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

Consider the following statements regarding the structural features and evolution of temples during the Gupta period:

1. The Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh is an early example of the Panchayatana layout that introduced a curvilinear spire (Shikhara) over the sanctum.
2. The Bhitargaon temple in Kanpur is a notable Gupta-era brick structure featuring a high terraced basement and an early stepped Shikhara.
3. Early Gupta structural temples were characterized by a flat roof, a plain unadorned Garbhagriha, and a shallow pillared porch in front.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

Answer

All three statements are correct (1, 2 and 3).
The correct response identifies that all three statements are historically and architecturally valid. Gupta architecture demonstrates a clear evolution from basic flat-roofed single-chamber shrines (like Sanchi Temple 17) to elaborate terraced brick structures (Bhitargaon) and classic stone Panchayatana temples featuring early Shikharas (Deogarh).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze Statement 1
Statement 1 is correct.
The Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh (Uttar Pradesh), built in the early 6th century CE during the late Gupta period, is recognized for its Panchayatana style (main shrine surrounded by four subsidiary shrines) and for incorporating an early form of a curvilinear Shikhara over the Garbhagriha.
2
Analyze Statement 2
Statement 2 is correct.
The Bhitargaon Temple in Kanpur district, Uttar Pradesh, constructed in the 5th century CE, is one of the oldest surviving terracotta brick temples with a high plinth and a prominent early stepped Shikhara.
3
Analyze Statement 3
Statement 3 is correct.
The earliest phase of Gupta temple building (e.g., Temple No. 17 at Sanchi and the Kankali Devi temple at Tigawa) consisted of a simple flat-roofed square Garbhagriha with plain interior walls and a small open pillared porch (Mandapa) at the entrance.

Key Concept

Evolutionary phases of Gupta temple architecture from simple flat-roofed structures to complex Nagara style foundations.
Estimated Time:1m 15s
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Topics

Cultural Heritage, Art, Architecture, Bhakti and Sufi Movements

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