Official UPSC Format

Which of the following temples has/have a Nagara-style shikhara ?
1. Malegitti Shivalaya, Badami
2. Huchimalligudi Temple, Aihole
3. Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh
4. Virupaksha Temple, Pattadakal
Select the answer using the code given below :

⚡ Quick Recall Snippet

Indian temple architecture is broadly divided into Nagara (North) and Dravida (South) styles. The Dashavatara Temple in Deogarh and the Huchimalligudi Temple in Aihole are prominent early examples featuring the curvilinear Nagara-style shikhara. Conversely, the Virupaksha Temple in Pattadakal exhibits the tiered Dravida style.

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Detailed Solution & Authority Citations

Correct Answer is Option B
Let us analyze the architectural styles of these iconic monuments based on Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) classifications:
  • Statement 1 is Incorrect: Built by the Early Chalukyas, the Malegitti Shivalaya in Badami is a quintessential early Dravida-style temple. Its superstructure consists of an octagonal dome surrounded by miniature shrines (kutas), lacking a curvilinear Nagara spire.

  • Statement 2 is Correct: Aihole was a laboratory for architectural experimentation. Despite being in the Deccan, the Huchimalligudi Temple features a distinct, curvilinear Nagara-style shikhara (Rekha-prasada) built over its sanctum.

  • Statement 3 is Correct: The Dashavatara Temple in Deogarh is a crowning achievement of the Gupta period. It is historically celebrated as one of the earliest surviving structural stone temples in North India to pioneer a pyramidal, Nagara-style shikhara.

  • Statement 4 is Incorrect: The Virupaksha Temple in Pattadakal is the zenith of Chalukyan art, built to commemorate a victory over the Pallavas. It is strictly built in the Dravida style, featuring a massive, tiered, pyramidal southern vimana directly inspired by the Kailasanatha temple in Kanchipuram.
    • Conclusion: Temples 2 and 3 feature Nagara-style shikharas, making Option B correct.

    🚨 The Examiner's Trap

    The examiner leverages geographical bias. Students often assume that any temple located in the South (like Aihole/Karnataka) must be Dravidian. However, the Huchimalligudi temple is a famous exception, demonstrating early Nagara experimentation in the Deccan.

    Active Recall Flashcard

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    What architectural style is the shikhara of the Gupta-period Dashavatara Temple in Deogarh built in?

    The Nagara style.

    Concept Flow Mapping

    Dashavatara Temple
    Features
    Nagara Style Shikhara
    Virupaksha Temple
    Features
    Dravida Style Vimana
    Huchimalligudi Temple
    Located In
    Aihole

    Logic Quest

    "Why does Aihole (in South India) have a Nagara-style temple?"

    Not analyzing core concepts like Evolution of Hindu Temple Architecture through the lens of Previous Year Questions is a serious miss-out. This PYQ engine is specifically designed to help you decode the examiner's mindset and master highly probable Art & Culture questions for your upcoming Prelims.