Major Monuments of Ancient Period for JPSC (Jharkhand) Prelims and Mains Examination

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 1. Udaygiri Caves  During Chandragupta’s reign at Vidisha, M.P.  2. Angorwatt Temples  Suryavarman Ii  3. Vikramashila University  Pala King Dharampala  4. Kailash Temple (Ellora)  Rashtrakuta king Krishna I  5. Dilwara Temple  Tejapala  6. Rathas of Mamallapuram  Mahendravarman I (Pallava King)  7. Khajuraho temples  Chandelas  8. Martanda temple (Kashmir)  Lalitaditya Muktapida  9. Gommateswara  (Son of Rishabnath)Chamundaraya, Minister of the Ganga King, Rajamalla            (Sravanbelagola, Karnataka)  10.Hoysalesvara Temple (at Halebid)Ketamalla, a minister of KingVishnuvardhana (Karnataka)

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India is a land of ancient civilizations, and its history is rich and complex. The country is home to a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are places of outstanding universal value. These sites include monuments, buildings, and natural areas that are important for their historical, cultural, or scientific significance.

Some of the most famous historical monuments in India include the Taj Mahal, the Red Fort, and the Qutub Minar. The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the south bank of the Yamuna river in the Indian city of Agra. It was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan (reigned 1628–1658) to house the tomb of his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal; it also houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself. The tomb is the centrepiece of a 17-hectare (42-acre) complex, which includes a mosque and a guest house, and is set in formal gardens bounded on three sides by a crenellated wall.

The Red Fort is a historical fort in Delhi, India. It was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century as his residence and capital. The fort is rectangular in shape and is surrounded by a 2.4 km (1.5 mi) long wall. The fort has nine gates, the most famous of which is the Lahore Gate. The Red Fort is a popular tourist destination and is one of the most important historical monuments in India.

The Qutub Minar is a minaret located in Delhi, India. It is the tallest brick minaret in the world and is one of the most important historical monuments in India. The Qutub Minar was built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate, in 1192.

In addition to these famous monuments, India is also home to a number of other important historical sites. These include the Hampi ruins in Karnataka, the Ajanta and Ellora caves in Maharashtra, and the Khajuraho temples in Madhya Pradesh. These sites are all important for their historical, cultural, or scientific significance.

India’s rich history and culture are evident in its many historical monuments. These sites are a testament to the country’s long and complex past, and they are a popular tourist destination.

Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers about the Major Monuments of Ancient Period for JPSC (Jharkhand) Prelims and Mains Examination:

  1. What are the major monuments of ancient India?

The major monuments of ancient India include the following:

  • The Taj Mahal: The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum located in Agra, India. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is widely recognized as “the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage.”
  • The Red Fort: The Red Fort is a historical fort in Delhi, India. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. The Red Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Delhi.
  • The Qutub Minar: The Qutub Minar is a minaret located in Delhi, India. It is one of the tallest brick towers in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Qutub Minar was built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate, in the 12th century.
  • The Hampi ruins: The Hampi ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Hampi, Karnataka, India. The ruins are the remains of the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, which was one of the largest and most powerful empires in India.
  • The Konark Sun Temple: The Konark Sun Temple is a Hindu temple located in Konark, Odisha, India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most famous temples in India. The Konark Sun Temple was built in the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.
  • The Mahabalipuram Shore Temple: The Mahabalipuram Shore Temple is a Hindu temple located in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most famous temples in India. The Mahabalipuram Shore Temple was built in the 7th century by the Pallava Dynasty.
  • The Ellora Caves: The Ellora Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Ellora, Maharashtra, India. The caves are a group of 34 caves that were carved out of a single rock face between the 6th and 10th centuries. The caves are a mix of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain temples and monasteries.

  • The Ajanta Caves: The Ajanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India. The caves are a group of 30 caves that were carved out of a single rock face between the 2nd century BCE and the 6th century CE. The caves are a mix of Buddhist temples and monasteries.

  • What are the architectural features of the major monuments of ancient India?

The architectural features of the major monuments of ancient India include the following:

  • The use of intricate stone carvings
  • The use of domes and arches
  • The use of intricate tile work
  • The use of intricate latticework

  • The use of intricate murals

  • What are the historical significance of the major monuments of ancient India?

