Potala Palace (Lhasa, Tibet — 1649) — Questions and answers

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What extraordinary fact is mentioned about how the Potala Palace was built?

Choices

  1. It was built entirely of wood.
  2. It was constructed without the use of any nails or screws. ✓
  3. It was finished in only one year.
  4. It was painted entirely in gold.

Answer: It was constructed without the use of any nails or screws.

From page 1

Where did the young Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso go to meditate deeply before becoming a spiritual leader?

Choices

  1. To the top of Red Mountain.
  2. To a sacred cave near Lhasa. ✓
  3. To a busy city market.
  4. To a grand temple far away.

Answer: To a sacred cave near Lhasa.

From page 2

Who was the skilled administrator and architect that agreed to help Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso build the palace?

Choices

  1. Songtsen Gampo
  2. Nagarjuna
  3. Konchog Chophel ✓
  4. Plato

Answer: Konchog Chophel

From page 3

What mountain did the Dalai Lama choose as the site for the Potala Palace?

Choices

  1. Blue Mountain
  2. Green Valley
  3. Red Mountain ✓
  4. White Peak

Answer: Red Mountain

From page 4

What did Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso often remind the workers about their construction efforts?

Choices

  1. That it was just a building for him.
  2. That it was a symbol of their faith and they should do everything with devotion. ✓
  3. That they needed to work faster to finish quickly.
  4. That they would be paid extra for working hard.

Answer: That it was a symbol of their faith and they should do everything with devotion.

From page 5

According to Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso, what does the white part of the palace represent?

Choices

  1. Their spiritual essence.
  2. Their earthly duties. ✓
  3. The sky.
  4. The snow-capped mountains.

Answer: Their earthly duties.

From page 6

What kind of art is mentioned as adorning the interior of the Potala Palace?

Choices

  1. Oil paintings of animals.
  2. Modern abstract sculptures.
  3. Murals, sculptures, and thangkas. ✓
  4. Photographs of old cities.

Answer: Murals, sculptures, and thangkas.

From page 7

As the Potala Palace neared completion, what did it become the center of?

Choices

  1. A shopping district.
  2. Tibetan political and religious life. ✓
  3. A large farm.
  4. A new school.

Answer: Tibetan political and religious life.

From page 8

When did Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso pass away?

Choices

  1. 1959
  2. 7th century
  3. 1682 ✓
  4. Today

Answer: 1682

From page 9

What is the Potala Palace recognized as today, attracting visitors from around the globe?

Choices

  1. A small local market.
  2. A new hotel.
  3. A UNESCO World Heritage Site. ✓
  4. A private residence.

Answer: A UNESCO World Heritage Site.

From page 10