Indian Culture & Heritage·Prelims Questions

Mauryan Architecture — Prelims Questions

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Version 1Updated 5 Mar 2026

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Q1medium

Consider the following statements about Mauryan architecture: 1. The Mauryan polish was achieved using a technique that has been successfully replicated in modern times. 2. All Ashokan pillars were carved from Chunar sandstone quarried near Varanasi. 3. The Barabar caves represent the earliest examples of rock-cut architecture in India. 4. The Lion Capital at Sarnath was adopted as India's national emblem. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Q2easy

The architectural influence of which ancient civilization is most evident in the Mauryan pillars with animal capitals?

Q3medium

Which of the following best describes the significance of the Barabar caves in the context of Indian architecture?

Q4hard

Consider the following pairs: 1. Sarnath Lion Capital - National emblem of India 2. Sanchi Stupa - Earliest rock-cut cave 3. Lomas Rishi Cave - Horseshoe-shaped entrance 4. Pataliputra - Mauryan capital city Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Q5easy

The term 'Mauryan polish' refers to: