Practice 95 Art, Architecture & Science in Ancient India multiple-choice questions with detailed answers and explanations. Ideal for RAS/RPSC exam preparation.
Q1. The Silk Road trade between India and Central Asia/China primarily involved:
Explanation
The Silk Road had multiple branches connecting India to Central Asia and China. India exported spices, pepper, precious stones, cotton textiles, and Buddhist ideas/artifacts, while importing silk, horses, jade, and Central Asian goods through passes like the Karakoram and Khyber.
Q2. The ancient university of Vikramashila was established by which Pala ruler?
Explanation
Vikramashila was founded by Dharmapala (770-810 CE) in Bihar. It was a premier Buddhist center rivaling Nalanda, with notable scholars like Atisha. It had 107 temples and 6 colleges.
Q3. Aryabhata, the great Gupta-era mathematician and astronomer, wrote:
Explanation
Aryabhata (476–550 CE) wrote Aryabhatiya at age 23. He stated that the Earth rotates on its axis, calculated pi to 3.1416, and explained eclipses scientifically. He worked at Nalanda.
Q4. Hoysala temple architecture is characterized by:
Explanation
Hoysala temples feature a distinctive star-shaped (stellate) plan, lathe-turned pillars, and exceptionally intricate carvings on soft chlorite schist (soapstone). Every surface is covered with detailed sculptures of gods, animals, and floral patterns.
Q5. The Nataraja bronze (Dancing Shiva), a masterpiece of Chola art, depicts:
Explanation
The Chola Nataraja bronze (10th-12th century CE) shows Shiva as Lord of Dance within a ring of fire (prabha mandala). His four arms hold: damaru (drum — creation), fire (destruction), abhaya mudra (protection), and point to lifted foot (liberation). He dances on Apasmara (demon of ignorance). The Chola bronzes are considered the finest metal sculptures ever produced — cast using the lost-wax (cire perdue) technique.
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Q6. The Kailasanatha Temple at Ellora, carved from a single rock, was built by:
Q7. The Gupta period Iron Pillar at Mehrauli (Delhi) is an outstanding example of metallurgical skill because:
Q8. The Sarnath Buddha image representing the 'Dharmachakra Pravartana' (First Sermon) belongs to:
Q9. The Sun Temple at Konark (Black Pagoda) was built by which ruler?
Q10. The Ajanta Caves (2nd century BCE - 6th century CE) in Maharashtra are famous for:
Q11. The Ramappa Temple (Ramalingeswara Temple) at Palampet was built by:
Q12. Which of the following is NOT one of the five great Tamil epics (Aimperumkappiyangal)?
Q13. The Dashavatar temple at Deogarh features which famous sculptural panel?
Q14. The decimal numeral system and the concept of zero were contributions of which period?
Q15. The Didarganj Yakshi, a masterpiece of Mauryan sculpture, is a:
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