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Difficulty: MediumAncient Indian Civilizations and Early Empires

With reference to the architectural and artistic developments of the Gupta Empire in ancient India, which of the following statements is correct regarding the Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh?

  1. It is an early example of a free-standing stone temple constructed in the Panchayatana layout dedicated to Lord Vishnu.Answer
  2. B
    It represents a rock-cut temple carved in the Vesara architectural style under the patronage of the Rashtrakuta Dynasty.
  3. C
    It is situated along the dried bed of the Ghaggar-Hakra River and functioned as a fortified Harappan trading hub.
  4. D
    It is a Dravida style temple characterized by a multi-storeyed vimana and massive gopurams constructed by the Pallava rulers.

Answer

The statement identifying the Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh as an early free-standing stone temple in the Panchayatana layout from the Gupta period is correct.
The Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh is historically celebrated as one of the earliest surviving free-standing stone temples of ancient India. Built during the Gupta period, it illustrates the transition into structural Hindu temple architecture and incorporates a central garbhagriha with four corner shrines (Panchayatana style), adorned with sculpted panels of Sheshashayi Vishnu and Gajendra Moksha.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the historical period and dynasty associated with the Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh.
The temple belongs to the classical Gupta era (circa 6th century CE) in Central India.
Gupta rulers were major patrons of early Hindu temple architecture, transitioning from shrine cells to structural stone monuments.
2
Evaluate the architectural features of the temple.
It features a central shrine surrounded by four smaller corner subsidiary shrines on a single terrace, conforming to the Panchayatana plan.
The Panchayatana scheme became a foundational layout for subsequent Nagara temple development in North India.

Key Concept

Gupta Architectural Features and Temple Patronage
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Topics

Ancient Indian Civilizations and Early Empires

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