Art and Culture of Himachal Pradesh – MCQs
- What is the predominant religion in Himachal Pradesh, as mentioned in the document?
A. Buddhism B. Jainism
C. Hinduism D. Sikhism
Answer: C. Hinduism - According to the document, what form of Shaivism did the early inhabitants of Himachal Pradesh profess?
A. Vaishnavism B. Shaktism
C. Some form of Shaivism D. Agnosticism
Answer: C. Some form of Shaivism - The Mauryan Empire, known for its art, ruled over most of the Indian subcontinent from:
A. 1st to 3rd century BCE B. 4th to 2nd century BCE
C. 2nd century BCE to 1st century CE D. 5th to 3rd century BCE
Answer: B. 4th to 2nd century BCE - What important transition in Indian art did the Mauryan period represent?
A. From stone to wood B. From bronze to iron
C. From use of wood to stone D. From clay to metal
Answer: C. From use of wood to stone - Which Mauryan king especially patronized royal art, including pillars and stupas?
A. Chandragupta Maurya B. Bindusara
C. Ashoka D. Dasaratha Maurya
Answer: C. Ashoka - Kautilya, in the Arthashastra, advises the use of which materials for their durability in construction?
A. Wood and bamboo B. Brick and stone
C. Mud and thatch D. Iron and copper
Answer: B. Brick and stone - Megasthenes mentioned that the capital city of Pataliputra was encircled by:
A. A massive stone wall B. A deep moat
C. A massive timber-palisade D. Fortified brick structures
Answer: C. A massive timber-palisade - The Lion Capital, which is now the National Emblem of India, is from which Ashokan pillar site?
A. Sanchi B. Lauriya Nandangarh
C. Sarnath D. Rampurva
Answer: C. Sarnath - Coomaraswamy distinguishes between court art and what other type of art during the Mauryan period?
A. Folk art B. Religious art
C. A more popular art D. Military art
Answer: C. A more popular art - The pillars of Ashoka were mainly erected in which geographical region?
A. The Deccan Plateau B. The Thar Desert
C. The Gangetic plains D. The Himalayan foothills
Answer: C. The Gangetic plains - The stone elephant at Dhauli was probably carved by whom?
A. Royal Mauryan craftsmen B. Craftsmen from Persia
C. Local craftsmen D. Greek artisans
Answer: C. Local craftsmen - Terracotta objects from the Mauryan period, found more commonly from Mathura and Kausambi, often have what characteristics?
A. Highly polished and realistic B. Stylized forms and technically more accomplished
C. Rough finish and abstract designs D. Imported from Roman traditions
Answer: B. Stylized forms and technically more accomplished - Under the great Mauryan emperor Ashoka, art forms tended more and more towards what?
A. Abstraction B. Symbolism
C. Realism D. Impressionism
Answer: C. Realism - During which period did Buddhist art of the plains begin to infiltrate the hills, as evident from the ruins of a stupa at Chetru near Kangra?
A. Mauryan period B. Gupta period
C. Kushanas period D. Pala period
Answer: C. Kushanas period - According to many historians like Ram Sharan Sharma and A.S. Altekar, the Gupta dynasty belonged to which caste?
A. Brahmin B. Kshatriya
C. Vaishya D. Shudra
Answer: C. Vaishya - Which Chinese pilgrim visited India during the reign of Gupta emperor Chandragupta II?
A. Xuanzang B. Yijing
C. Fa Hien (Fa Xian) D. Song Yun
Answer: C. Fa Hien (Fa Xian) - Fa Xian was pleased with which aspect of the Gupta administration?
A. Its strict penal code B. Its high taxation
C. The mildness of administration D. Its powerful military
Answer: C. The mildness of administration - The Gupta period is generally regarded as a classic peak of what?
A. North Indian sculpture B. South Indian temple architecture
C. Gandhara art D. Mauryan court art
Answer: A. North Indian sculpture - The Hindu Udayagiri Caves record connections with which dynasty and its ministers?
