Ancient Indian Art and Culture MCQs: In ancient times, architecture, painting, and music flourished in India. The magnificent art of architecture was evident in large stone temples, stupas, rock-cut caves, and inscriptions on pillars, examples of which include the Ajanta Caves, the Sanchi Stupa, and early Hindu temples. Wall paintings flourished in caves like Ajanta and Ellora, depicting Buddhist stories, everyday life, and beautiful human figures using advanced shading techniques. Music also flourished as a sophisticated art form in ancient times, with Vedic chants laying the foundation for Indian classical music. Instruments like the veena, flute, and drums were commonly used, and music became an integral part of religious rituals and cultural traditions. We have compiled a set of MCQs for you, including important exam questions from ancient architecture/painting and music. You can read them once to further your preparation.
Ancient Period Architecture, Painting and Music MCQs
1. Which ruler constructed the famous Brihadisvara Temple?
A. Rajendra Chola
B. Raja Raja Chola
C. Krishnadevaraya
D. Pulakesin II
Answer: B
2. The Sun Temple at Konark is located in which state?
A. Andhra Pradesh
B. West Bengal
C. Odisha
D. Chhattisgarh
Answer: C
3. Kandariya Mahadev Temple is a part of which temple complex?
A. Ellora
B. Konark
C. Mahabalipuram
D. Khajuraho
Answer: D
4. Which dynasty built the temples of Khajuraho?
A. Solanki
B. Parmar
C. Chandela
D. Chouhan
Answer: C
5. The Lingaraj Temple was built by—
A. Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva
B. King Yayati Keshri of the Somavanshi dynasty
C. Shah Jahan
D. Chandela rulers
Answer: B
6. Murudeshwar Temple is situated in—
A. Tamil Nadu
B. Kerala
C. Odisha
D. Karnataka
Answer: D
7. The Lion Capital of Ashoka is located at—
A. Dhauli
B. Barabar Hills
C. Nagarjunakonda
D. Sarnath
Answer: D
8. Golconda Fort was originally built by Kakatiya rulers and later rebuilt by—
A. Mughal rulers
B. Qutub Shahi dynasty
C. Chalukyas
D. Rashtrakutas
Answer: B
9. Which temple is popularly known as the “Black Pagoda”?
A. Martand Sun Temple
B. Konark Sun Temple
C. Suryanar Temple
D. Shani Shingnapur
Answer: B
10. The famous Lingaraj Temple is located at—
A. Tirupati
B. Dwaraka
C. Bhubaneswar
D. Konark
Answer: C
11. The Sun Temple of Modhera was constructed by rulers of the—
A. Chalukya dynasty
B. Pallava dynasty
C. Solanki dynasty
D. Rashtrakuta dynasty
Answer: C
12. The statue of Gommateshwara at Shravanabelagola is carved out of—
A. Marble
B. Granite
C. Iron ore
D. Red sandstone
Answer: B
13. Which of the following is NOT included among the Great Living Chola Temples?
A. Airavateswara
B. Brihadeshwara
C. Gangaikondacholapuram
D. Kampahareswarar
Answer: D
14. The Sanchi Stupa was originally built by—
A. Chandragupta Maurya
B. Ashoka
C. Bindusara
D. Chanakya
Answer: B
15. Which of the following pairs is correctly matched?
A. Lingaraj Temple – Madhya Pradesh
B. Khajuraho Temples – Andhra Pradesh
C. Tijara Temple – Rajasthan
D. Venkateswara Temple – Odisha
Answer: C
16. A monument that stands as evidence of successful conservation and restoration is—
A. Palika Bazaar
B. Gateway of India
C. India Gate
D. Sanchi Stupa
Answer: D
17. The balcony-like structure seen on the top of a stupa is known as—
A. Yashti
B. Harmika
C. Umbrella
D. Vimana
Answer: B
18. Which temple was built by the Pallava rulers?
A. Dilwara Temple
B. Konark Sun Temple
C. Kailasanatha Temple, Kanchipuram
D. Lingaraj Temple
Answer: C
19. The hall meant for accommodating a large number of devotees in a Hindu temple is called—
A. Shikhara
B. Garbhagriha
C. Mandapa
D. Vimana
Answer: C
20. Meenakshi Temple is located in—
A. Odisha
B. Goa
C. Kerala
D. Tamil Nadu
Answer: D
21. The Elephanta Cave temple is primarily dedicated to—
A. Lord Vishnu
B. Lord Krishna
C. Lord Shiva
D. Lord Brahma
Answer: C
22. The paintings at Ajanta caves mainly depict—
A. Ramayana stories
B. Jataka tales
C. Mahabharata episodes
D. Vedic rituals
Answer: B
23. Which Buddhist monument in Madhya Pradesh was built by Ashoka?
A. Bavikonda Stupa
B. Mahabodhi Stupa
C. Dhamek Stupa
D. Sanchi Stupa
Answer: D
24. The painting style that uses gold foil and precious stones and often depicts Hindu deities is—
A. Warli
B. Madhubani
C. Mural
D. Tanjore painting
Answer: D
25. Sanchi Stupa is situated near which city?
A. Jhansi
B. Gwalior
C. Agra
D. Bhopal
Answer: D
26. Wall paintings found at places like Ajanta and Thiruvarur are examples of—
A. Rajasthani painting
B. Mughal painting
C. Madhubani painting
D. Mural painting
Answer: D