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Hard Factual Recall

Evolution of Hindu Temple Architecture

Decode Evolution of Hindu Temple Architecture using previous year trends.

Official Question UPSC 2026

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 :

Solution & Analysis

Answer: 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.

Quick Recall

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.

Concept Flow Mapping

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

Concept Question

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

Key Takeaway

The Nagara style.

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.

Core Insight

Aihole was the 'cradle of Indian temple architecture' under the Early Chalukyas. During the 6th-7th centuries, architectural styles were not yet strictly geographically locked. Chalukyan artisans actively experimented with both Northern (curvilinear Nagara) and Southern (tiered Dravida) forms within the same complex before the styles rigidly hardened geographically.

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