Places of Indian Cultural Heritage Class 10 GSEB Solutions Social Science Chapter 6

Gujarat Board Class 10 Social Science Places of Indian Cultural Heritage Textbook Questions and Answers

I. Answer the following questions in detail. 
Question 1. Describe architectural style of Taj Mahal.
Answer:
Taj Mahal: It is located on the bank of river Yamuna at Agra in Uttar Pradesh. Taj Mahal is one of the seven Wonders of the world. Also, it is one of the best tombs of the world. Mughal King Shahjahan (grandson of Akbar) constructed it in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal and named it after her as Taj Mahal.

Taj Mahal is the tomb (maqbara) of Mumtaz Mahal. Shahajahan started its construction in 1631 AD after his wife death in 1630 AD. Mumtaz Mahal died in 1630 AD. It took 22 long years to complete the Taj Mahal. The construction got over in 1653 A.D. Shahjahan hired expert Indians, Iranian, Arabians, Turkish and European sculptures and artisans for building it. Shahjahan deeply wished to make Mumtaz Mahal’s name immortal. By building Taj Mahal he had finely achieved his wish.

The Taj Mahal is spread in rectangular shape from North to South. The grave of Mumtaz lies at the centre of Taj. The grave is surrounded by beautiful artistic octagonal fence carved out of stone. A beautiful saying is inscribed on one of its archs which says “Pious hearts are welcomed in the garden of paradise”. The architecture of Taj glorifies the rich heritage of India and is the highest epitome of Mughal architecture. The grandeur of the Taj attracts thousands of people every year.

Question 2. Write a note on the places of cultural heritage of Gujarat.
Answer:
Gujarat is famous for its rich and varied cultural and natural heritage. Sahastralinga Lake, Step-well of Queen (Rani-ni-Vav) and Rudra Mahalaya Temple of Siddhapur are worth seeing architectures of Patan. The ruins of Rudra Mahalaya temple in Siddhapur depicts the grandeur of Siddhapur which is located 26 km away from Patan.

Ahmedabad has a rich ancient heritage consisting of Bhadra Fort, Jama Masjid, Mosque of Queen Sipri, Roza of Sarkhej, Kankaria Lake, Shaking Minara (Jhulta-Minara), Sidi Saiyad Jali (Grill), Mosque of Queen Roopmati, etc.

Dholavira is known for its ideal town planning. Due to a part of Harappan culture, it was quite famous as a centre of trade and commerce. Archaeologists discovered about 5000 years old bead and ornament making factories in Dholavira.

Lothal is a rich architectural site depicting the great Indus Valley Civilization. The famous buildings of Champaner include Moti Masjid, Jama Masjid and the historical fort. The fort of Vadnagar, Sharmishta lake and arches are monuments worth seeing. The arches are created on the two erected pillars creating bow-like shapes.

Shamlaji temple near Meshwo River is also an ancient place for pilgrimage. There were also many Stupas and Viharas built in Gujarat during Kshatrap period. The remains of Buddhist Stupas can be found from Bordevi of Junagadh district, Dev ni morinear Shamlaji, Intva stupa in Gimar near Junagadh, etc.

Gujarat also boasts of many other architectures such as Dev ni mori Bavapyara, Uparkot, Khapra Kodiya, Khambhaliya, Talaja, Sana, Dhank, Jhinjhurijhar, Kadiya Dungar, etc. Ancient Jain temples on Shetrunjya mountains at Palitana in Bhavnagar district are extremely artistic. After of these temples were built in 11th century.

Taranga is another Jain pilgrim situated on the hill near Timba village at Kheralu taluka in Mehsana district. The temple of Taramati is also situated here. Somnath temple at Gir- Somnath district and Dwarkadhish temple of Devbhoomi Dwarka have beautiful historical heritage. Many such beautiful places are there in Gujarat which makes our cultural heritage rich and prosperous.

Question 3. Write a note on the Red Fort of Delhi.
Answer:
Red Fort: It is located in Delhi. It was built by Shahajahan in 1638 A.D. This fort is made of redstone and hence is called Red Fort. In this fort, Shahajahan, founded the city called Shahajanabad on his name. The Red Fort includes Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e- Khas, Rang Mahal, etc. Diwan-e-Khas is more magnificently decorated than other buildings. It is decorated with gold and silver and embedded with precious stones.

