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 51–60 of 106 questions
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Temples, Forts, Palaces and Monuments
Q51. Match List-I (Specialized Temple Architecture Features) with List-II (Brief Descriptions) and select the correct answer.
Specialized Temple Architecture Features
Brief Descriptions
A. Shikhara
i. A ribbed, stone disk situated at the top of the temple tower
B. Amalaka
ii. The raised platform upon which the temple is built
C. Antarala
iii. The towering roof structure over the main shrine
D. Jagati
iv. The vestibule connecting the main hall to the sanctum
Explanation
The Shikhara is the towering roof over the main shrine, the Amalaka is the ribbed stone disk at the top of the tower, the Antarala is the vestibule between hall and sanctum, and the Jagati is the raised platform. This gives A-iii, B-i, C-iv, D-ii.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Temples, Forts, Palaces and Monuments
Q52. Which fort in Rajasthan is celebrated for having walls so wide that it is claimed eight horses can ride abreast along its ramparts?
Explanation
Kumbhalgarh is known for its long, wide wall, said to be broad enough for eight horses to ride abreast.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Temples, Forts, Palaces and Monuments
Q53. Consider the following statements concerning the Brahma Temple at Pushkar: I. It is constructed largely of marble and stone slabs. II. It is situated on the banks of the sacred Pushkar Lake. III. The temple features a silver turtle embossed on the floor of the sanctum. IV. The temple was fundamentally reconstructed by Gokul Chand Parik in the 14th century. Which of the above combination of statements is correct?
Explanation
The Brahma Temple of Pushkar is built of marble and stone, stands on the bank of the Pushkar Lake and has a silver turtle embedded in the floor of the sanctum. It was renovated in the 19th century, not rebuilt in the 14th by Gokul Chand Parik, so IV is wrong.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Temples, Forts, Palaces and Monuments
Q54. The architectural element ‘Chhatri’ prevalent in Rajasthan’s palaces and forts is best defined as:
Explanation
A Chhatri is an elevated, dome-shaped pavilion. It gives shade in palaces and forts, and it is also built as a memorial over the cremation place of a ruler.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Temples, Forts, Palaces and Monuments
Q55. The following structures are parts of a traditional Nagara style temple. Arrange them in order from the entrance towards the innermost sacred point: I. Garbhagriha II. Mandapa III. Ardha Mandapa IV. Antarala
Explanation
In a Nagara temple one enters through the Ardha Mandapa (porch) into the Mandapa (hall), then the Antarala (vestibule) and finally the Garbhagriha. The order is III, II, IV, I.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Temples, Forts, Palaces and Monuments
Q56. Which prominent historical monument in Jaipur was constructed without any foundation, relying instead on a curved architectural design to stay upright?
Explanation
The Hawa Mahal is popularly said to have been built without a deep foundation, and its curved, tapering form is credited with keeping it standing. It is a five-storied building with a thin front wall of honeycomb windows.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Temples, Forts, Palaces and Monuments
Q57. The ‘Jai Narain Vyas Town Hall’, originally a part of the royal heritage of Jodhpur, is closely associated with which major palace complex?
Explanation
The Jai Narain Vyas Town Hall in Jodhpur belongs to the Rai Ka Bagh Palace complex, which was part of the royal heritage of the city.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Temples, Forts, Palaces and Monuments
Q58. Consider the following statements about the Ranakpur Jain Temple: I. It was constructed during the reign of Rana Sanga. II. The architectural design is based on the concept of ‘Nalini-Gulma Vimana’. III. It features exquisite carvings of nymphs playing flutes in various dance postures. IV. The temple complex is surrounded by an enclosed wall, known as a ‘bhamati’. V. It is primarily built out of red sandstone quarried from Dholpur. Which of the above combination of statements is incorrect?
Explanation
Ranakpur was built in the reign of Rana Kumbha, not Rana Sanga, and it is made of light-coloured marble, not red sandstone from Dholpur. So I and V are incorrect, while II, III and IV are correct.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Temples, Forts, Palaces and Monuments
Q59. Based on classical Rajput fortification strategy, why was Chittorgarh Fort often considered highly vulnerable despite its immense size and high walls?
Explanation
Chittorgarh is very large, and a small garrison could not defend its entire perimeter against a large army. This is why it fell in sieges despite its height and walls.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Temples, Forts, Palaces and Monuments
Q60. Match List-I (Prominent Cenotaphs/Chhatris) with List-II (Location/Associated Rulers) and select the correct answer.
Prominent Cenotaphs/Chhatris
Location/Associated Rulers
A. Moosi Maharani ki Chhatri
i. Jodhpur
B. 84-Pillared Cenotaph
ii. Udaipur
C. Jaswant Thada
iii. Alwar
D. Ahar Cenotaphs
iv. Bundi
Explanation
Moosi Maharani ki Chhatri is in Alwar, the 84-pillared cenotaph in Bundi, Jaswant Thada in Jodhpur and the Ahar cenotaphs in Udaipur. This gives A-iii, B-iv, C-i, D-ii.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
51
(a) A-iii, B-i, C-iv, D-ii
52
(d) Kumbhalgarh Fort
53
(a) I, II, and III
54
(b) An elevated, dome-shaped pavilion used for providing shade or as a commemorative funerary monument.
55
(a) III, II, IV, I
56
(a) Hawa Mahal
57
(c) Rai Ka Bagh Palace
58
(a) I and V only
59
(c) Its massive size made it difficult for a small garrison to defend all perimeters against a large army.
60
(a) A-iii, B-iv, C-i, D-ii
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.
