UPSC Prelims 2006 Q82: Art & Culture – Architecture & World Heritage
Indian Airlines (now renamed ‘Indian’) have redesigned their logo which is a graphic wheel.
This logo has been inspired
from which one of the following?
- (a) Hampi Temples
- (b) Mamallapuram Temples
- (c) Sun Temple, Konark
- (d) Khajuraho Temple
Answer: (c) Sun Temple, Konark
Explanation
Inspiration for the Indian Airlines logo
| Temple | Known for |
|---|---|
| Hampi temples | Vijayanagara architecture and the stone chariot |
| Mamallapuram temples | Pallava shore temples and rathas |
| Sun Temple, Konark | Chariot-wheel carvings; the red wheel logo is based on the Konark wheel |
| Khajuraho temple | Chandela sculptures |
The redesigned Indian Airlines logo, a graphic wheel, was inspired by the wheel of the Sun Temple at Konark.
Answer: (c) Sun Temple, Konark.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Hampi is known for its stone chariot, not the logo's wheel.
- (b) Incorrect. Mamallapuram is known for its rathas and shore temple.
- (c) CORRECT. The logo's wheel is inspired by the chariot wheel of the Sun Temple, Konark.
- (d) Incorrect. Khajuraho is known for sculpture, not for a wheel motif.
Key point
The Indian Airlines wheel logo was inspired by the chariot wheel of the Konark Sun Temple.
Remember
Indian Airlines logo wheel: Konark Sun Temple.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Hampi because of its stone chariot.
- Forgetting that Konark's temple is a giant chariot with 24 wheels.
- Confusing the airline's wheel with the Ashoka Chakra.
Exam tip
Konark wheel appears on the Indian Airlines logo and the Indian 10-rupee note.
Sources
- Archaeological Survey of India — Sun Temple, Konark (Odisha): the chariot wheels
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Konarak