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

With reference to the architectural traditions and features of temples constructed during the Vijayanagara Empire, consider the following statements:

1. The addition of elaborate 'Kalyana Mandapas' (marriage halls) containing intricately carved monolithic pillars became a prominent structural feature of temple complexes.
2. The rearing horse (Yali motif) was a characteristic sculptural element depicted on the pillar bases of mandapas.
3. Vijayanagara builders completely abandoned the Dravidian tradition of erecting towering entrance gateways (Raya Gopurams).

Which of the statements given above 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

The correct combination is '1 and 2 only' because Vijayanagara temple architecture built upon Dravida styles by incorporating elaborate Kalyana Mandapas and rearing Yali pillars, while further grandly developing towering Raya Gopurams rather than discarding them.
The correct choice highlights statements 1 and 2 as accurate. Vijayanagara temple design is celebrated for its highly ornate multi-pillared halls (Kalyana Mandapa) and signature equestrian/Yali pillar sculptures. It extended rather than discontinued the Dravidian gopuram tradition.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate Statement 1 regarding Kalyana Mandapas
Statement 1 is correct. Vijayanagara architecture introduced large open/enclosed pillared halls, notably the Kalyana Mandapa (divine marriage hall) and Amman shrines within temple enclosures.
Expanding ceremonial ritual spaces was a core architectural innovation of the Vijayanagara period.
2
Evaluate Statement 2 regarding pillar motifs
Statement 2 is correct. Pillars in Vijayanagara temples are famous for monolithic carvings of rearing horses with riders and mythological Yali creatures.
The motif reflected the military prominence and cavalry importance of the Vijayanagara state.
3
Evaluate Statement 3 regarding entrance gateways
Statement 3 is incorrect. Vijayanagara rulers constructed grand, towering entrance gateways known as 'Raya Gopurams' (e.g., at Hampi, Chidambaram, and Tirupati).
Raya Gopurams were enhanced continuations of Tamil Dravidian gateway traditions, serving as visual symbols of royal authority.

Key Concept

Vijayanagara Architectural Style and Features
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Topics

Cultural Heritage, Art, Architecture, Bhakti and Sufi Movements

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