UPSC CDS 2014 (I)

Regional Architectural Centers

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Match the following: | List-I (Temple) | List-II (Town) | | :--- | :--- | | A. Kailasanathar | 4. Kanchipuram | | B. Lingaraj | 1. Bhuvneshwar | | C. Kandariya Mahadev | 2. Khajuraho | | D. Dilwara | 3. Mount Abu |

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept India's temple architecture is geographically diverse, with each major stylistic school rooted in specific regional centers of power.

Explanation
Kailasanathar: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu (Pallava period).
Lingaraj: Bhubaneswar, Odisha (Somavamsi period).
Kandariya Mahadev: Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh (Chandella period).
Dilwara: Mount Abu, Rajasthan (Solanki period).

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: A-4 and B-1 are the foundational links for South Indian and Kalinga architecture respectively.
Logic 2: C-2 and D-3 link the peak Nagara style of Khajuraho and the marble excellence of Mount Abu.

Active Recall

Question

Which of these temples is made primarily of marble?

Answer

The Dilwara temples at Mount Abu.

Core Insight

The distribution of these temples reflects the decentralized nature of medieval Indian patronage across various regional dynasties.