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Historical and Architectural Typonyms

Match Famous Heritage Sites: Nalanda to Konarka

Nalanda is a university, Sarnath is site of an Ashoka Pillar, Sanchi is famous for its Stupa, and Konark is home to the Sun Temple.

Primary Reference: NCERT Class XII - Themes in Indian History

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Match list-I with list-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
List-IList-II
A. Nalanda1. Ashoka Pillar
B. Sarnath2. University
C. Sanchi3. Sun Temple
D. Konarka4. Stupa

[Uttarakhand PCS (Mains) 2006]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept


India's historical landscape features diverse institutional and structural types, from ancient universities and commemorative pillars to massive stupas and solar temples.

Authentic Source Evidence


  • Nalanda (Bihar): A world-renowned ancient Buddhist university flourishing from 5th to 12th century CE.

  • Sarnath (UP): Famous for the Ashoka Pillar (Lion Capital) marking the site of the first sermon.

  • Sanchi (MP): Site of the Great Stupa, one of India's oldest and best-preserved Buddhist structures.

  • Konarka (Odisha): Site of the monumental 13th-century Sun Temple built by the Eastern Gangas.

    • Analytical Breakdown


  • Logic 1: A-2 (Nalanda-University) and D-3 (Konarka-Sun Temple) provide the strongest initial points for matching.

  • Logic 2: Sarnath and Sanchi are both Buddhist, but Sarnath is uniquely distinguished by the presence of the primary Ashokan pillar (national emblem origin).

    • Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

    "What is the historical significance of the Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath?"

    It features the Lion Capital, which became the official state emblem of independent India in 1950.

    Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

    "These four sites represent the intellectual, religious, and artistic milestones of ancient and medieval India."

    Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

    Ashoka 7Mahavihara 3Kalinga Style 3
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