A. Mauryan dynasty B. Kushana dynasty
C. Gupta dynasty D. Pala dynasty
Answer: C. Gupta dynasty - In the upper parts of Himachal, like Lahaul-Spiti, the local art seems to have been much influenced by developments in Tibet and the personality of whom?
A. Buddha B. Ashoka
C. Padmasambhava D. Kanishka
Answer: C. Padmasambhava - The Pala Empire, a Buddhist imperial power, was centered around which present-day regions?
A. Western India and Pakistan B. Southern India and Sri Lanka
C. Bangladesh, East India and Nepal D. Central India and the Deccan
Answer: C. Bangladesh, East India and Nepal - The Palas were followers of which schools of Buddhism?
A. Theravada and Hinayana B. Mahayana and Vajrayana
C. Zen and Pure Land D. Shingon and Tendai
Answer: B. Mahayana and Vajrayana - Which renowned universities nourished under the patronage of the Palas?
A. Taxila and Vikramashila B. Nalanda and Vikramashila
C. Nalanda and Takshashila D. Odantapuri and Somapura
Answer: B. Nalanda and Vikramashila - Who was the first ruler of the Pala dynasty, coming to power through an election by regional chieftains?
A. Dharmapala B. Devapala
C. Gopala D. Mahipala
Answer: C. Gopala - The art of Himachal Pradesh can broadly be classified into how many groups?
A. Two B. Three
C. Four D. Five
Answer: B. Three - What is the basic material used in the most ancient art and architecture of Himachal Pradesh, known as ‘Khasa style’?
A. Stone B. Brick
C. Wood D. Metal
Answer: C. Wood - The copper and silver coins of which group from the 2nd century B.C. depict a Dhawaja, a Trishul, and a Battle Axe?
A. Mauryas B. Guptas
C. Audumbaras D. Kushanas
Answer: C. Audumbaras - The Indo-Aryan art matured during the period of which dynasty?
A. Mauryas B. Kushanas
C. Guptas D. Palas
Answer: C. Guptas - The Indo-Tibetan art style flourished in which trans-Himalayan regions of Himachal Pradesh?
A. Kangra and Chamba B. Shimla and Kullu
C. Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti D. Una and Hamirpur
Answer: C. Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti - The Vajrayana school of Buddhism, influential in the Indo-Tibetan art of Himachal, is also known as:
A. The School of Elders B. The Great Vehicle
C. The School of Thunderbolt D. The Diamond Vehicle
Answer: C. The School of Thunderbolt - Tibetan artists have played a key role in the cultural life of Tibet for how long?
A. A few centuries B. About five hundred years
C. For more than a thousand years D. Since the 18th century
Answer: C. For more than a thousand years - Mahayana Buddhism, which emphasized the role of Bodhisattvas, emerged as a separate school in which century?
A. 6th century BCE B. 1st century CE
C. 4th century BCE D. 2nd century CE
(Note: The source states “4th century BC”, which means BCE)
Answer: C. 4th century BCE - What is the indigenous shamanistic religion of the Himalayas mentioned in the text?
A. Jainism B. Bon
C. Zoroastrianism D. Animism
Answer: B. Bon - The Basheshwar Mahadev temple at Bajaura, known for its fine sculptures, belongs to which period?
A. Early Mauryan B. Late Gupta tradition
C. Pala period D. Kushana era
Answer: B. Late Gupta tradition - The Jwalamukhi temple in Kangra is dedicated to the goddess Jwalamukhi, whose tongue is said to have fallen at the site. What is worshipped as the manifestation of the goddess?
A. An idol of the goddess B. A sacred fire pit
C. The flames coming out of openings in the furnace D. A stone image
Answer: C. The flames coming out of openings in the furnace - Who gifted the gold-plated dome to the Jwalamukhi temple in 1813?
A. Raja Sansar Chand B. Maharaja Ranjit Singh
C. Emperor Akbar D. Raja Ajber Sen
Answer: B. Maharaja Ranjit Singh - The Monolithic temples at Masrur in Kangra, cut out of rocks, belong to which century and were built by which Kashmir Raja?
