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Difficulty: MediumCultural Heritage, Art, Architecture, Bhakti and Sufi Movements

Consider the following statements regarding the architectural terminology and features of the Kalinga style (Odisha sub-school) of Nagara temple architecture:

1. The main sanctum tower built in a curvilinear shape is locally referred to as 'Rekha Deula'.
2. The assembly hall or porch preceding the sanctum sanctorum features a stepped pyramidal roof and is known as 'Pida Deula' or 'Jagamohana'.
3. 'Khakhara Deula' represents a distinct temple type built on a rectangular plan with a barrel-vaulted roof, typically dedicated to Sakti/female deities.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. A
    1 and 2 only
  2. B
    2 and 3 only
  3. C
    1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3Answer

Answer

All three statements are correct regarding the classification of Kalinga temple architecture.
The Kalinga school of architecture categorizes temples into three main architectural types: Rekha Deula (tall curvilinear sanctum tower), Pida Deula (pyramidal assembly hall/Jagamohana), and Khakhara Deula (barrel-vaulted roofed rectangular shrine dedicated to goddess worship, such as Vaital Deula). Therefore, statements 1, 2, and 3 are all correct.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze Statement 1
Rekha Deula refers to the tall, straight-standing building with a curvilinear shikhara (tower) housing the main deity (garbhagriha). Statement 1 is correct.
It defines the primary sanctum tower of Odishan Nagara temples.
2
Analyze Statement 2
Pida Deula (or Jagamohana) is the audience or assembly hall placed directly in front of the Rekha Deula. Its roof consists of horizontal tiers (pidas) arranged in a pyramid shape. Statement 2 is correct.
It identifies the architectural structure of the mandapa/assembly hall.
3
Analyze Statement 3
Khakhara Deula is a truncated rectangular shrine with a barrel-vaulted roof (resembling a gourd or basket), almost exclusively used for Tantric/Sakti cults (e.g., Vaital Deula in Bhubaneswar). Statement 3 is correct.
It accurately characterizes the third specific sub-order of Odishan architecture.

Key Concept

Classification of Kalinga (Odisha) Temple Architecture
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Topics

Cultural Heritage, Art, Architecture, Bhakti and Sufi Movements

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