Question

Which of the following temples is famous for its Nagara style of architecture?

• A. Brihadeeswara Temple
• B. Shore Temple
• C. Kandariya Mahadeva Temple
• D. Virupaksha Temple

Hint:

To distinguish temple architecture styles:
Nagara Style = Northern India, curvilinear Shikhara, no massive boundary walls, Khajuraho/Odisha temples.
Dravida Style = Southern India, pyramidal Vimana, massive boundary walls with high gateways called Gopurams, Chola/Pallava temples.
This basic regional distinction helps you solve art and culture questions easily.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The objective of this question is to identify which of the given historic Indian temples is built in the traditional Nagara style of architecture, which is characteristic of Northern India.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Indian temple architecture is broadly categorized into three main styles: Nagara (Northern style), Dravida (Southern style), and Vesara (a hybrid style found in Central India).
2. The Nagara style is characterized by a stone platform with steps (Jagati), a curvilinear tower (Shikhara) topped by a spherical ribbed stone (Amalaka) and a vase (Kalasha), and a mandapa (pillared hall).
3. Let us evaluate Option (A) "Brihadeeswara Temple": Located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, this temple was built by Raja Raja Chola I.
It is an outstanding example of Dravida (Southern) architecture with its high pyramidal vimana.
4. Let us evaluate Option (B) "Shore Temple": Located in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, this Pallava-era temple is also a classic representation of early Dravida temple architecture.
5. Let us evaluate Option (C) "Kandariya Mahadeva Temple": Located in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, this temple was built by the Chandela rulers.
It features a complex structure of rising shikharas resembling a mountain range and represents the peak of the Central Indian Nagara style of architecture.
6. Let us evaluate Option (D) "Virupaksha Temple": Located in Hampi, Karnataka, this Vijayanagara-era temple is built in the Dravida style.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is the correct representative of the Nagara style, which is Option (C).