A. 6th century, Avantivarman B. 8th century, Lalitaditya
C. 10th century, Didda D. 7th century, Durlabhavardhana
Answer: B. 8th century, Lalitaditya - The main shrine in the Masrur temple complex, known as ‘Thakurdwara’, was originally dedicated to whom, although it now contains images of Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita?
A. Vishnu B. Brahma
C. Shiva D. Durga
Answer: C. Shiva - The Masrur temples are also known as:
A. The Ajanta of Himachal Pradesh B. The Khajuraho of the Hills
C. Ellora of Himachal Pradesh D. The Sun Temple of the North
Answer: C. Ellora of Himachal Pradesh - What is the structural style of the Masrur temple complex?
A. Dravida style B. Vesara style
C. Nagara style D. Pagoda style
Answer: C. Nagara style - How many shrines did the Masrur temple complex consist of when intact?
A. 10 B. 12
C. 15 D. 20
Answer: C. 15 - According to legend, who started constructing the Masrur temples during a six-month-long night?
A. Local deities B. Asuras
C. The Pandavas D. Rishi Vyasa
Answer: C. The Pandavas - The Baijnath temple in Kangra is dedicated to whom?
A. Lord Vishnu B. Vaidyanath (Shiva)
C. Goddess Durga D. Lord Brahma
Answer: B. Vaidyanath (Shiva) - The Baijnath temple was built in which year by two wealthy brothers, Manyuka and Ahuka?
A. 1004 A.D. B. 1204 A.D.
C. 1304 A.D. D. 1404 A.D.
Answer: B. 1204 A.D. - The Triloknath temple in Mandi, situated at the confluence of the Beas and Suketi rivers, has a principal deity with how many faces and arms?
A. One face, four arms B. Three faces, six arms
C. Five faces, ten arms D. Four faces, eight arms
Answer: C. Five faces, ten arms - The Trilokpur temple, built by Raja Dip Parkash in A.D. 1573, is famous for the temple of which Mahamaya?
A. Mahamaya Kali B. Mahamaya Lakshmi
C. Mahamaya Bala Sundri D. Mahamaya Saraswati
Answer: C. Mahamaya Bala Sundri - The goddess at Trilokpur is also known by what name due to the 84 bells tied at the entrance?
A. “Ashtabhuja Devi” B. “Ghanta Devi”
C. “Chaurasi Ghanto Wali Devi” D. “Shakti Roopini Devi”
Answer: C. “Chaurasi Ghanto Wali Devi” - The main temple at Renuka, ‘The Math’, was constructed by whom in 1814?
A. The local Rajas B. The invading Gurkhas
C. The Mughal governors D. The British
Answer: B. The invading Gurkhas - The Bijli Mahadev Temple near Kullu is dedicated to which deity?
A. Lord Vishnu B. Lord Shiva
C. Goddess Parvati D. Lord Indra
Answer: B. Lord Shiva - What remarkable event happens to the Shivlinga within the Bijli Mahadev temple every year?
A. It changes color B. It is struck by lightning and shatters
C. It levitates D. It emits a divine fragrance
Answer: B. It is struck by lightning and shatters - The Ardhanarishwar temple in Mandi features an idol with which unique characteristic?
A. The idol has multiple heads. B. The idol’s right half is Shiva and the left half is Parbati.
C. The idol is made entirely of gold. D. The idol is shown in a dancing pose.
Answer: B. The idol’s right half is Shiva and the left half is Parbati. - The Marich Havan Kund, reopened in 2005 after 900 years, is unique due to its what shape?
A. Circular shape B. Square shape
C. Panchmukha shape (five-faced) D. Octagonal shape
Answer: C. Panchmukha shape (five-faced) - Which temple in Kullu is believed to be the only temple of Manu in India?
