NCERT Class 11 Art & Culture — Chapter 8: Some Aspects of Indo-Islamic Architecture

mcqeasy

Which part of a Hindu temple houses the principal deity and forms the ritual core of worship?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AThe assembly hall of a temple
BThe main gateway of a temple
CThe superstructure over the shrine
DThe sanctum sanctorum of a temple

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is The sanctum sanctorum of a temple.

Explanation

In Indian temple architecture, the Garbhagriha (literally translating to "womb-house") is the most sacred component of the temple. It serves as the nucleus of the entire structure.

Detailed Analysis:

The sanctum sanctorum of a temple is Correct: The Garbhagriha is the sanctum sanctorum. It is a small, often dark, cubical chamber where the principal deity (vigraha) is installed. Historically, this feature crystallized during the Gupta Period in early structural temples (e.g., Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh).
The main gateway of a temple is Incorrect: The main gateway of a temple is distinct from the sanctum. In the Dravida style, the monumental entrance tower is called the Gopuram. In earlier structures, entrance arches were known as Toranas.
The assembly hall of a temple is Incorrect: The assembly hall or pillared pavilion used for congregational worship, dance, or music is known as the Mandapa. It usually leads to the Garbhagriha.
The superstructure over the shrine is Incorrect: The superstructure or tower built directly over the shrine is known as the Shikhara in North Indian (Nagara) architecture and the Vimana in South Indian (Dravida) architecture.

Key Takeaway:
The Garbhagriha is the innermost sanctum housing the main deity, distinguished from the Mandapa (hall), Shikhara (tower), and Gopuram (gateway).

Your note

More from Chapter 8: Some Aspects of Indo-Islamic Architecture

Consider the following statements regarding the Gol Gumbad of Bijapur: 1. It was built by Muhammad Adil Shah as a mausoleum for himself. 2. The dome rests on a system of lintels and beams. 3. It lacks any acoustic features. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

hard

With reference to the Qutub Minar, consider the following statements: 1. It was built in the thirteenth century. 2. It stands at a height of over 500 feet. 3. It is a tapering tower divided into four storeys. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

Which of the following architectural features is not found in the Gol Gumbad at Bijapur?

medium

The Qibla Liwan of a mosque is best identified by its association with which functional aspect of worship?

easy

Consider the following statements regarding the decorative forms used in Indo-Islamic architecture: 1. The lotus bud fringe was used to decorate the underside of the arches. 2. The use of foliated arches was discontinued after the fifteenth century. 3. Pietra dura techniques were applied for surface decoration, particularly in the dado panels of walls. Which of the statements given above are correct?

medium

Keep practising Chapter 8: Some Aspects of Indo-Islamic Architecture

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The correct option is The sanctum sanctorum of a temple.

Explanation

In Indian temple architecture, the Garbhagriha (literally translating to "womb-house") is the most sacred component of the temple. It serves as the nucleus of the entire structure.

Detailed Analysis:

The sanctum sanctorum of a temple is Correct: The Garbhagriha is the sanctum sanctorum. It is a small, often dark, cubical chamber where the principal deity (vigraha) is installed. Historically, this feature crystallized during the Gupta Period in early structural temples (e.g., Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh).
The main gateway of a temple is Incorrect: The main gateway of a temple is distinct from the sanctum. In the Dravida style, the monumental entrance tower is called the Gopuram. In earlier structures, entrance arches were known as Toranas.
The assembly hall of a temple is Incorrect: The assembly hall or pillared pavilion used for congregational worship, dance, or music is known as the Mandapa. It usually leads to the Garbhagriha.
The superstructure over the shrine is Incorrect: The superstructure or tower built directly over the shrine is known as the Shikhara in North Indian (Nagara) architecture and the Vimana in South Indian (Dravida) architecture.

Key Takeaway:
The Garbhagriha is the innermost sanctum housing the main deity, distinguished from the Mandapa (hall), Shikhara (tower), and Gopuram (gateway).