Previous Year Question
Jain temple of Abu is made of
sandstone
lime stone
granite
marble
Correct Answer: D
Detailed Solution
The correct answer is marble.
This question refers to the famous Dilwara Jain Temples located at Mount Abu. These temples are constructed mainly of white marble and are renowned for their exceptionally intricate stone-carving and architecture.
The Dilwara temple complex consists of five major Jain temples. Among them, Vimal Vasahi and Luna Vasahi are particularly famous. Vimal Vasahi was constructed in 1031 CE by Vimala Shah, an officer of the Chalukya ruler Bhima I. The temple is dedicated to the first Tirthankara, Adinatha.
Luna Vasahi belongs to the 13th century and was constructed by Vastupala and Tejapala. It is dedicated to the 22nd Tirthankara, Neminatha. The extremely fine marble carvings on its ceilings, pillars and domes are major features of Dilwara architecture.
Thus, instead of sandstone, limestone or granite, the distinctive construction material of the Dilwara Jain temples is marble.