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Question

Which one among the following temples in India is referred to as the "Black Pagoda"?

The correct answer is
Sun Temple, Konark

The question asks which temple in India is referred to as the "Black Pagoda." The correct answer to this question is the "Sun Temple, Konark."

Let's discuss briefly why the Sun Temple at Konark is referred to as the "Black Pagoda," and why the other options are not:

  1. Sun Temple, Konark: The Sun Temple, located in Odisha, India, was built in the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. The temple is famous for its unique architecture, designed as a chariot of the sun god Surya with twelve pairs of ornamented wheels. The temple was constructed using black granite, and its towering architecture led European sailors to refer to it as the "Black Pagoda" to distinguish it from the "White Pagoda" (Jagannath Temple, Puri) during their coastal voyages. The "Black Pagoda" was a landmark for sailors due to its massive size and color, serving as a navigational point. This historical and architectural significance marks its importance as a world heritage site.
  2. Jagannath Temple, Puri: This temple is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites and is located at Puri in Odisha. It is known as the "White Pagoda" due to its white-colored structure. It is famed for the annual Rath Yatra but is not referred to as the "Black Pagoda."
  3. Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati: This temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the mother goddess Kamakhya, one of the oldest Shakti Peethas. Situated in Assam, it is known for its Tantric practices but holds no reference as a "Pagoda" or being black.
  4. Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Khajuraho: This temple is a part of the Khajuraho group of temples built by the Chandela dynasty in Madhya Pradesh and is an exceptional example of Nagara-style architecture. However, it is not associated with the term "Pagoda" or the color black.

Thus, the Sun Temple at Konark is the correct answer due to its historical context as a navigational landmark for sailors and its architectural material and appearance, leading it to be called the "Black Pagoda."

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Important Questions from Temple Architecture and Regional Styles

  1. The Chennakesva temple was built during which of the following empires?

    A. Hoysal

    B. Yadavas

    C. Cholas

    D. Pala

  2. Which of the following is NOT one of the Great Living Chola Temples?

  3. The Kamakhya Temple is located in ______.

  4. The Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was constructed during the reign of which dynasty?

  5. Which of the following temples are brick-temples?

    (A) Bhitargaon temple, Kanpur

    (B) Parsurameswara temple, Bhubaneshwar

    (C) Laxmana temple, Khajuraho

    (D) Laxmana temple, Sirpur

    Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

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