UPPCS (Mains) 2013

Evolution of Temple Architecture

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Match list-I with list-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: | List-I | List-II | | :--- | :--- | | A. Brick-built Temple | 1. Eran | | B. Dasavatara Temple | 2. Deogarh | | C. Shiva Temple | 3. Bhitargaon | | D. Vishnu Temple | 4. Bhumara |

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept The Gupta period marked the beginning of structural temple architecture in India, moving from cave excavations to free-standing stone and brick structures.

Explanation
Brick-built Temple (Bhitargaon): Located in Kanpur, UP; one of the earliest and largest brick temples.
Dasavatara Temple (Deogarh): Famous for its 'Panchayatana' layout and carvings of Vishnu.
Shiva Temple (Bhumara): Notable for its early stone sanctum and fine door-frame carvings.
Vishnu Temple (Eran): Famous for the Varaha relief and monolithic pillars.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Bhitargaon is uniquely distinguished in the Gupta era for being built of brick (A-3).
Logic 2: The Dashavatara temple at Deogarh (B-2) is a standard textbook example of early structural evolution.

Active Recall

Question

What is unique about the Bhitargaon temple structure?

Answer

It is the oldest surviving high-roofed brick temple in India, featuring a shikhara-like top.

Core Insight

The shift from the Bhitargaon brick style to the Deogarh stone style illustrates the experimental diversity of Gupta-era engineers.