Test: Towns, Traders & Craftspersons - UPSC MCQ

Thanjavur was the capital of the Cholas Dynasty. It is a city in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Its many temples include the 11th-century Brihadeeswarar Temple, a vast Chola dynasty–era complex with a frescoed interior.

In 1996, the Government of Tamil Nadu officially changed the name from Madras to Chennai. At that time many Indian cities underwent a change of name.

The architect of the Temple was not only a master of the 'ocean of the science of architecture'. He had to be balanced in body and mind, and be well versed in the traditional science (shastra) in its various branches and as much in the knowledge of rhythms (chandasa), mathematics and astronomy as in the conditions of different places, etc.. The various arts and sciences had to be known for one and the same purpose, so that he could apply them in his work which was to be an image and reconstitution of the universe.Sthapati were called Sculptures

Kabul, Persian Kābol, city, capital of the province of Kabul and of Afghanistan. The largest urban centre in the country and also its political and economic hub, the city forms one of several districts of Kabul province.

Temples were often central to the economy and society. Rulers built temples to demonstrate their devotion to various deities. They also endowed temples with grants of land and money to carry out elaborate rituals/ feed pilgrims and priests and celebrate festivals.

Work not performed by the weavers:
- Pottery making: This work is not performed by the weavers. The weavers are primarily involved in the production of textiles and fabrics, whereas pottery making involves the creation of ceramic objects such as pots, vases, and dishes.
Work performed by the weavers:
- Spinning: Weavers perform spinning, which is the process of converting fibers into yarn. They use spinning wheels or other spinning devices to create the yarn needed for weaving.
- Cotton cleaning: Weavers are responsible for cleaning the cotton fibers before they can be used for weaving. This process involves removing impurities, such as seeds, from the cotton to ensure a smooth and clean yarn.
- Dyeing: Weavers also perform the dyeing process, which involves adding color to the yarn or fabric. Dyeing can be done using various techniques and dyes to achieve the desired colors and patterns.
By understanding the different tasks performed by weavers, it becomes clear that pottery making is not part of their usual work.

Bronze is an alloy consisting primarily of copper, commonly with about 12–12.5% tin and often with the addition of other metals (such as aluminium, manganese, nickel or zinc).

Whose bronze statues were made using the lost wax technique:
The correct answer is Chola.
Explanation:
The lost wax technique is an ancient method of casting bronze sculptures. It involves creating a wax model of the desired sculpture, covering it in clay, and then heating it to melt the wax and harden the clay mold. Molten bronze is then poured into the mold, filling the space left by the melted wax. Once the bronze cools and solidifies, the clay mold is broken away, revealing the final bronze sculpture.
The Chola dynasty, which ruled over a significant part of South India from the 9th to the 13th century, is renowned for its exquisite bronze sculptures. The Chola dynasty artisans mastered the lost wax technique and created intricate and lifelike bronze statues of Hindu deities, saints, and other figures. These sculptures were primarily used for religious and spiritual purposes and were often housed in temples.
The Chola bronze sculptures are known for their fine details, graceful poses, and expressive facial features. These statues have played a significant role in the preservation of Chola art and culture, and they continue to be admired for their beauty and artistic excellence.
In conclusion, the Chola dynasty was known for creating bronze statues using the lost wax technique.

Pushkar Lake or Pushkar Sarovar is located in the town of Pushkar in Ajmer district of the Rajasthan state of western India. Pushkar Lake is a sacred lake of the Hindus.

This Ajmer shrine is among the most important pilgrimage sites in India. It was the abode of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti between 1192 and 1236 AD, and contains his tomb. The shrine was constructed by Mughal emperor Humayun, while subsequent rulers such as Akbar and Shah Jahan also built mosques in the complex. Moinuddin Chishti’s marble tomb lies at the centre of the complex, and is surrounded by a marble screen.