With reference to Chausath Yogini Temple situated near Morena, consider the following statements:It

Q: What is UPSC Prelims?

UPSC Prelims is a competitive examination conducted in India. This question is from the 2021 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 2021 question covers Ancient Indian Art & Architecture – Caves, Stupas & Temples topic.

Q: What is the difficulty level of this question?

This UPSC Prelims 2021 History question has a medium difficulty level and is marked as an important question.

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

With reference to Chausath Yogini Temple situated near Morena, consider the following statements:It is a circular temple built during the reign of Kachchhapaghata Dynasty.It is the only circular temple built in India.It was meant to promote the Vaishnava cult in the region.Its design has given rise to a popular belief that it was the inspiration behind the Indian Parliament building.Which of the statements given above are correct?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: C — 1 and 4Step-by-step Solution:Statement 1 — Circular temple built during Kachchhapaghata Dynasty: Correct. The Chausath Yogini temple (Morena district, MP) was built by King Devapala of the Kachchhapaghata dynasty (1055-1075 CE), according to an inscription from 1323 CE (Vikram Samvat 1383). ✓Statement 4 — Design inspired Indian Parliament building: Correct. Its unique circular shape is popularly believed to have inspired the design of the Indian Parliament building (Sansad Bhavan), designed by Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker. ✓Statement 2 — Only circular temple in India: Incorrect. There are other circular temples, including another Chausath Yogini temple at Ranipur-Jharial (Odisha) and also at Khajuraho. ✗Statement 3 — Meant to promote Vaishnava cult: Incorrect. The temple is dedicated to 64 Yoginis (attendants of Goddess Durga) and holds Shiva lingas in the cells. It is associated with Shaktism and Tantrism, not Vaishnavism. ✗Why other options are incorrect:Option A (1 and 2): Incorrect because statement 2 is false.Option B (2 and 3): Incorrect because both statements 2 and 3 are false.Option D (2,3,4): Incorrect because statements 2 and 3 are false.Key Concept: Chausath Yogini temples (64 yoginis) are rare circular hypaethral (roofless) temples. There are only four surviving in India: at Morena, Ranipur-Jharial (Odisha), Khajuraho, and Bhedaghat (Jabalpur). The Morena temple is the largest. The circular shape represents the Sri Yantra with the Supreme Yogini in the centre.

Master UPSC Prelims with Our Test Series

More Questions from Ancient Indian Art & Architecture – Caves, Stupas & Temples

Frequently Asked Questions

Master UPSC Prelims with Our Test Series

More Questions from Ancient Indian Art & Architecture – Caves, Stupas & Temples

Frequently Asked Questions