History & Civics
Study the picture and answer the following questions:
(a) Name the temple given in the picture. Who built this temple? Where is it located?
(b) To which deity is the temple dedicated? Mention two special features of this temple?
(c) What were the following features of temples known as?
- Gateway
- Shrine
- Audience hall
- Towers
Answer
(a) The given temple is Brihadeshwara Temple, also known as Rajarajeshwara Temple. Chola King, Rajaraja I built this temple.It is located at Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu.
(b) The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Two special features of this temple are:
- The massive tower or Vimana of 190 feet height and a huge dome of 25 feet, carved out of a single block of stone.
- A gigantic Shiva Lingam, cut in monolithic rock about 8.87 metres high.
(c) Given features of temples were known as:
- Gateway - Gopuram
- Shrine - Garbhagriha
- Audience Hall - Mandapa
- Towers - Vimana.
Related Questions
With reference to the sources of information about the Cholas, briefly answer the following:
(a) List the forms of chola inscriptions.
(b) What was the special feature of the inscriptions? Who conceptualised the idea? Name one temple built by him.
(c) Mention the significance of Brihadeshwara Temple.
With reference to the Chola Administration, write short notes on:
(a) The King, the chief administrator.
(b) Local self-government.
(c) Temples as the centre of social activity.
With reference to the Chola period explain the following:
(a) Taxes imposed by the Cholas.
(b) Administration of the Kingdom.
(c) The three types of village assemblies.