Question 1

Gopuras, a very popular structural motif can be found in temple complexes in the far south of India. Which of the following describes this structural motif?

Accepted Answer

Gopuras are gateway towers found in temple complexes in the far south of India. They act as the entrance to the temple and are often elaborately decorated with intricate carvings and colorful paintings.

Question 2

Monumental tombs are not part of either the Hindu or Buddhist traditions, but have a long history in Islamic architecture. Which of the following describes the architectural design used for Islamic mausoleums?

Accepted Answer

The dome-on-a-cube design is commonly used in Islamic architecture for mausoleums, with the dome symbolizing the heavenly realm and the cube representing the earthly realm.

Question 3

The rulers of the Punjab Hills states were related to the Rajputs. Which of the following subjects would the Punjab Hills states rulers commission for painting?

Accepted Answer

The Punjab Hills states were predominantly Hindu and their rulers were related to the Rajputs, who were also Hindus. Therefore, it is likely that the rulers would commission paintings depicting stories of Krishna, a popular Hindu deity and avatar of Vishnu. The other options are related to Muslim subjects (A and D) and the Mughal Empire (B), which may not have been of interest or relevance to the Punjab Hills states rulers.

Question 4

The architect of the Taj Mahal achieved a balance between the verticality and horizontality of the structure by maintaining which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The architect of the Taj Mahal achieved a balance between the verticality and horizontality of the structure by maintaining a strict system of proportions, which is evident in the harmonious and symmetrical design of the complex's main structure, gardens, and water features. The inclusion of other elements such as the pool of water, minarets, or shrubbery lining the pool were also used to enhance the overall aesthetic and functional design, but they did not play a significant role in achieving balance between verticality and horizontality.

Question 5

In Krishna and Radha in a Pavilion, which of the following would be a setting for the lovers tryst?

Accepted Answer

A lush garden at night with lightning flashes would be a more romantic and private setting for the lovers' tryst, whereas the imperial audience chamber and courtyard of the palace would be too public and formal, and an open market place would not provide the necessary privacy.

Question 6

Which area of India resolutely resisted Mughal expansion?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which area of India resolutely resisted Mughal...

Question 7

What accounts for the height of the Qutb Minar minaret in Delhi?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What accounts for the height of the...

Question 8

Basawan chose the moment of maximum chaos and danger in executing the tale of Akbar and the wild elephant. Which of the following devices did Basawan utilize to detail the chaos and danger?

Accepted Answer

Basawan used vivid gestures to effectively convey the chaos and danger in the scene, capturing the intensity and movement of the moment.

Question 9

Where is the Taj Mahal?

Accepted Answer

Taj Mahal is located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Question 10

The Lotus Mahal exemplifies the stylistic crosscurrents that typify Indian architecture in the second millennium. Which of the following elements supports this statement?

Accepted Answer

The distinctive multilobed arches of the Lotus Mahal combine Islamic and Hindu architectural styles, reflecting the crosscurrents of Indian architecture in the second millennium. The stupa and Buddha relief mentioned do not directly relate to the Lotus Mahal's architectural style or crosscurrents. The circular design is a common feature in Indian architecture but does not directly support the statement about crosscurrents.

Question 11

Who commissioned the Taj Mahal?

Accepted Answer

The Taj Mahal was commissioned by Shah Jahan as a tomb for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.

Question 12

How is the story about the wild elephant from the Akbarnama an allegory about Akbar's early years as ruler?

Accepted Answer

The story about the wild elephant from the Akbarnama is an allegory about Akbar's early years as ruler because it symbolizes his ability to take charge of an unruly state and bring it under his control, just as he was able to tame the wild elephant. This is a reflection of Akbar's early years as ruler, during which he faced many challenges in consolidating his power and bringing disparate regions and factions under his control.

Question 13

In the Vijayanagara sacred center, what was not included in the architectural complex?

Accepted Answer

Stupa, which is a Buddhist structure, was not included in the Vijayanagara sacred center, as the rulers of Vijayanagara were Hindus and their religious architecture revolved around Hindu temples with a gahbha griha (inner sanctuary), pillared halls, and towering gateways.

Question 14

Rajput painting resembles Mughal and Persian painting. It can be said that the resemblance is in format and material. Which of the following would indicate a sharp difference from Mughal and Persian painting?

Accepted Answer

Rajput artists being anonymous indicates a cultural and stylistic difference from Mughal and Persian traditions, where artists were often recognized and celebrated.

Question 15

The Delhi Sultanate was established in 1206 by ____.

Accepted Answer

The Delhi Sultanate was established in 1206 by Qutb al-Din Aybak, who was a slave commander of Muhammad of Ghor. He founded the Mamluk dynasty, which ruled over northern India for the next 90 years. While Iltutmish was an important ruler of the Delhi Sultanate and expanded its territories, he did not establish it. Akbar was a Mughal emperor who lived more than 200 years after the establishment of the Sultanate. Babur was also a Mughal emperor who invaded India in 1526, long after the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate.

Question 16

The Mughals of 17ᵗʰ century India presided over a cosmopolitan court. Which of the following supports this statement?

Accepted Answer

The blending of European and Persian painting styles signifies a cosmopolitan court that was open to different cultures and traditions. The other options do not directly support the statement.

Question 17

The Great Temple at Madurai is dedicated to ____.

Accepted Answer

The Great Temple at Madurai is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort, Goddess Meenakshi.

Question 18

What does the Royal Polyglot Bible reveal about Akbar and his interest in art?

Accepted Answer

The Royal Polyglot Bible reveals Akbar's fascination with European art, as it was a project that involved European artistic influences and techniques, reflecting his interest in incorporating diverse cultural elements into his court.

Question 19

Humayun persuaded two Persian masters to move to his imperial court and teach which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Humayun invited Persian painters Mir Sayyid Ali and Abd al-Samad to his court to teach the art of painting, which led to the development of the Mughal school of painting.

Question 20

A confederacy of Deccan sultanates ended the ____ in southern India.

Accepted Answer

The Vijayanagar Empire was a powerful empire in southern India that lasted from 1336 to 1660. It was eventually defeated and overthrown by a confederacy of Deccan sultanates, consisting of five Muslim kingdoms that united to defeat the Vijayanagar Empire in the Battle of Talikota in 1565. Therefore, option D is the correct answer. The Babur Empire, Delhi Sultanate, and Mughal Empire were all located in northern India and did not play a role in the defeat of the Vijayanagar Empire.

Quiz 32: South and Southeast Asia, 1200 to 1980