UPSC Prelims 2017 Q75: Art & Culture – Architecture & World Heritage
Which of the following is/are famous for Sun temples?
1. Arasavalli
2. Amarkantak
3. Omkareshwar
Select the correct answer
using the code given below:
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation
Places famous for Sun temples
| Place | State | Famous for | Sun temple? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Arasavalli | Andhra Pradesh (Srikakulam) | Suryanarayana Swamy temple | Yes |
| 2. Amarkantak | Madhya Pradesh | Source of the Narmada and Son rivers | No |
| 3. Omkareshwar | Madhya Pradesh | One of the twelve Jyotirlingas, on an island in the Narmada | No |
Other famous Sun temples:
| Temple | State | Built by |
|---|---|---|
| Konark | Odisha | Narasimhadeva I (Eastern Ganga), 13th century |
| Modhera | Gujarat | Bhima I (Solanki), 11th century |
| Martand | Jammu and Kashmir | Lalitaditya Muktapida, 8th century |
Answer: (a) 1 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Only Arasavalli is famous for a Sun temple.
- (b) Incorrect. Amarkantak and Omkareshwar are Narmada pilgrim sites, not Sun temples.
- (c) Incorrect. Omkareshwar is a Shiva Jyotirlinga, not a Sun temple.
- (d) Incorrect. Only Arasavalli qualifies; the other two are famous for Shiva and the Narmada.
Key point
Sun temples: Arasavalli (Andhra Pradesh), Konark (Odisha), Modhera (Gujarat), Martand (Kashmir). Amarkantak = Narmada source; Omkareshwar = Jyotirlinga.
Remember
Arasavalli = Sun temple in Andhra Pradesh.
Common mistakes
- Guessing that all three pilgrim towns have Sun temples.
- Not knowing Arasavalli, the least familiar name in the list.
- Confusing Omkareshwar (Shiva) with a Surya shrine.
Exam tip
Learn Sun temples as a set: Konark, Modhera, Martand, Arasavalli.
Sources
- Andhra Pradesh Tourism — Sri Suryanarayana Swamy Temple, Arasavalli
- NCERT Class XI — An Introduction to Indian Art, Ch 6 (Temple Architecture and Sculpture)