Comprehension

The small village of Somnathpur contains an extraordinary temple, built around 1268 A.D. by the Hoyasalas of Karnataka-one of the most prolific templebuilders. Belur and Helebid are among their-better-known works. While these suffered during the invasions of the 14th century, the Somnathpur temple stands more or less intact in near-original condition. This small temple captivates with the beauty and vitality of its detailed sculpture,covering almost every inch of the walls, pillars, and even ceilings. It has three shikharas and stands on a star-shaped, raised platform with 24 edges. The outer walls have a profusion of detailed carvings: the entire surface run over by carved plaques of stone. There were vertical panels covered by exquiste figures of gods and goddesses. with many incarnations being depicted. There were nymphs too, some carrying an ear of maize a symbol of plenty and prosperity. The elaborate ornamentation, very characteristic of Hoyasala sculptures, is a remarkable feature. A closer look at the series of friezes on the outer walls reveal intricately carved caparisoned elephants, charging horsemen, stylized flowers,warriors, musicians crocodiles and swans.
The temple was actually commissioned by Soma Dandanayaka or Somnath (he named the village after himself), the minister of the Hoyasala king, Narasimha the Third. The temple was built to house three forms of Krishna. The inner center of the temple was the kalyanamandapa. Leading from here are three corridors, each ending in a shrine, one for each kind of Krishna-Venugopala, Janardana and Prasanna Keshava, though only two remain in their original form.

Question: 1

In whose honour is the temple of Somnath built?

Updated On: May 21, 2024
  • Hoysalas
  • Soma Dandanayaka
  • Narasimha
  • Vishnu
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

The correct option is (D): Vishnu.
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Question: 2

What covers almost every inch of the walls, pillars and even the ceilings?

Updated On: May 21, 2024
  • Detailed sculpture
  • Series of friezes
  • Three Shikharas
  • Star-shaped, raised platform
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

The correct option is (A): Detailed sculpture.
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Question: 3

The temple does not have a shrine for which form of Vishnu?

Updated On: May 21, 2024
  • Venugopala
  • Narasimha
  • Janardana
  • Prasanna Keshava
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The Correct Option is B

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The correct option is (B): Narasimha.
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Question: 4

Which among the following is considered a symbol of plenty and prosperity?

Updated On: May 21, 2024
  • Carved caparisoned elephants and charging horsemen
  • Nymphs carrying an can of maize
  • stylized flowers, warriors and musicians
  • Crocodiles and swans
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

The correct option is (B): Nymphs carrying an can of maize.
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Question: 5

Match the words in the List I with their meaning in List II
List I
(Words)
List II
(Meanings)
A.CaparisonI.Abundance
B.ExquisiteII.An ornamental covering
C.FriezeIII.Beautiful and Delicate
D.ProfusionIV.Broad Band of decoration
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Updated On: May 21, 2024
  • A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III
  • A-III, B-II, C-I, D-IV
  • A-II, B-III, C-IV, D-I
  • A-I, B-IV, C-III, D-II
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

The correct option is (C): A-II, B-III, C-IV, D-I.
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