A. Hidimba Devi Temple B. Bijli Mahadev Temple
C. Manu temple at Shanshar D. Adi Brahma Temple
Answer: C. Manu temple at Shanshar - Baba Balak Nath is considered by devotees to be a reincarnation of whom?
A. Lord Shiva B. Lord Vishnu
C. Lord Kartikeya D. Lord Ganesha
Answer: C. Lord Kartikeya - The K.C. Sharma Committee, set up in 2008 by the Himachal government, was tasked to report on what?
A. The preservation of ancient monuments B. The status of temples controlled and uncontrolled by the government
C. The promotion of religious tourism D. The financial management of temple trusts
Answer: B. The status of temples controlled and uncontrolled by the government - Most of the Buddhist sculptures in Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur are found where?
A. In private collections B. In museums
C. In the monasteries D. Buried in ancient sites
Answer: C. In the monasteries - Monasteries in Lahaul and Spiti, built in traditional Tibetan style, often have what kind of roof?
A. Pagoda style roof B. Domed roof
C. Flat roof D. Sloping slate roof
Answer: C. Flat roof - The Mrikula Devi temple at Udaipur in Lahaul was built by which Raja of Kashmir?
A. Lalitaditya B. Raja Ajay Varman
C. Avantivarman D. Sangramaraja
Answer: B. Raja Ajay Varman - The Trilokinath Temple, sacred to both Buddhists and Hindus, has an image of whom, according to Goetz, that cannot be earlier than the 12th century?
A. Shiva Nataraja B. Buddha Amitabha
C. Avalokiteshwara-Trilokinath D. Padmasambhava
Answer: C. Avalokiteshwara-Trilokinath - The Guru Ghantal monastery in Lahaul has been consecrated by whom?
A. The Dalai Lama B. Milarepa
C. Guru Padmasambhava D. Atisha
Answer: C. Guru Padmasambhava - The Sashur Gompa in Lahaul is famous for a fifteen feet invaluable wall painting depicting what?
A. The life of Buddha B. All 84 sidhas of Buddhism
C. Mandalas of various deities D. Scenes from the Jataka tales
Answer: B. All 84 sidhas of Buddhism - The Kardang Gompa, the largest in Lahaul, has an enormous prayer drum containing strips of paper inscribed with which sacred mantra a million times?
A. Om Ah Hum Vajra Guru Padma Siddhi Hum B. Om Mani Padme Hum
C. Gate Gate Paragate Parasamgate Bodhi Svaha D. Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha
Answer: B. Om Mani Padme Hum - The Tayul Gompa houses a 5-meter tall statue of Padmasambhava and his two manifestations as:
A. Manjushri and Vajrapani B. Singhmukha and Vajravarahi
C. Tara and Avalokiteshwara D. Amitayus and Hayagriva
Answer: B. Singhmukha and Vajravarahi - The Tabo monastery in Spiti, known as the ‘Ajanta of the Himalayas’, was founded around which year?
A. 796 A.D. B. 996 A.D.
C. 1096 A.D. D. 1196 A.D.
Answer: B. 996 A.D. - The hill architecture in the Himalayas often uses which type of wood due to its resistance to decay and insects?
A. Pine B. Oak
C. Cedrus Deodara (Deodar) D. Sal
Answer: C. Cedrus Deodara (Deodar) - In the pent-roof style of temple architecture, what material is generally used for the sloping roof?
A. Thatch B. Terracotta tiles
C. Slates or shingles D. Copper sheets
Answer: C. Slates or shingles - Which of the following is an example of a Pagoda style temple in Himachal Pradesh?
A. Jwalamukhi Temple B. Baijnath Temple
C. Hidimba Devi at Manali D. Masrur Temple
Answer: C. Hidimba Devi at Manali - The domed temple style in Himachal Pradesh is a direct outcome of the influence of which rulers?
A. Rajputs and Guptas B. Mauryas and Kushanas
C. Mughal and Sikh rule D. British and Colonial powers
Answer: C. Mughal and Sikh rule - Wall paintings from which two locations in Himachal Pradesh have found a place in the National Museum, Delhi?
