Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the Hoysala administrative and social structure:
- The Garudas were a specialized cadre of elite bodyguards who took a vow to commit ritual suicide upon the death of their king.
- The Panchanana referred to a guild of five specific artisan groups who enjoyed significant patronage for temple construction.
- Women in the Hoysala court, such as Queen Shantaladevi, were confined to domestic roles and had no major influence over administrative or cultural affairs.
How many of the above statements are correct?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. All three
D. None
Q1. (B) Explanation:
- Statement 1 – Correct: The Garudas were the most loyal bodyguards of the Hoysala kings; they lived and died with their master.
- Statement 2 – Correct: The Panchanana (or Vishwakarma) were the five artisan guilds (goldsmiths, blacksmiths, brass-smiths, carpenters, and stonemasons) essential to the empire’s architectural boom.
- Statement 3 – Incorrect: Queen Shantaladevi (wife of Vishnuvardhana) was a renowned dancer and musician who actively participated in administrative decisions and was a major patron of the arts.
Q2. Which of the following pairs regarding Hoysala temple architecture is incorrectly matched?
A. Stellar Plan – The vimana (shrine) built on a star-shaped base.
B. Jagati – The raised platform or terrace on which the temple stands.
C. Vesara – A style blending Nagara and Dravida elements.
D. Gopuram – Highly ornate, massive entrance towers that dominated the Hoysala skyline.
Q2. (D) Explanation:
- Option A – Correct: The Hoysala temples are famous for their stellate (star-shaped) plans.
- Option B – Correct: The Jagati provided a path for circumambulation (Pradakshinapatha).
- Option C – Correct: The Hoysala style is often classified as a mature form of the Vesara tradition.
- Option D – Incorrect: While Hoysala temples are incredibly ornate, they generally lack the massive, towering Gopurams seen in later Vijayanagara or Chola architecture. They focused more on the ornamentation of the Vimana and Mandapa.
Q3. With reference to the religious history of the Hoysala Empire, consider the following:
- King Vishnuvardhana converted from Jainism to Vaishnavism under the influence of the philosopher Ramanujacharya.
- The Chennakesava Temple at Belur was commissioned to commemorate the Hoysala victory over the Cholas at the Battle of Talakad.
- Despite royal patronage of Hinduism, Jainism remained a dominant socio-religious force in the region throughout the 12th century.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3
Q3. (D) Explanation:
- Statement 1 – Correct: Bittiga (later Vishnuvardhana) was originally a Jain but converted to Sri Vaishnavism, though he remained tolerant.
- Statement 2 – Correct: The Belur temple was a celebratory monument for the independence of the Hoysalas from the Chalukyas and their victory at Talakad.
- Statement 3 – Correct: Jainism had deep roots in Karnataka (e.g., Shravanabelagola) and continued to flourish alongside the rising Bhakti movements.
Q4. The “Hoysala” school of art is distinguished from its predecessors (like the Western Chalukyas) primarily by the use of:
A. Red Sandstone
B. Soapstone
C. Granite
D. Burnt Bricks and Mortar
Q4. (B) Explanation: The Hoysalas shifted from the sandstone used by the Early Chalukyas to Chloritic Schist, also known as Soapstone. This material is soft when quarried, allowing for the intricate, jewelry-like carvings for which Hoysala temples are famous, and it hardens over time upon exposure to air.
Q5. Consider the following pairs of Hoysala sites and their significance:
- Halebidu – Known as Dwarasamudra, the royal capital.
- Belur – Famous for the Hoysaleswara temple.
- Somanathapura – Location of the Keshava temple, a perfect example of a Trikuta (triple-shrine) plan.
Which of the above are correctly matched?
A. Only one pair
B. Only two pairs C. All three pairs
D. None
Q5. (B) Explanation:
- Pair 1 – Correct: Halebidu was the capital, then known as Dwarasamudra.
- Pair 2 – Incorrect: The Hoysaleswara temple is in Halebidu. The Chennakesava temple is in Belur. (This is a common “trap” in history papers).
- Pair 3 – Correct: Somanathapura is the site of the Chennakesava temple, which features the classic Trikuta (three shrines with a common mandapa) architecture.
