UPSC Prelims 2012 Q24: Art & Culture – Architecture & World Heritage
The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are the
- (a) three main racial groups of the Indian subcontinent
- (b) three main linguistic divisions into which the languages of India can be classified
- (c) three main styles of Indian temple architecture
- (d) three main musical Gharanas prevalent in India
Answer: (c) three main styles of Indian temple architecture
Explanation
Nagara, Dravida and Vesara
These are the three main styles of Indian temple architecture.
| Feature | Nagara | Dravida | Vesara |
|---|---|---|---|
| Region | North India | South India | Deccan |
| Tower | Curved shikhara | Stepped pyramid vimana | A mix of both |
| Gateway | Modest | Tall gopuram | Varies |
| Compound wall and tank | Usually absent | Usually present | Varies |
| Examples | Khajuraho, Konark, Lingaraja | Brihadeshwara, Meenakshi | Hoysala temples at Belur and Halebidu; Chalukya temples |
Parts common to temples:
| Part | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Garbhagriha | Sanctum with the deity |
| Mandapa | Pillared hall |
| Amalaka and kalasha | Crown of a Nagara tower |
They are not racial groups, language families or musical gharanas.
Answer: (c) three main styles of Indian temple architecture.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. They are not racial groups of the subcontinent.
- (b) Incorrect. They are not linguistic divisions; 'Dravida' here is an architectural term.
- (c) CORRECT. They are the three main styles of Indian temple architecture.
- (d) Incorrect. They are not musical Gharanas.
Key point
Nagara (north, curved shikhara), Dravida (south, pyramidal vimana and gopuram), Vesara (Deccan, hybrid; Chalukya and Hoysala).
Remember
Nagara, Dravida, Vesara = temple styles.
Common mistakes
- Reading Dravida as a language family here.
- Mixing up shikhara (Nagara) and vimana (Dravida).
- Forgetting Vesara, the mixed Deccan style.
Exam tip
Nagara = north, Dravida = south, Vesara = in between.
Sources
- NCERT Class XI — An Introduction to Indian Art, Ch 6 (Temple Architecture and Sculpture)
- Archaeological Survey of India — Temple architecture of India