Architectural Symbolism and Meaning

Description: Architectural Symbolism and Meaning
Number of Questions: 15
Created by:
Tags: indian culture architecture and monuments architectural symbolism
Attempted 0/15 Correct 0 Score 0

What is the significance of the lion in Indian architecture?

  1. Strength and power

  2. Wisdom and knowledge

  3. Fertility and abundance

  4. Protection and guardianship


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The lion is often depicted in Indian architecture as a symbol of strength, power, and majesty. It is often found guarding entrances to temples and palaces, or as a decorative element on columns and lintels.

What does the elephant symbolize in Indian architecture?

  1. Wisdom and knowledge

  2. Strength and power

  3. Fertility and abundance

  4. Good luck and prosperity


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The elephant is often depicted in Indian architecture as a symbol of wisdom, knowledge, and intelligence. It is often found at the entrances to libraries and universities, or as a decorative element on columns and lintels.

What is the significance of the lotus flower in Indian architecture?

  1. Purity and beauty

  2. Fertility and abundance

  3. Good luck and prosperity

  4. Enlightenment and spiritual growth


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The lotus flower is often depicted in Indian architecture as a symbol of purity, beauty, and perfection. It is often found in decorative elements such as friezes, moldings, and capitals.

What does the swastika represent in Indian architecture?

  1. Good luck and prosperity

  2. The sun and its rays

  3. The four directions

  4. The cycle of life and death


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The swastika is often depicted in Indian architecture as a symbol of good luck, prosperity, and well-being. It is often found on doorways, windows, and other architectural elements.

What is the significance of the chakra in Indian architecture?

  1. The sun and its rays

  2. The four directions

  3. The cycle of life and death

  4. The eightfold path to enlightenment


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The chakra is often depicted in Indian architecture as a symbol of the sun and its rays. It is often found on temple roofs and other architectural elements.

What does the kalasha represent in Indian architecture?

  1. The four directions

  2. The cycle of life and death

  3. The eightfold path to enlightenment

  4. Victory and triumph


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The kalasha is often depicted in Indian architecture as a symbol of victory and triumph. It is often found on temple roofs and other architectural elements.

What is the significance of the garuda in Indian architecture?

  1. The cycle of life and death

  2. The eightfold path to enlightenment

  3. Victory and triumph

  4. Strength and power


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The garuda is often depicted in Indian architecture as a symbol of strength and power. It is often found on temple roofs and other architectural elements.

What does the nandi represent in Indian architecture?

  1. The eightfold path to enlightenment

  2. Victory and triumph

  3. Strength and power

  4. Devotion and loyalty


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The nandi is often depicted in Indian architecture as a symbol of devotion and loyalty. It is often found in front of Shiva temples.

What is the significance of the lingam in Indian architecture?

  1. Victory and triumph

  2. Strength and power

  3. Devotion and loyalty

  4. The creative power of the universe


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The lingam is often depicted in Indian architecture as a symbol of the creative power of the universe. It is often found in Shiva temples.

What does the yoni represent in Indian architecture?

  1. Strength and power

  2. Devotion and loyalty

  3. The creative power of the universe

  4. The receptive power of the universe


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The yoni is often depicted in Indian architecture as a symbol of the receptive power of the universe. It is often found in Shiva temples.

What is the significance of the mandapa in Indian architecture?

  1. Devotion and loyalty

  2. The creative power of the universe

  3. The receptive power of the universe

  4. A pillared hall or pavilion


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The mandapa is often depicted in Indian architecture as a pillared hall or pavilion. It is often found in temples and other religious buildings.

What does the shikhara represent in Indian architecture?

  1. The creative power of the universe

  2. The receptive power of the universe

  3. A pillared hall or pavilion

  4. The spire or tower of a temple


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The shikhara is often depicted in Indian architecture as the spire or tower of a temple. It is often found in temples and other religious buildings.

What is the significance of the garbhagriha in Indian architecture?

  1. The receptive power of the universe

  2. A pillared hall or pavilion

  3. The spire or tower of a temple

  4. The innermost sanctum of a temple


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The garbhagriha is often depicted in Indian architecture as the innermost sanctum of a temple. It is often found in temples and other religious buildings.

What does the antarala represent in Indian architecture?

  1. A pillared hall or pavilion

  2. The spire or tower of a temple

  3. The innermost sanctum of a temple

  4. The passageway between the garbhagriha and the mandapa


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The antarala is often depicted in Indian architecture as the passageway between the garbhagriha and the mandapa. It is often found in temples and other religious buildings.

What is the significance of the ardhamandapa in Indian architecture?

  1. The spire or tower of a temple

  2. The innermost sanctum of a temple

  3. The passageway between the garbhagriha and the mandapa

  4. The porch or antechamber of a temple


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The ardhamandapa is often depicted in Indian architecture as the porch or antechamber of a temple. It is often found in temples and other religious buildings.

- Hide questions