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Exploring the Symbolism and Iconography of Hindu Art

Description: Explore the rich symbolism and iconography found in Hindu art, delving into the meanings and significance behind various motifs, symbols, and representations.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: hindu art symbolism iconography religious art indian art
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In Hindu art, the lotus flower often symbolizes:

  1. Beauty and purity

  2. Strength and power

  3. Wisdom and knowledge

  4. Wealth and prosperity


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The lotus flower is a sacred symbol in Hinduism, representing beauty, purity, and spiritual enlightenment.

The 'Om' symbol, often found in Hindu art, represents:

  1. The sacred sound of creation

  2. The three main Hindu gods

  3. The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth

  4. The four Vedas


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The 'Om' symbol is a sacred mantra in Hinduism, representing the primordial sound of creation and the universe.

The 'Trishula' (trident) is commonly associated with:

  1. Lord Shiva

  2. Lord Vishnu

  3. Lord Brahma

  4. Goddess Lakshmi


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The 'Trishula' is the iconic weapon of Lord Shiva, symbolizing his power and authority.

In Hindu art, the 'Ganesha' figure is often depicted with:

  1. An elephant head

  2. A lion's head

  3. A monkey's head

  4. A bull's head


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Ganesha is the elephant-headed god of wisdom, knowledge, and prosperity in Hinduism.

The 'Chakra' (wheel) symbol in Hindu art represents:

  1. The cycle of life and death

  2. The four Vedas

  3. The seven chakras of the body

  4. The ten incarnations of Vishnu


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The 'Chakra' symbol represents the seven energy centers in the human body, each associated with different aspects of consciousness.

The 'Shiva Linga' is a symbolic representation of:

  1. Lord Shiva's creative energy

  2. Lord Vishnu's preserving energy

  3. Lord Brahma's destructive energy

  4. Goddess Shakti's transformative energy


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The 'Shiva Linga' is an abstract representation of Lord Shiva's creative and generative power.

The 'Garuda' figure in Hindu art is often depicted as:

  1. A half-human, half-bird creature

  2. A lion-headed man

  3. A serpent-headed woman

  4. A bull-headed man


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Garuda is the half-human, half-bird mount of Lord Vishnu, symbolizing strength, speed, and loyalty.

The 'Nandi' bull is commonly associated with:

  1. Lord Shiva

  2. Lord Vishnu

  3. Lord Brahma

  4. Goddess Lakshmi


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Nandi is the sacred bull of Lord Shiva, symbolizing strength, devotion, and steadfastness.

The 'Hamsa' (swan) is a symbol of:

  1. Purity and grace

  2. Knowledge and wisdom

  3. Strength and power

  4. Wealth and prosperity


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The 'Hamsa' is a sacred bird in Hinduism, symbolizing purity, grace, and spiritual evolution.

The 'Makara' (mythical sea creature) often appears in Hindu art as:

  1. A guardian deity

  2. A symbol of fertility

  3. A representation of the ocean

  4. A symbol of transformation


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The 'Makara' is a mythical sea creature often depicted as a guardian deity, protecting temples and sacred spaces.

In Hindu art, the 'Kirtimukha' (face of glory) is commonly found:

  1. Above doorways and entrances

  2. On temple pillars

  3. In sculptures and paintings

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The 'Kirtimukha' is a protective symbol often placed above doorways, entrances, and on temple pillars, believed to ward off evil spirits.

The 'Kalpavriksha' (wish-fulfilling tree) represents:

  1. The fulfillment of desires

  2. The Tree of Life

  3. The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth

  4. The four Vedas


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The 'Kalpavriksha' is a mythical tree believed to grant wishes and fulfill desires.

The 'Yali' (mythical lion-like creature) is often depicted in Hindu art as:

  1. A guardian deity

  2. A symbol of strength and power

  3. A representation of the wild

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The 'Yali' is a mythical lion-like creature symbolizing strength, power, and the wild, often depicted as a guardian deity.

The 'Ashta Lakshmi' (eight forms of Lakshmi) represent:

  1. Eight aspects of wealth and prosperity

  2. Eight forms of knowledge and wisdom

  3. Eight stages of life

  4. Eight directions of the universe


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The 'Ashta Lakshmi' are eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi, each representing a different aspect of wealth, prosperity, and abundance.

The 'Dashavatara' (ten incarnations of Vishnu) symbolize:

  1. Vishnu's role as the preserver

  2. The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth

  3. The ten stages of human life

  4. The four Vedas


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The 'Dashavatara' are ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, each representing his role as the preserver and protector of the universe.

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