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

With reference to the Nagara style of temple architecture in ancient and medieval Northern India, consider the following statements:

1. The entire temple structure is traditionally built on a raised stone platform known as a Jagati.
2. Unlike South Indian Dravida temples, Nagara temples generally do not feature elaborate enclosure walls or prominent gateway towers (Gopurams).
3. The ribbed stone disc placed at the apex of the tower (Shikhara) is called the Kalasa, while the decorative vessel placed above it is known as the Amalaka.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 and 2 onlyAnswer
  2. B
    2 and 3 only
  3. C
    1 and 3 only
  4. D
    1, 2 and 3

Answer

1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are factual and accurate. Nagara architecture features a raised stone plinth called the Jagati and typically does not enclose the temple compound with elaborate boundary walls or Gopurams. Statement 3 is false because the ribbed stone disc atop the Shikhara is the Amalaka, while the decorative vessel resting above the Amalaka is the Kalasa.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate Statement 1 regarding temple foundation layout
Nagara style temples are built on high plinths or platforms referred to as Jagati, accessible by steps.
This is a fundamental feature of Nagara temple architecture.
2
Evaluate Statement 2 regarding boundaries and gateways
Nagara temples usually lack massive perimeter walls and grand entry towers (Gopurams), which are quintessential features of Dravida architecture.
Boundary walls and Gopurams are characteristic of South Indian temple complexes.
3
Evaluate Statement 3 regarding summit superstructure terms
The ribbed, circular stone disc sitting at the top of the Shikhara is the Amalaka. The pitcher or vase-shaped structure positioned atop the Amalaka is the Kalasa.
Statement 3 swaps the definitions of Amalaka and Kalasa.

Key Concept

Key features of Nagara Temple Architecture (Jagati, lack of Gopurams, Amalaka, Kalasa)
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Topics

Cultural Heritage, Art, Architecture, Bhakti and Sufi Movements

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