The other important buildings in Red Fort which catches the attraction are Rang Mahal, Mirror Palace (Aaina Mahal) of Mumtaz, Lahori Gate, Meena Bazar, Mughal Garden, etc. Shahajahan also got build a beautiful peacock throne for himself. However, Nadir Shah took it to Iran. Red Fort is one of the finest buildings among the Mughal architecture. Every year, during national festivals India hoists its National Flag on Red Fort.

II. Answer the following questions point-wise:
Question 1. Explain art and architecture of Hampi.
Answer:
Hampi: It is a village and temple town situated near Hospet city in Ballary district of Karnataka. Hampi lies on the bank of fiver Tungabhadra. Hampi “pas the capital city of Vijayanagar Kingdom. The rulers of Vijayanagar kingdom were lovers of art. So, they developed a peculiar type of architecture during their region.

The period of Krishanadevaraya was considered to be the golden period of this art because art reached to its highest peak in his era. The main feature of architecture style of Vijayanagar was to carve out huge and magnificent pillars from the stones. Pillars and columns were artistically adorned with the figures of Gods, Goddesses, humans, animals, warriors and dancers. The Vithala temple and Hajra temples were built in Hampi during the reigns of Krishnadevaraya. Besides, Virupaksha temple, Achyutaray temple of Lord Krishna which is also one of the best examples of architecture was also built.

Question 2. Write about Khajuraho temples.
Answer:
Khajuraho temples: Khajuraho is a small village in Chattarpur district of Madhya Pradesh. It contains world-famous Khajuraho temples. Khajuraho was the ancient capital city of the Chandela Rajputs of Bundelkhand. These kings built the Khajuraho temples between 905 and 1050 AD. Today there are 25 temples in Khajuraho. Most of these are Shaiva (Shiva) temples. Some of them are also Vaishnav and Jain temples.

All these temples have similar type of architecture and sculpture. The ‘64 (Chausath) yogini temple’ is the main and earliest temple built by Chandelas. The torch (Arch) of the temple is the best example of ornamental style of architecture. All the temples of Khajuraho were constructed with granite stones. These temples were constructed in Naagar styles. Art of sculpture and Vastu of Khajuraho temples is magnificent.

Question 3. Write a brief note on Sun Temple of Konark.
Answer:
Sun Temple of Konark: It is situated in Konark in Puri district of Odisha. It lies near the Bay of Bengal. This temple was constructed in 13th century during the reign of King Narsinh Verman-I of Garg dynasty. The Sun Temple is in the shape of a gigantic chariot. The Temple is dedicated to the Sun God. The structure of chariot temple has twelve pairs of carved stone wheels and is pulled by a set of seven horses. It has 12 massive wheels which provide beauty to the pedestal of temple. These wheels reflect 12 months and each wheel has 8 spokes which shows 8 prahars of the day. The temple has been build using black stones. Hence, it is also called as ‘black pagoda’. The remains of this temple reflect the sculpture and civilization of 13th century Odisha.

Question 4. Write a brief note on Brihadeswar Temple.
Answer:
Brihadeswara Temple:
It is a Shiva temple located at Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu. It was built between 1003 AD. and 1010 AD. in Dravidian style of architecture. It was built by king Rajraja-I of Chola dynasty. So, it is also known as Rajrajeshwar temple. The temple is 500 feet high and 250 feet wide. Its summit is 200 feet high above the ground and so this temple attained the place in the temples having high pinnacles. Owing to its huge size, grandeur and architecture, this temple is an excellent heritage of architectural art of India. It has also secured a very important place among the best temples of South India.

Question 5. Write a note on Fatehpur Sikri.
Answer:
Fatehpur Sikri: It is a small place 26 miles away from Agra in Uttar Pradesh. Akbar shifted his capital from Agra to Sikri in 1572 AD. in the memory of Sufi saint. Shaikh Salim Chisti. The building construction of Sikri started in 1569 AD. and got completed in 1572 AD. The nest buildings of Sikri includes the palace of Birbal, Golden palace of Bibi Mariam, palace of Turkey Sultan, Jama Masjid and Buland Darwaza. Buland Darwaza (Veiy Huge Gate) is 50 m high and 42 m wide. Another well-known and remarkable buildings of Sikri are palace of Jodhabai, Panch Mahal, Tomb of Shaikh Salim Chisti, Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e-Khas and Jyotish Mahal.

