GSEB Class 10 Social Science Chapter 3 Cultural Heritage of India

GSEB Class 10 Social Science Chapter 3 Cultural Heritage of India Question Paper with Answers | Sculpture and Architecture

 

Practice GSEB Class 10 Social Science Chapter 3 Cultural Heritage of India: Sculpture and Architecture with a 50-mark question paper, MCQs, short and long answers, and complete answer key.

 

Section A – Multiple Choice Questions [10 x 1 = 10 Marks]

 

1. What is another Sanskrit word used for architecture?

A) Vastu B) Carving     C) Temple     D) Ruins

2. What was built at Lothal to facilitate ships?

A) Hall B) Pillar     C) Dockyard     D) Grill

2. In which language are the stone inscriptions engraved?

A) Hindi B) Brahmi     C) Urdu     D) Odia

4. The Sun Temple of Gujarat is situated at:

A) Modhera B) Vadnagar     C) Kheralu     D) Vijapur

5. Which mosque is situated near Teen Darwaza in Ahmedabad?

A) Jama Masjid B) Jumma Masjid     C) Masjid of Sipri     D) Masjid-e-Nageena

6. The Great Stupa of Sanchi was built during which period?

A) Mauryan period B) Gupta period     C) Mughal period     D) Chola period

7. The famous Lion Capital is located at:

A) Sanchi B) Sarnath     C) Lothal     D) Dholavira

8. The elevated circular path around a stupa used for circumambulation is called:

A) Harmika B) Medhi     C) Toran     D) Garbha Gruh

9. Which site is described as a major port city of the Harappan civilization?

A) Lothal B) Sarnath     C) Khajuraho     D) Sanchi

10. Gopuram is mainly associated with:

A) Southern Indian temples B) Buddhist stupas     C) Mosques     D) Step-wells

Section B – Answer in One or Two Sentences [5 x 2 = 10 Marks]

1. What is sculpture?
2. What is architecture?
3. What is a Harmika in a stupa?
4. What is meant by Garbha Gruh?
5. Name any four important Harappan sites mentioned in the chapter.

 

Section C – Short Answer Questions – Answer any FIVE [5 x 3 = 15 Marks]

 

1. Explain the roadways and drainage system of Mohan-jo-Daro.
2. Give information about Dholavira.
3. Why is Lothal important in the history of Gujarat and India?
4. Write a short note on pillar inscriptions.
5. Write a short note on the Sun Temple of Konark.
6. Explain the main parts of the linear sketch of a temple.
7. Write a short note on the step-wells of Gujarat.

 

Section D – Answer in Detail – Answer any THREE [3 x 5 = 15 Marks]

 

1. Explain the town planning of ancient India with special reference to Mohan-jo-Daro.
2. Give detailed information about the caves of Gujarat.
3. Describe the architecture and importance of stupas, with special reference to the Stupa of Sanchi.
4. Explain temple architecture and the importance of Gopuram architecture.
5. Describe the main features of medieval architecture and architecture of Gujarat.

 

GSEB Class 10 Social Science Chapter 3 Cultural Heritage of India Answer Key. 

 

Section A – MCQ Answers

1. A) Vastu
2. C) Dockyard
3. B) Brahmi
4. A) Modhera
5. A) Jama Masjid
6. A) Mauryan period
7. B) Sarnath
8. B) Medhi
9. A) Lothal
10. A) Southern Indian temples

Section B – Answers

1. What is sculpture?

The art of shaping figures or designs with facial expressions in round or relief form, professionally performed by a sculptor with the help of a chisel and hammer, is known as sculpture.

2. What is architecture?

Architecture is the art and science of constructing buildings and structures. The Sanskrit term ‘Vastu’ is used for architecture.

3. What is a Harmika in a stupa?

The railing around the top of the oval-shaped stupa is called Harmika.

4. What is meant by Garbha Gruh?

Garbha Gruh is a small and dark rectangular room in a temple in which the idol is kept. In Gujarat, it is known as ‘Gabharo’.

5. Name any four important Harappan sites mentioned in the chapter.

Any four: Mohan-jo-Daro, Harappa, Lothal, Dholavira, Kalibangan, Rangpur, Surkotada, Deshalpur, Shikarpur, Shrinathgadh, Rojadi, Kuntasi or Moti Pipali.

 

Section C – Short Answers

 

1. Explain the roadways and drainage system of Mohan-jo-Daro.

Roads were a major feature of Mohan-jo-Daro town planning. They were about 9.75 metres wide, while smaller link roads crossed the main roads at right angles. The roads were broad enough for several vehicles. An underground drainage system was provided, and every house had a cesspit. This planned system efficiently drained sewage from the town.

2. Give information about Dholavira.

Dholavira was a huge and systematic ancient town contemporary with the Harappan civilization. It is located in Khadirbet in the Rann of Kutch, about 140 km from Bhuj. Archaeological excavations revealed remains of palaces and main walls. The town was protected by walls, and potable water and a water-purification system were available.

3. Why is Lothal important in the history of Gujarat and India?

Lothal is situated in Dholka taluka of Ahmedabad district. It was a major port city of the Harappan civilization. A huge dockyard was constructed there to facilitate ships during high tides. The site also had storage shops and evidence of export-import activities, showing the prosperous maritime trade of ancient India.

