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 71–80 of 106 questions
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Temples, Forts, Palaces and Monuments
Q71. Consider the following statements about the Eklingji Temple: I. The current structure is primarily the result of rebuilding by Maharana Raimal. II. It features a prominent four-faced (Chaumukhi) idol of Lord Shiva in black marble. III. The temple architecture exclusively represents the Dravidian style. Which of the above combination of statements is correct?
Explanation
The current structure of the Eklingji Temple is largely the result of significant rebuilding efforts undertaken by Maharana Raimal in the late fifteenth century. The temple’s sanctum houses a magnificent four-faced idol of Lord Shiva carved from black marble. Despite its complexity, the architecture is a prime example of the Nagara style rather than the Dravidian style typical of Southern India.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Temples, Forts, Palaces and Monuments
Q72. The ‘Navlakha Darwaza’ is the primary and most famous entry gate for which of the following formidable forts?
Explanation
The Navlakha Darwaza is the first and most prominent entry gate to the formidable Ranthambore Fort. This massive stone gateway serves as a strong defensive point and marks the beginning of the ascent into the citadel. Its name, which implies great value or a ‘nine-lakh’ gate, reflects the importance and prestige associated with the fort’s entrance throughout its long history.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Temples, Forts, Palaces and Monuments
Q73. Match List-I (Monument/Feature) with List-II (Specific Material/Color) and select the correct answer.
Monument/Feature
Specific Material/Color
A. Jaisalmer Fort
i. White Marble
B. Hawa Mahal
ii. Yellow Sandstone
C. Dilwara Temples
iii. Red and Pink Sandstone
D. Vijay Stambh
iv. Red Sandstone and White Marble mix
Explanation
The color and material of Rajasthan’s monuments are deeply linked to the local geology and the artistic preferences of their builders. Jaisalmer Fort’s yellow sandstone gives it a golden glow, while the Hawa Mahal uses pink and red sandstone. The Dilwara Temples are famous for their pure white marble, and the Vijay Stambh features a blend of red sandstone and marble.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Temples, Forts, Palaces and Monuments
Q74. The concept of ‘Jal Mandir’ or ‘Water Palace’ is beautifully realized in the middle of Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur. What is the name of this palace?
Explanation
The Jal Mahal, or Water Palace, is a stunning architectural landmark situated in the middle of Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur. Originally built as a pleasure palace and hunting lodge, it appears to float on the water. While four of its five stories remain submerged when the lake is full, the top floor showcases elegant Rajput design with decorative chhatris.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Temples, Forts, Palaces and Monuments
Q75. The famous Saheliyon-Ki-Bari (Garden of the Maidens) in Udaipur is situated on the banks of which lake?
Explanation
Saheliyon-Ki-Bari, known as the Garden of the Maidens, is a beautifully landscaped garden in Udaipur. It was built by Maharana Sangram Singh for the royal ladies and is situated near the banks of Fateh Sagar Lake. The garden is famous for its lush lawns, marble art, and numerous fountains that are fed by the waters of the adjacent lake through gravity.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Temples, Forts, Palaces and Monuments
Q76. Which unique astronomical instrument at Jantar Mantar, Jaipur is famously known as the ‘Bowl Instrument’, used primarily for determining celestial longitudes and latitudes?
Explanation
The Jai Prakash Yantra is one of the most innovative and versatile instruments at the Jaipur Jantar Mantar. It consists of two hemispherical bowls sunk into the ground, representing the celestial sphere. Astronomers used these to determine the positions of stars and planets by mapping their coordinates. Its unique design allowed observers to enter the instrument to take measurements with high accuracy.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Temples, Forts, Palaces and Monuments
Q77. The massive artificial fresh-water lake, ‘Jaisamand Lake’, historically accompanied by royal summer palaces, was constructed by which ruler?
Explanation
Jaisamand Lake, also known as Dhebar Lake, was commissioned by Maharana Jai Singh of Mewar in the late seventeenth century. At the time of its completion, it was one of the largest artificial fresh-water lakes in the world.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Temples, Forts, Palaces and Monuments
Q78. Identify the incorrect statement regarding the architectural styling of the forts recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Rajasthan.
Explanation
Amber has Mughal influence, Kumbhalgarh uses the Aravalli terrain and Ranthambore uses forest and rugged land for defence. Gagron has strong ramparts as well as water on three sides, so D is incorrect.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Temples, Forts, Palaces and Monuments
Q79. The ‘Maha-Maru’ architectural style prevalent in early medieval Rajasthan is primarily attributed to the patronage of which dynasty?
Explanation
The Maha-Maru style of temple architecture developed in early medieval Rajasthan mainly under the patronage of the Gurjara-Pratiharas, with Osian temples as examples.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Temples, Forts, Palaces and Monuments
Q80. Consider the following statements regarding the Brahma Temple in Pushkar: I. It is situated in the Ajmer district. II. The temple is elevated on a high plinth and accessed via marble steps. III. Hansa (the swan), Brahma’s vehicle, heavily features in the entrance carvings. IV. It is actively maintained and administered by the Archaeological Survey of India as a dead monument. V. An image of Gayatri is situated alongside Lord Brahma in the main shrine. Which of the above combination of statements is incorrect?
Explanation
The Brahma temple at Pushkar is in Ajmer district, stands on a high plinth with marble steps, has swan carvings and an image of Gayatri beside Brahma. It is a living place of worship and not a dead monument under the ASI, so IV is incorrect.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
71
(a) I and II only
72
(d) Ranthambore Fort
73
(a) A-ii, B-iii, C-i, D-iv
74
(b) Jal Mahal
75
(d) Fateh Sagar Lake
76
(c) Jai Prakash Yantra
77
(a) Maharana Jai Singh
78
(d) Gagron Fort is completely devoid of any defensive ramparts, relying solely on deep water.
79
(b) Gurjara-Pratiharas
80
(b) IV only
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.