A. Arki and Nurpur B. Guler and Sujanpur Tira
C. Rang Mahal (Chamba) and Sultanpur palace (Kullu) D. Mandi and Bilaspur
Answer: C. Rang Mahal (Chamba) and Sultanpur palace (Kullu) - The Basholi School of painting, the earliest known Hill School, came into prominence from the time of which Raja?
A. Raja Goverdhan Chand B. Raja Sansar Chand
C. Raja Kirpal Pal D. Raja Sidh Sen
Answer: C. Raja Kirpal Pal - What is the central inspiration of Basholi painting?
A. Shaivism B. Shaktism
C. Vaishnavism D. Buddhist themes
Answer: C. Vaishnavism - The Kangra School of painting had its roots in which place before being absorbed by Kangra?
A. Basholi B. Chamba
C. Guler D. Mandi
Answer: C. Guler - Which Raja of Kangra patronized the Kangra Kalam (school of painting)?
A. Raja Kirpal Pal B. Raja Goverdhan Chand
C. Raja Sansar Chand D. Raja Bhuri Singh
Answer: C. Raja Sansar Chand - What is the central theme of Kangra painting?
A. Royal portraits and court scenes B. War and hunting scenes
C. Lord Krishna and his beloved Radha D. Mythological tales of Shiva and Parvati
Answer: C. Lord Krishna and his beloved Radha - Chamba Rumal is a generic name for a particular type of what?
A. Miniature painting B. Wood carving
C. Embroidery D. Metal craft
Answer: C. Embroidery - What type of stitch technique is deployed in Chamba Rumal, giving a similar expression on both sides?
A. Chain stitch B. Cross stitch
C. Double satin stitch D. Herringbone stitch
Answer: C. Double satin stitch - Which Raja of Chamba presented a fine specimen of Chamba Rumal depicting the battle of Kurukshetra to the British Resident, now in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London?
A. Raja Kirpal Pal B. Raja Sansar Chand
C. Raja Gopal Singh D. Raja Bhuri Singh
Answer: C. Raja Gopal Singh - In which year was the Chamba Rumal declared a World Heritage item by UNESCO?
A. 1998 B. 2005
C. 2008 D. 2012
Answer: C. 2008 - The artist ‘Nikka’ depicted a high mark in the Chamba style during the reign of which King of Chamba?
A. Raja Umed Singh B. Raja Raj Singh
C. Raja Jit Singh D. Raja Charat Singh
Answer: B. Raja Raj Singh - Pandit Seu, a significant figure in the Pahari School of painting, had two sons who were also renowned artists. What were their names?
A. Fattu and Khushala B. Manaku and Nainsukh
C. Godhu and Ranjha D. Durga and Prem Lal
Answer: B. Manaku and Nainsukh - The famous painting ‘Sohni Mahiwal’ is an excellent work of which modern artist mentioned in the document?
A. Nicholas Roerich B. B.C. Sanyal
C. Sardar Sobha Singh D. Amrita Sher-Gil
Answer: C. Sardar Sobha Singh - Where is the art gallery named after Sardar Sobha Singh located?
A. Naggar, Kullu B. Andretta, Kangra district
C. Chamba town D. Shimla
Answer: B. Andretta, Kangra district - HIMBUNKAR, The Himachal Pradesh State Handloom and Handicrafts Weavers Apex Cooperative Society Ltd., came into being in which year?
A. 1974 B. 1984
C. 1994 D. 2004
Answer: B. 1984 - What is one of the main objectives of HIMBUNKAR?
A. To exclusively promote modern art forms. B. To provide a forum to artisans of handicrafts and handloom as well as primary cooperative societies.
C. To focus solely on exporting Himachali crafts. D. To manage government-owned art galleries.
Answer: B. To provide a forum to artisans of handicrafts and handloom as well as primary cooperative societies. - How does HIMBUNKAR facilitate its member societies?
