Mount Abu's chief claims to fame are the Jain temple architecture at Dilwara, about 5 km from Nakki lake. Dilwara temples are one

Question

Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below in your own words:

Mount Abu's chief claims to fame are the Jain temple architecture at Dilwara, about 5 km from Nakki lake. Dilwara temples are one of the finest Jain temples and many even consider them architecturally superior to the Taj Mahal. Built between 11th and 13th Century, the most outstanding feature is its exquisite carvings in marble. The two temples, Vimala Vasahi and Luna Vasahi, are singled out by experts as superb examples of architecture.

The architecture is marked by carvings that are not just aesthetically beautiful in form but are often presented in a highly poetic context. For example, one of the marble nayikas is depicted as having just emerged from her bath. The most outstanding feature of Jain temple architecture is its carvings and that is understatement. The pillars, ceilings, walls and floor of Jain temples are made of marble and rock. The architecture work is shown in marbles and rocks too. This is the reason why the temples in Mount Abu and Raunakpur are said to be the finest Jain temples in the world.

(i) Where are the Jain temples of Mount Abu located and why are these famous for?

(ii) What are the outstanding features of these temples?

(iii) When were these temples built and compared with Taj Mahal? Why? 

(iv) Find a word in the passage which means 'surpassing'.

Answer 1

(i) The Jain temples of Mount Abu are located about 5 km from Nakki Lake, known as Dilwara temples. They are famous for their Jain temple architecture, particularly the exquisite carvings in marble.

(ii) The outstanding features of these temples include their exquisite carvings in marble, which are considered aesthetically beautiful and often presented in a highly poetic context. Additionally, the pillars, ceilings, walls, and floor of the temples are also made of marble and rock.

(iii) These temples were built between the 11th and 13th centuries. They are compared to the Taj Mahal because some people consider them architecturally superior to the Taj Mahal due to their intricate carvings and overall architectural brilliance.

(iv) The word in the passage that means 'surpassing' is "superior".