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Q69 (CDS-II/2007) History & Culture › Art & Architecture › Temple architecture styles Answer Verified

Which one of the following is not a feature of North Indian temple architecture?

Result
Your answer: —  Â·  Correct: C
Explanation

North Indian temple architecture, known as the Nagara style, is characterized by several core features including the 'Sikhara' (a curvilinear tower capping the sanctum), the 'Garbha Griha' (the inner sanctum sanctorum), and the 'Pradakshina' (a circumambulatory path for devotees) [1]. In contrast, the 'Gopura' or 'Gopuram' is a monumental gateway tower that is a distinctive and dominating feature of South Indian or Dravidian temple architecture [4]. While Nagara temples focus on the height of the central shikhara, Dravidian temples often feature massive gopurams that dwarf the central shrine's tower (vimana) [2]. These gateways reached their pinnacle under the Chola and Vijayanagara empires in the south [4]. Therefore, the Gopura is not a traditional feature of North Indian temple architecture.

Sources

  1. [1] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 7: The Guptas > Rock-cut and Structural Temples > p. 98
  2. [2] THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART II, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara > 5.2. Gopurams and mandapas > p. 185
  3. [3] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 12: Bahmani and Vijayanagar Kingdoms > 12.6 Art and Architecture > p. 186
  4. [4] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 11: Later Cholas and Pandyas > Darasuram Temple > p. 163
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SIMILAR QUESTIONS

CDS-I · 2008 · Q32 Relevance score: 9.01

Which one of the following is not a feature of North Indian temple architecture?

CAPF · 2025 · Q52 Relevance score: 2.40

With reference to the ancient architectural development in the hills of North Indian States, consider the following statements : 1. The temple 'Garbhagriha' and 'Shikhara' were made in a Rekha-prasada or Latina style. 2. The Pandrethan Temple in Kashmir is built on a plinth in the middle of a tank. 3. The Jageshwar Temple is located in Garhwal region. 4. The Lakshana Devi Mandir shows the influence of the post-Gupta tradition. How many statements given above are correct?

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Which one of the following temple complexes of India does not represent the typical Nagara style ?

CDS-II · 2009 · Q75 Relevance score: 1.90

Which one of the following statement about Brihadeswara Temple at Tanjavur, is not correct?

NDA-II · 2017 · Q84 Relevance score: 1.43

Consider the following statements about the Nagara style of temple architecture : 1. This style of temples are commonly found in the areas between Himalayas and Vindhyas. 2. The most striking feature of this style is its pyramidal shikhara. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?