A. By providing loans for agricultural purposes. B. By offering free housing to artisans.
C. By providing raw material, improved designs, modernized tools, and marketing support. D. By organizing international cultural exchange programs.
Answer: C. By providing raw material, improved designs, modernized tools, and marketing support. - The earliest example of Khasa art style, ascertaining the existence of Shaivite temples in olden days, is found on what objects belonging to the Audumbaras?
A. Pottery shards B. Temple inscriptions
C. Copper and silver coins D. Carved wooden panels
Answer: C. Copper and silver coins - The Indo-Aryan art, which matured during the Gupta period, flourished mainly in which belt?
A. Deccan Plateau B. Himalayan foothills
C. Indo-Gangetic belt D. Coastal regions of India
Answer: C. Indo-Gangetic belt - The Vajrayana school of Buddhism is distinguished from which two major sects of Buddhism?
A. Theravada and Zen B. Hinayana and Mahayana
C. Pure Land and Nichiren D. Shingon and Tendai
Answer: B. Hinayana and Mahayana - What does “Vajra,” a key symbol in Vajrayana Buddhism, mean?
A. The lotus flower B. The wheel of dharma
C. The diamond thunderbolt D. The path to enlightenment
Answer: C. The diamond thunderbolt - The Basheshwar Mahadev temple at Bajaura is considered one of the finest monuments of which tradition in the Western Himalayas?
A. Early Mauryan architecture B. Kushana Gandhara style
C. Later Gupta tradition D. Pala Sena art
Answer: C. Later Gupta tradition - The legend of the Masrur temples’ construction being left half-finished by the Pandavas attributes their hurried departure to mistaking what for dawn?
A. A forest fire B. The light of a lamp lit by an oil-presser’s wife
C. A shooting star D. The reflection of the moon
Answer: B. The light of a lamp lit by an oil-presser’s wife - What script is the Sanskrit inscription on the stone slabs found in the Baijnath temple written in?
A. Brahmi script B. Kharosthi script
C. Sharda script D. Devanagari script
Answer: C. Sharda script - The temple of Mahamaya Bala Sundri at Trilokpur stands on a hillock. On its eastern side, there is a temple dedicated to which goddess of dissolution?
A. Goddess Kali B. Goddess Bhadrakali
C. Laya Devi D. Goddess Chamunda
Answer: C. Laya Devi - The ‘Patalian Jyotirlinga’ temple near Paonta Sahib is said to have been worshipped by which Maharishi, the author of the epic Mahabharata?
A. Maharishi Valmiki B. Maharishi Vasistha
C. Maharishi Vyas D. Maharishi Gautama
Answer: C. Maharishi Vyas - The Gayatri temple at Renuka Lake has a 1.60 meter high marble statue of whom?
A. Lord Vishnu B. Panchmukhi Gayatri
C. Goddess Saraswati D. Lord Brahma
Answer: B. Panchmukhi Gayatri - The Jagannath Temple in Sirmour was built by which Raja in A.D. 1681?
A. Raja Dip Parkash B. Raja Budh Parkash
C. Raja Suraj Parkash D. Raja Fateh Parkash
Answer: B. Raja Budh Parkash - The staff at the Bijli Mahadev shrine is said to bring what from heaven to earth?
A. Sacred water B. Divine knowledge
C. Blessings D. Prosperity
Answer: C. Blessings - The Prashar temple in Mandi, built in pagoda style, was constructed by which Raja in 1346 A.D.?
A. Raja Ajber Sen B. Raja Sidh Sen
C. Raja Ban Sen D. Raja Suraj Sen
Answer: C. Raja Ban Sen - The Surya temple at Nirath is located near which town?
A. Mandi B. Kullu
C. Rampur-Bushahr D. Shimla
Answer: C. Rampur-Bushahr
The K.C. Sharma Committee recommended that out of 45 temples under state government control, how many should be de-notified?
A. 10 B. 15
C. 20 D. 25
Answer: C. 20