4. Write a short note on pillar inscriptions.

Stone inscriptions were carved from single rocks. Pillars were erected at places such as Ambala, Meerut, Allahabad, Sarnath, Loriya near Nandangadh, Sanchi, Kashi, Patna and Bodhivruksha near Bodh-Gaya. The pillar at Sarnath, with four lions and the Dharmachakra, is one of the finest examples of sculpture.

5. Write a short note on the Sun Temple of Konark.

The Sun Temple of Konark is in Odisha and is designed in the form of a chariot temple. Its architecture is highly artistic and is considered an important example of Indian temple architecture.

6. Explain the main parts of the linear sketch of a temple.

The chapter identifies Garbha Gruh, Gopuram, Mandap, Pinnacle or Shikhar, and Viman as important parts. Garbha Gruh contains the idol; Gopuram is the monumental gateway; Mandap is a pillared hall or open area; Shikhar is the pointed exterior over the sanctum; and Viman is a multi-storeyed or sloping part of the temple.

7. Write a short note on the step-wells of Gujarat.

Important step-wells of Gujarat include Adalaj Step-well, Dada Hari’s Step-well in Ahmedabad, Rani ni Vav at Patan and the Step-well of Dabhoi. They are excellent examples of sculpture, architecture and carving, and add to the dignity and glory of Gujarat.

 

Section D – Detailed Answers

 

1. Explain the town planning of ancient India with special reference to Mohan-jo-Daro.

• Ancient Indian towns show advanced expertise in systematic town planning. Mohan-jo-Daro is one of the best examples.
• The town was divided into three sections: the citadel or fort area, houses of administrative officers, and residences of common people in the lower part.
• Roads were broad and well planned. Main roads were about 9.75 metres wide, and smaller roads crossed them at right angles.
• Houses were built on both sides of roads, often with doors and windows arranged to keep interiors airy and ventilated.
• The underground drainage system was highly developed. Every house had a cesspit, and sewage was carried out through planned drains.
• Public facilities included the Great Bath and large public buildings. These features show the high level of urban planning in the Harappan civilization.

2. Give detailed information about the caves of Gujarat.

• The chapter lists several important groups of caves in Gujarat.
• Junagadh has Bava Pyara caves, Uperkot caves and Khapra-Kodiya caves. Bava Pyara caves are arranged in three layers, while Uperkot caves are double-storeyed.
• Khambhadiya caves near Gondal were discovered in 1959 A.D. and include a Chaitya Gruh with a stupa and figures of Bodhisattvas.
• Talaja caves in Bhavnagar district include Chaitya Gruh, Mandap and other architectural remains.
• Sana caves are situated on the top of Sana mountain; Dhank caves are in Upleta taluka; Jhinjhuri Jhar caves are west of Dhank; and Khapra-Kodiya caves at Kachchh are near Lakhpat.
• Kaliya Dungar caves at Jhagadiya in Bharuch district include a Chaitya structure and a carved lion-shaped pillar.

3. Describe the architecture and importance of stupas, with special reference to the Stupa of Sanchi.

• A stupa is an oval-shaped construction under which the remains of Lord Buddha were kept in a box called an astupa.
• Important parts include Harmika, Medhi, Pradakshina Path and Toran. Harmika is the railing around the top, Medhi is the elevated circular path, and Toran is the artistic gateway.
• The Great Stupa of Sanchi was built during the Mauryan period and is situated in Madhya Pradesh.
• The original Sanchi stupa was made of bricks and was later enlarged and decorated. It is considered an outstanding example of Buddhist architecture.
• Stupas at Sarnath, Junagadh and other places also show the importance of Buddhist architecture in India.

4. Explain temple architecture and the importance of Gopuram architecture.

• Temple architecture includes several important structural elements. The Garbha Gruh is the small dark sanctum where the idol is kept; the Mandap is a pillared hall or open area; the Shikhar is the pointed exterior over the sanctum; and the Viman is a multi-storeyed or sloping temple structure.
• Gopuram is the monumental entrance of a South Indian temple. Its lower storeys are generally convex-shaped, while the upper storeys are more pyramidal.
• Temple construction gained momentum during the rule of the Pallavas and Cholas. Their temples often had beautifully decorated gates known as Gopurams.
• Gopuram architecture is especially associated with famous South Indian temples such as those at Kanchi and Madurai.
• These structures display the artistic glory, sculptural skill and architectural development of Indian temple traditions.

5. Describe the main features of medieval architecture and architecture of Gujarat.

• Medieval architecture included mosques, minarets, royal palaces, bridges, inns and other structures. Qutub-ud-din Aibak built Qutub Minar and Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, while regional styles developed in Bengal, Jaunpur, Malwa and other areas.
• Gujarat’s architecture includes temples, mosques, viharas, maths, stupas, chaityas, cave-temples and Jain temples, as well as forts, domes, gates, minarets, step-wells, lakes and ponds.
• Important temples mentioned include Somnath Temple, Sun Temple of Modhera, Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple at Vadnagar and other temples at Dwarka, Palitana and elsewhere.
• Important mosques include Jama Masjid, Rani Sipri’s mosque, Sidi Saiyyad grill and other structures in Ahmedabad and Champaner.
• Step-wells such as Adalaj Step-well and Rani ni Vav are outstanding examples of Gujarat’s sculpture, carving and architecture.