Heritage Sites & Temples — Set 11
Gujarat GK · विरासत स्थल और मंदिर · Questions 101–110 of 120
The ancient Kiradu temples in which region are sometimes called the 'Khajuraho of Rajasthan' but have architectural links to Gujarat's Solanki style?
Correct Answer: B. Barmer (Rajasthan), influenced by Gujarat Solanki
The Kiradu temples in the Barmer district of Rajasthan are known for their Solanki-style architecture and are sometimes called 'Khajuraho of Rajasthan.' They show the widespread influence of the Maru-Gurjara (Solanki) architectural tradition which originated in Gujarat. The style of carvings and temple layout closely resembles that of temples built during Gujarat's Solanki period.
The Hathasingh Jain Temple in Ahmedabad is made entirely of:
Correct Answer: B. White marble from Rajasthan
The Hathisingh Jain Temple in Ahmedabad is built entirely of white marble sourced from Rajasthan and is one of the most beautifully crafted Jain temples in India. It was built in 1848 by the wealthy Jain merchant Seth Hathisingh Kesarisinh during a famine to provide employment. The temple has 52 smaller shrines in a courtyard surrounding the main temple.
Gujarat has how many UNESCO World Heritage Sites as of 2024?
Correct Answer: C. 4
Gujarat has four UNESCO World Heritage Sites as of 2024: Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (2004), Rani ki Vav in Patan (2014), Historic City of Ahmedabad (2017), and Dholavira (2021). Gujarat thus has one of the highest concentrations of UNESCO heritage sites among Indian states. This reflects the state's extraordinarily rich historical and architectural legacy.
The historic Sabarmati Ashram was the starting point of which major event in India's freedom struggle?
Correct Answer: C. Dandi March (Salt Satyagraha)
On March 12, 1930, Mahatma Gandhi set out from his Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad with 78 followers on the historic Dandi March to protest the British salt tax. The march covered 385 km to reach the coastal village of Dandi in Navsari district. Gandhi's act of making salt from sea water was a symbolic defiance of British law that galvanized India's freedom movement.
The Shatrunjaya Hill at Palitana has how many steps approximately leading to the top?
Correct Answer: C. 3,800
The Shatrunjaya Hill at Palitana has approximately 3,800 steps leading to the temple complex at the summit, a climb of about 3.5 km one way. The pilgrimage to the top takes 2-3 hours of climbing. Dholis (palanquins) are also available for those unable to climb.
The Modhera Sun Temple's Surya Kund contains what notable feature unique among Gujarat's stepwells?
Correct Answer: B. 108 miniature shrines on its terraced steps
The Surya Kund at Modhera is unique among Gujarat's stepwells in having 108 miniature shrines for various deities arranged on its terraced steps. The number 108 has special significance in Hinduism. The step tank measures 176 feet x 120 feet and is one of the finest examples of a sacred tank integrated with a temple complex.
Junagadh's Uparkot Fort contains which Buddhist caves from the 3rd-4th century CE?
Correct Answer: B. Khapra Kodia and Bava Pyara cave monasteries
Uparkot Fort in Junagadh contains ancient Buddhist cave monasteries called Khapra Kodia Caves and Bava Pyara Caves dating to the 3rd-4th century CE. These rock-cut caves were used by Buddhist monks for meditation and residence. The caves are an important reminder of Gujarat's early Buddhist heritage before the region became predominantly Hindu and Jain.
The Somnath Trust manages the temple and is chaired by:
Correct Answer: C. The President of India
The Shree Somnath Trust, which manages the Somnath Temple, is chaired by the President of India as an honorary patron. The trust was established after Indian independence to manage the reconstruction and administration of the temple. The trust oversees all religious, administrative, and developmental activities at the Somnath complex.
Dholavira Harappan site in Gujarat was in which category when declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021?
Correct Answer: B. Cultural heritage
Dholavira was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the cultural heritage category in 2021. It is the southernmost and one of the largest known cities of the Indus Valley Civilization. Dholavira is unique for its elaborate urban planning, sophisticated water management system, and the discovery of a large sign board with Indus script.
The Champaner-Pavagadh site includes a hilltop Kali Temple sacred to which community?
Correct Answer: C. Hindus (especially tribal communities)
The Pavagadh Hill, which forms part of the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, has a hilltop Mahakali Temple that is especially sacred to Hindu tribal communities of Gujarat. The temple is a Shakti Peetha and attracts thousands of pilgrims. The integration of the Islamic Champaner city at the base with the Hindu Pavagadh hilltop temple is a unique feature of this UNESCO site.