What is a Pagoda and Mausoleum? Contribution of the Chinese Civilization

The Chinese constructed huge palaces and other structures of wood. A remarkable feature of Chinese architecture was stupa-styled temples known as pagodas. In this blog, we are going to learn about some contributions of the Chinese civilizations such as the pagoda, the mausoleum and the calendar.

What is a pagoda?

 

A pagoda is a tower-like, multistory, solid, or hollow structure mostly made of wood. It is actually a tiered tower with multiple eaves. The interiors of the pagodas were decorated with beautiful sculptures; they are a part of fine Chinese architecture. They are also a part of traditional Chinese architecture.

 

Why were these structures built?

 

These pagodas were built to serve religious purposes. Basically, these were Buddhist Temples.

 

Another spectacular archaeological discovery is the tomb of an emperor. This tomb or mausoleum of emperor Qin Shi Huang is larger than the great pyramid of Egypt.

 

Do you know what is a mausoleum?

 

A mausoleum is a large stone building built over the grave of an important person. This tomb also contains an army of 8000 soldiers statues standing in full military dress according to their divisions and ranks. And what are these statues made up of?

 

These soldiers' statues are actually made up of a material called terracotta.

 

The Chinese calendar had 12 months of 30 days and a year of 12 months i.e, 360 days. The five days were adjusted periodically similar to the Indian calendar, by adding a month. The Chinese calendar was a combination of solar and lunar calculations.

 

1. The Pagodas were actually ________.
a. Hindu Temples
b. Christian Churches
c. Jain Temples
d. Buddhist Temples

 

2. A large building built over the grave of an important person is called _______.
a. Museum
b. Mosque
c. Church
d. Mausoleum

 

3. The tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang had an army of _____ soldiers.
a. 9000
b. 7000
c. 6000
d. 8000

 

4. The Chinese calendar is somewhat similar to _____________.
a. Australian Calendar
b. American Calendar
c. British Calendar
d. Indian Calendar

 

5. The Chinese calendar is a combination of _________.
a. Solar calculations and planetary positions
b. Lunar calculations and planetary positions
c. Constellations and planetary positions
d. Solar and lunar calculations

Read More: Ancient China: The Progress and Decline Of Chinese Civilization