III. Answer the following questions in short. 
Question 1. Write a brief note on the Kailash Temple at Ellora.
Answer:
Famous Kailash temple is situated in cave No. 16 of Ellora cave. The temple is 50 m long, 33 m wide and 30 m high. This temple is carved out of a single massive rock. It is adorned with beautiful doors, balconies and series of pillars. The beauty of temple is indescribable in words.

Question 2. Write a note on Elephanta caves.
Answer:
Elephanta caves: These caves are situated on a small island near Gharapuri village in Arabian Sea, 12 km away from Mumbai in Maharashtra. It consists of 7 caves. The Portuguese named the island Elephanta Island in honour of a huge rock-cut stone statue of an elephant that one existed there. This is how the caves came to be known as Elephanta caves.

The caves contain many beautifully carved things. Among them the magnificent Trimurti temple in cave No. 1 is the best specimen of sculpture. In 1987 AD. UNESCO declared Elephanta Caves as a world heritage site. ‘Gharapuri’ means city of caves. So, locals also call Elephanta caves as Gharapuri.

Question 3. Write a short note on Qutub Minar.
Answer:
Qutub Minar: It is a minerate in Qutub complex. It is located in Delhi. Qutub Minar was built in the 12th century by Qutubbudin Aibak, the founder of Ghulam dynasty. He died before completing this monument. Hence, after his death the remaining work was completed by his son-in-law Iltutmish. The minaret is a 72.5 m tall skyscraper made out of round red stones and marbles. Its circumference is 13.75m at its base and it gets reduced to 2.75 m at the top. Verses of Quran have been engraved on the minaret. It is the tallest stone minaret of India.

Question 4. Write a short note on cathedrals (churches) of Goa.
Answer:
The Christian missionaries along the Portuguese came to India to spread Christianity. Portuguese considered Goa as their pride as well capital . in India. Together they built many churches in Goa. The famous ones include church of Basilica of Bom Besus and Basalica of God Jesus in old Goa. The relics of St. Francis Xavier are preserved in a coffin in Basilica of Bom Jesus. Miraculously his dead body has not decayed even after so many years. Goa is also well known around the world for its beautiful beaches and artistic churches.

Question 5. Make a list of the places (monuments) of Cultural heritage of Gujarat:
Answer:
Famous Places of Gujarat

IV. Answer the following questions selecting the correct option from these given below:
Question 1. In which state are Ajanta caves located?
(a) Madhya Pradesh
(b) Maharashtra
(c) Odisha
(d) Gujarat
Answer:
(b) Maharashtra

Question 2. Which is not a correct statement?
(a) Kailash temple is located in Ellora caves.
(b) Total 34 caves are located in Ellora.
(c) Hindu religion caves were built during Rashtrakuta dynasty.
(d) Ellora caves are divided in four sections.
Answer:
(d) Ellora caves are divided in four sections.

Question 3. Match the pairs and choose the correct order.

(a) 1-D 2-C 3-B 4-A
(b) 1-C 2-D 3-A 4-B
(c) 1-C 2-D 3-B 4-X
(d) 1-C 2-B 3-D 4-A
Answer:
(a) 1-D 2-C 3-B 4-A

Question 4. Taj Mahal : Shahjahan; Tomb of Humayun :……….
(a) Jahangir
(b) Shahajahan
(c) Hammeda Begum
(d) Akbar
Answer:
(c) Hammeda Begum

Question 5. Who founded city named Fatehpur Sikri?
(a) Humayun
(b) Shahjahana
(c) Babar
(d) Akbar
Answer:
(d) Akbar

Question 6. Which is the correct option if we arrange these historical places of India in the sequence, from North to South
(a) Taj mahal, Khajuraho, Brihadesh- war, Ellora
(b) Ellora caves, Taj Mahal, Khajuraho, Brihadeshwar
(c) Taj Mahal, Brihadeshwar, Khajuraho, Ellora
(d) Taj mahal, Khajuraho, Ellora, Brihadeshwar
Answer:
(d) Taj mahal, Khajuraho, Ellora, Brihadeshwar