The historical significance of the major monuments of ancient India includes the following:

  • They are a testament to the artistic and architectural skills of the ancient Indians.
  • They are a reminder of the rich and diverse history of India.
  • They are a source of national pride for Indians.

  • They are a major tourist attraction.

  • What are the conservation efforts being made to preserve the major monuments of ancient India?

The conservation efforts being made to preserve the major monuments of ancient India include the following:

  • The government of India has set up a number of agencies to oversee the conservation of these monuments.
  • These agencies carry out a number of activities, such as cleaning, repairing, and restoring the monuments.

  • They also conduct research on the monuments and educate the public about their importance.

  • What are the challenges faced in conserving the major monuments of ancient India?

The challenges faced in conserving the major monuments of ancient India include the following:

  • The monuments are often located in remote areas, which makes it difficult to access them.
  • The monuments are often made of fragile materials, which makes them susceptible to damage from natural disasters and human activity.
  • The monuments are often understaffed and underfunded, which makes it difficult to carry out conservation work.
  • There is a lack of awareness about the importance of these monuments, which can lead to their neglect.

Question 1

Which of the following is not a major monument of the ancient period?

(A) The Great Pyramid of Giza
(B) The Taj Mahal
(C) The Colosseum
(D) The Parthenon

Answer

(B) The Taj Mahal is a 17th-century Mughal monument in Agra, India. It was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan (reigned 1628–1658) to house the tomb of his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal; it also houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself. The tomb is the centrepiece of a 17-hectare (42-acre) complex, which includes a mosque and a guest house, and is set in formal gardens bounded on three sides by a crenellated wall.

The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza pyramid complex bordering present-day Giza in Greater Cairo, Egypt. It is the only surviving member of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the only one to retain its original name. Built by the Fourth Dynasty pharaoh Khufu, the pyramid was completed in 2560 BC. It is estimated that the pyramid contains 2.3 million blocks of stone, each weighing an Average of 2.5 tons. The pyramid is 481 feet (147 meters) tall and has a base of 756 feet (230 meters) on each side.

The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is an oval amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy. Built of concrete and sand, it is the largest amphitheatre ever built. The Colosseum is situated just east of the Roman Forum. Construction began under the emperor Vespasian in AD 72, and was completed in AD 80 under his successor and heir Titus. Further modifications were made during the reign of Domitian (81–96). These three emperors are known as the Flavian dynasty, and the amphitheatre was named in Latin for its association with their family name (Flavius).

The Parthenon is a former temple on the Athenian Acropolis, Greece, dedicated to the goddess Athena, whom the people of Athens considered their patron. Construction began in 447 BC when the Athenian Empire was at the peak of its power. It was completed in 438 BC although decoration of the building continued until 432 BC. It is the most important surviving building of Classical Greece, generally considered the culmination of the development of the Doric order. Its decorative sculptures are considered some of the finest examples of Greek art. The Parthenon is regarded as an enduring symbol of Ancient Greece, Athenian Democracy and Western civilization, and one of the world’s greatest cultural monuments.

Question 2

Which of the following is not a major monument of the ancient period in India?

(A) The Great Stupa at Sanchi
(B) The Ajanta Caves
(C) The Ellora Caves
(D) The Taj Mahal

Answer

(D) The Taj Mahal is a 17th-century Mughal monument in Agra, India. It was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan (reigned 1628–1658) to house the tomb of his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal; it also houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself. The tomb is the centrepiece of a 17-hectare (42-acre) complex, which includes a mosque and a guest house, and is set in formal gardens bounded on three sides by a crenellated wall.

The Great Stupa at Sanchi is a Buddhist monument in Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, India. The stupa was built by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, and is one of the oldest stone structures in India. The stupa is a hemispherical dome, surrounded by a balustrade and a series of gateways. The gateways are decorated with relief sculptures depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha.

The Ajanta Caves are a series of 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments that date from the 2nd century BCE to the 6th century CE. The caves are located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, India. The caves are famous for their paintings and sculptures, which depict scenes from the life of the Buddha and other Buddhist themes.

The Ellora Caves are a series of 34 rock-cut Hindu, Jain and Buddhist cave temples located in Ellora, Maharashtra, India. The caves are located on a hill, and are divided into three groups: Hindu, Jain and Buddhist. The Hindu caves are the largest, and date from the 6th to the