UPSC CSE Previous Year

Regional Temple Geography

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. Vidyashankara temple | 1. Andhra Pradesh | | B. Rajarani temple | 2. Karnataka | | C. Kandariya Mahadeo temple | 3. Madhya Pradesh | | D. Bhimesvara temple | 4. Orissa |

Solution & Analysis

Answer: A

Concept India’s diverse temple styles are distributed across states, each reflecting regional dynastic histories like the Vijayanagara, Chandela, and Somavamsi.

Explanation
Vidyashankara (Karnataka): A 14th-century marvel in Sringeri blending Hoysala and Dravida styles.
Rajarani (Orissa/Odisha): An 11th-century temple in Bhubaneswar famous for its lack of a presiding deity and beautiful shalabhanjikas.
Kandariya Mahadeo (Madhya Pradesh): The largest and most ornate temple in the Khajuraho group, built by the Chandelas.
Bhimesvara (Andhra Pradesh): Located in Draksharama, it is one of the 'Pancharama Kshetrams'.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Matching A-2 and C-3 is often the quickest way to solve this, as Khajuraho (C) is synonymous with Madhya Pradesh and Sringeri (A) with Karnataka.
Logic 2: D-1 (Bhimesvara) is a key Shiva shrine of the Eastern Chalukyas in Andhra.

Active Recall

Question

What is unique about the pillars in the Vidyashankara temple?

Answer

It has 12 zodiac pillars arranged such that the sun's rays fall on them according to the solar month.

Core Insight

These temples serve as architectural repositories of the astronomical and artistic knowledge of their respective eras.