The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are the

Q: What is UPSC Prelims?

UPSC Prelims is a competitive examination conducted in India. This question is from the 2012 UPSC Prelims History paper.

Q: How can I prepare for UPSC Prelims History?

To prepare for UPSC Prelims History, practice previous year questions (PYQs), understand concepts thoroughly, and solve mock tests regularly. This 2012 question covers Temples – Nagara, Dravidian & Vesara Styles topic.

Q: What is the difficulty level of this question?

This UPSC Prelims 2012 History question has a easy difficulty level and is marked as an important question and is one of the most repeated questions.

Q: Where can I find more UPSC Prelims previous year questions?

You can find more UPSC Prelims previous year questions on AspirantMitraa. Browse by subject, topic, year, and difficulty level to practice effectively.

Question

The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are the

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: C — Three main styles of Indian temple architectureSolution:Nagara, Dravida, and Vesara are the three canonical styles of Indian temple architecture as classified in ancient Hindu architectural treatises (Shilpashastras):Nagara style: The temple architecture of North India — characterised by a beehive-shaped shikhara (tower) over the sanctum sanctorum, rising curvilinearly. The temple plan is square with projecting offsets. Found in: Odisha (Lingaraja Temple, Konark Sun Temple); Rajasthan (temples at Khajuraho under Chandela dynasty); Gujarat (Modhera Sun Temple); Central India. The three main sub-schools are Odisha, Central Indian (Solanki), and Gujarati styles.Dravida style: The temple architecture of South India — characterised by a pyramid-shaped Vimana (tower) with multiple receding storeys, topped by a barrel vault or dome. Large gopurams (gateway towers) often taller than the main shrine. Famous examples: Brihadesvara Temple (Thanjavur), Meenakshi Temple (Madurai), Shore Temple (Mahabalipuram).Vesara style: A hybrid/mixed style combining elements of both Nagara and Dravida architectures — found mainly in the Deccan region (Karnataka). The Chalukyas of Badami and Rashtrakutas pioneered this style. Examples: temples at Aihole, Badami, Pattadakal (Chalukya style).Why other options are incorrect:Options A (racial groups), B (linguistic divisions), D (musical gharanas): All misidentify what Nagara, Dravida, and Vesara represent — they are temple architecture terms, not racial, linguistic, or musical categories.Key Concept: Indian temple architecture reflects regional and dynastic traditions. Key dynasties and their styles: Pallavas (early Dravida — Mahabalipuram); Cholas (mature Dravida — Brihadesvara); Vijayanagara (late Dravida — elaborate gopurams); Chandelas (Nagara — Khajuraho); Rashtrakutas/Chalukyas (Vesara — Pattadakal); Hoysalas (distinctive Hoysala style — stellate plan, Belur, Halebid). Pattadakal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that beautifully demonstrates both Nagara and Dravida styles side by side, built by the Chalukyas who tried both.

The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are the

Master UPSC Prelims with Our Test Series

More Questions from Temples – Nagara, Dravidian & Vesara Styles

Frequently Asked Questions

The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are the

Master UPSC Prelims with Our Test Series

More Questions from Temples – Nagara, Dravidian & Vesara Styles

Frequently Asked Questions