UPSC Prelims 2019 Q11: Art & Culture – Architecture & World Heritage
- (a) Chalukya
- (b) Chandela
- (c) Rashtrakuta
- (d) Vijayanagara
Answer: (d) Vijayanagara
Explanation
Kalyana Mandapas: A Vijayanagara Innovation
| Kingdom | Signature Temple Feature |
|---|---|
| Chalukya (Badami/Vatapi) | Cave temples + early structural temples (mixed Nagara/Dravida) |
| Chandela (Bundelkhand) | Khajuraho temples (Nagara style, erotic sculptures) |
| Rashtrakuta | Kailasa temple, Ellora (rock-cut monolithic) |
| Vijayanagara | Kalyana Mandapas (marriage halls) + Amman shrines + tall Rayagopurams + composite pillars with rearing yali/horse figures |
Kalyana Mandapas were elaborate marriage-hall pavilions attached to Vijayanagara temples for the ritual divine wedding (kalyanotsavam) of the deity with the consort. Famous examples: Vitthala temple (Hampi), Varadaraja temple (Kanchipuram), Meenakshi temple (Madurai - Nayaka continuation).
Answer: (d) Vijayanagara.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Chalukyas built early cave temples and structural temples (Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal) but Kalyana Mandapas are not their signature.
- (b) Incorrect. Chandelas built Khajuraho temples - famous for Nagara-style shikharas and sculpted panels.
- (c) Incorrect. Rashtrakutas built the rock-cut Kailasa temple at Ellora - not known for Kalyana Mandapas.
- (d) CORRECT. Kalyana Mandapas (divine marriage halls) are a signature feature of Vijayanagara temple architecture, seen at Hampi (Vitthala), Kanchipuram (Varadaraja) and Nayaka-era Madurai.
Key point
Kalyana Mandapa = Vijayanagara temple marriage hall. Also introduced: tall Rayagopurams, Amman shrines, yali pillars, composite temple complexes.
Remember
The building of Kalyana Mandapas (elaborate marriage-hall pavilions for the divine wedding ritual) was a notable feature of Vijayanagara temple architecture, famously seen at Hampi (Vitthala temple), Kanchipuram (Varadaraja) and continued by the Nayakas at Madurai (Meenakshi temple).
Common mistakes
- Confusing Kalyana Mandapa with Nata Mandapa (dance hall - Orissan Kalinga style, e.g. Konark).
- Assuming any south Indian innovation is Chola. Chola: monumental Vimanas (Brihadisvara). Vijayanagara: Kalyana Mandapa + Rayagopuram.
- Not knowing Nayaka temples (Madurai, Srirangam) continued and elaborated Vijayanagara Kalyana Mandapa tradition.
Exam tip
Temple element mapping: Vimana = Chola signature. Shikhara = Nagara (Khajuraho, Odisha). Rayagopuram + Kalyana Mandapa + Amman shrine = Vijayanagara. Rock-cut monolith = Rashtrakuta (Ellora).
Sources
- NCERT Class 11 - An Introduction to Indian Art (Temple architecture chapters)
- Percy Brown - Indian Architecture (Hindu Period)