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Evolution of Temple Architecture

Matching Gupta Temples and Locations | UPSC History

The Brick temple is at Bhitargaon, Dasavatara is at Deogarh, Shiva temple at Bhumara, and Vishnu temple at Eran.

Primary Reference: NCERT Class XI - An Introduction to Indian Art

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Match list-I with list-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
List-IList-II
A. Brick-built Temple1. Eran
B. Dasavatara Temple2. Deogarh
C. Shiva Temple3. Bhitargaon
D. Vishnu Temple4. Bhumara

[UPPCS (Mains) 2013]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept


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

Authentic Source Evidence


  • 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.

    • Analytical Breakdown


  • 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.

    • Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

    "What is unique about the Bhitargaon temple structure?"

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

    Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

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

    Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

    Panchayatana 2
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