UPSC Prelims 2006 Q81: Art & Culture – Architecture & World Heritage
The initial design and construction of which massive temple took place during the reign of
Suryavarman II?
- (a) Sri Mariamman Temple
- (b) Angkor Vat
- (c) Batu Caves Temple
- (d) Kamakhya Temple
Answer: (b) Angkor Vat
Explanation
Temple built under Suryavarman II
| Temple | Location | Builder or period |
|---|---|---|
| Sri Mariamman Temple | Singapore | Hindu temple of the 19th century |
| Angkor Vat (Wat) | Cambodia | Built in the 12th century under Khmer king Suryavarman II |
| Batu Caves Temple | Malaysia | Hindu shrine in limestone caves |
| Kamakhya Temple | Assam, India | Shakti shrine |
Angkor Vat, the massive Vishnu temple of the Khmer Empire, was designed and begun during the reign of Suryavarman II.
Answer: (b) Angkor Vat.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Sri Mariamman Temple in Singapore is a 19th-century temple.
- (b) CORRECT. Angkor Vat was begun under the Khmer king Suryavarman II in the 12th century.
- (c) Incorrect. Batu Caves in Malaysia is not linked with Suryavarman II.
- (d) Incorrect. Kamakhya Temple in Assam is unrelated to the Khmer king.
Key point
Angkor Vat in Cambodia was initially designed and built under the Khmer king Suryavarman II in the 12th century.
Remember
Angkor Vat was built under Suryavarman II.
Common mistakes
- Choosing an Indian shrine because the question mentions a Hindu temple.
- Confusing Angkor Vat with Angkor Thom of a later king.
- Not recalling that Angkor Vat was first a Vishnu temple.
Exam tip
Suryavarman II (12th century) = Angkor Vat; Jayavarman VII = Angkor Thom.
Sources
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Angkor Wat
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre — Angkor (World Heritage List, 1992)