work, not an armory of cannons, so C is the incorrect pair.
Q45. The following question consists of two statements -- Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Answer the question by selecting the appropriate option.
Assertion (A): The Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is considered the most significant and best-preserved of all historic observatories in India.
Reason (R): It contains fixed masonry instruments that allow observations of astronomical positions with the naked eye to an exceptionally high degree of precision.
Assertion (A): The Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is considered the most significant and best-preserved of all historic observatories in India.
Reason (R): It contains fixed masonry instruments that allow observations of astronomical positions with the naked eye to an exceptionally high degree of precision.
Explanation
Jantar Mantar of Jaipur is the largest and best preserved of Sawai Jai Singh II’s observatories. Its fixed masonry instruments can read astronomical positions with the naked eye very accurately, which explains why it is so significant.
Q46. What was the underlying practical purpose behind the construction of the 953 small windows (jharokhas) in the Hawa Mahal?
Explanation
The Hawa Mahal has 953 small windows (jharokhas). They allowed the women of the royal household to watch street life and festivals without being seen from outside.
Q47. Which of the following structural elements of the Chittorgarh Fort is attributed strictly to the reign of Maharana Kumbha?
Explanation
The Vijay Stambh was built by Maharana Kumbha at Chittorgarh to mark his victory over Mahmud Khalji of Malwa. The Padmini Palace and the Gaumukh reservoir were not his creations.
Q48. By what other popular name is the historic Jaigarh Fort known, due to its formidable defensive nature and its role in protecting Amber?
Explanation
Jaigarh Fort is called the Fort of Eagles (Cheel ka Teela). It stands on the Aravalli hill above Amber and guards the older fort.
Q49. The architectural classification ‘Mandapa’ in a traditional Rajasthani temple denotes:
Explanation
The Mandapa is the pillared assembly hall of a temple that leads to the inner sanctum. The tower above the deity is the shikhara.
Q50. Jaisalmer Fort is historically noted for the occurrence of ‘Dhai Shaka’ (two and a half sackings). The ‘half’ shaka refers to an event where:
Explanation
Jaisalmer is said to have suffered two and a half sackings. In the half shaka the Rajput men died in battle, but the women were saved before they could carry out jauhar. In the full shakas, jauhar took place.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 41 | (b) The sanctum sanctorum housing the principal deity. |
| 42 | (c) The guidelines of Vastu Shastra combined with the classical Shilpa Shastra. |
| 43 | (d) Lakulisha (Pashupata) sect |
| 44 | (c) Sheesh Mahal - A massive armory featuring medieval cannons |
| 45 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 46 | (d) To allow royal ladies to observe everyday street life and festivals without being seen from outside. |
| 47 | (a) The construction of the massive Vijay Stambh |
| 48 | (c) The Fort of Eagles (Cheel Ka Teela) |
| 49 | (d) The pillared assembly hall leading to the inner sanctum. |
| 50 | (b) The event where Rajput men died in battle, but the women were saved before they could commit Jauhar. |
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.