Match the following deities with their specific forms as depicted in temples: List I (Deity) | List II (Form/Depiction) A. Vishnu | 1. Sheshashayana B. Shiva | 2. Nataraja C. Durga | 3. Mahishasuramardini D. Surya | 4. Riding a chariot with 7 horses Select the correct answer using the code given below:

The correct Answer is A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4 Explanation This question pertains to the iconography and specific depictions of major Hindu deities as found in temple art and religious texts. Understanding these specific forms is crucial for identifying deities in ancient and medieval Indian art and architecture. Statement-wise Analysis 1. A. Vishnu - 1. Sheshashayana: - Correct. Sheshashayana is a prominent iconographic form of Vishnu, where he is depicted reclining on the cosmic serpent Shesha (Ananta). This depiction symbolizes Vishnu's role as the preserver and his cosmic sleep (Yoga Nidra) during the dissolution of the universe, from which creation re-emerges. 2. B. Shiva - 2. Nataraja: - Correct. Nataraja is a well-known iconic representation of Shiva as the cosmic dancer. This form symbolizes Shiva's role in the creation, preservation, and destruction of the universe through his divine dance (Ananda Tandava). 3. C. Durga - 3. Mahishasuramardini: - Correct. Mahishasuramardini is a significant and widely depicted form of the goddess Durga, where she is shown slaying the buffalo demon Mahishasura. This depiction symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the divine feminine power (Shakti) in combating demonic forces. 4. D. Surya - 4. Riding a chariot with 7 horses: - Correct. Surya, the Sun god, is consistently depicted in Indian iconography riding a chariot drawn by seven horses. These seven horses are often interpreted as representing the seven colors of the rainbow or the seven days of the week. This imagery symbolizes the sun's journey across the sky. Key Takeaway Specific iconographic forms are fundamental to identifying and understanding Hindu deities and their associated mythological narratives and cosmic roles.

NCERT Class 11 Art & Culture — Chapter 6: Temple Architecture and Sculpture

mcqeasy

Match the following deities with their specific forms as depicted in temples:

List I (Deity)	List II (Form/Depiction)
A. Vishnu	1. Sheshashayana
B. Shiva	2. Nataraja
C. Durga	3. Mahishasuramardini
D. Surya	4. Riding a chariot with 7 horses

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AA-2, B-1, C-4, D-3
BA-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
CA-1, B-3, C-2, D-4
DA-4, B-2, C-3, D-1

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct Answer is A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4

Explanation

This question pertains to the iconography and specific depictions of major Hindu deities as found in temple art and religious texts. Understanding these specific forms is crucial for identifying deities in ancient and medieval Indian art and architecture.

Statement-wise Analysis

A. Vishnu - 1. Sheshashayana:
- Correct. Sheshashayana is a prominent iconographic form of Vishnu, where he is depicted reclining on the cosmic serpent Shesha (Ananta). This depiction symbolizes Vishnu's role as the preserver and his cosmic sleep (Yoga Nidra) during the dissolution of the universe, from which creation re-emerges.
B. Shiva - 2. Nataraja:
- Correct. Nataraja is a well-known iconic representation of Shiva as the cosmic dancer. This form symbolizes Shiva's role in the creation, preservation, and destruction of the universe through his divine dance (Ananda Tandava).
C. Durga - 3. Mahishasuramardini:
- Correct. Mahishasuramardini is a significant and widely depicted form of the goddess Durga, where she is shown slaying the buffalo demon Mahishasura. This depiction symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the divine feminine power (Shakti) in combating demonic forces.
D. Surya - 4. Riding a chariot with 7 horses:
- Correct. Surya, the Sun god, is consistently depicted in Indian iconography riding a chariot drawn by seven horses. These seven horses are often interpreted as representing the seven colors of the rainbow or the seven days of the week. This imagery symbolizes the sun's journey across the sky.

Key Takeaway

Specific iconographic forms are fundamental to identifying and understanding Hindu deities and their associated mythological narratives and cosmic roles.

Your note

More from Chapter 6: Temple Architecture and Sculpture

Which of the following temple groups is renowned for the 'Bangla roof' style that subsequently influenced Mughal architecture?

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With reference to the basic form of the Hindu temple, consider the following statements: 1. The garbhagriha was originally a small cubicle with a single entrance which later grew into a larger chamber. 2. The mandapa is the main sanctum sanctorum of the temple. 3. The mount or vehicle of the temple’s main deity is placed axially behind the sanctum to guard the rear entrance. Which of the statements given above are correct?

medium

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below: List I | List II A. Amalaka | 1. Motif resembling a cow-eye or arch B. Kalasha | 2. Composite mythical beast C. Gavaksha | 3. Vase or pot placed on top of the amalaka D. Vyala | 4. Horizontal fluted disc at the top of the shikhara

easy

easy

Consider the following statements regarding the sub-types of Nagara temple architecture: 1. Latina buildings are characterized by a flat roof structure. 2. Phamsana buildings tend to be broader and shorter than Latina ones. 3. Valabhi buildings have a roof that rises into a vaulted chamber, similar to a wagon-vault. Which of the statements given above are correct?

hard

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The correct Answer is A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

A. Vishnu - 1. Sheshashayana:
- Correct. Sheshashayana is a prominent iconographic form of Vishnu, where he is depicted reclining on the cosmic serpent Shesha (Ananta). This depiction symbolizes Vishnu's role as the preserver and his cosmic sleep (Yoga Nidra) during the dissolution of the universe, from which creation re-emerges.
B. Shiva - 2. Nataraja:
- Correct. Nataraja is a well-known iconic representation of Shiva as the cosmic dancer. This form symbolizes Shiva's role in the creation, preservation, and destruction of the universe through his divine dance (Ananda Tandava).
C. Durga - 3. Mahishasuramardini:
- Correct. Mahishasuramardini is a significant and widely depicted form of the goddess Durga, where she is shown slaying the buffalo demon Mahishasura. This depiction symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the divine feminine power (Shakti) in combating demonic forces.
D. Surya - 4. Riding a chariot with 7 horses:
- Correct. Surya, the Sun god, is consistently depicted in Indian iconography riding a chariot drawn by seven horses. These seven horses are often interpreted as representing the seven colors of the rainbow or the seven days of the week. This imagery symbolizes the sun's journey across the sky.

Key Takeaway

Specific iconographic forms are fundamental to identifying and understanding Hindu deities and their associated mythological narratives and cosmic roles.