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With reference to the cultural history of India, the term ‘Panchayatan’ refers to:

(a)

an assembly of village elders

(b)

a religious sect

(c)

a style of temple construction

(d)

an administrative functionary

Correct Answer

(c)

Explanation

Option c is correct: Panchayatan is an architectural and religious concept from Hindu temple design.It refers to a main shrine (dedicated to a primary deity) surrounded by four subsidiary shrines, forming a five-shrine layout. It was introduced during the Gupta period (4th–6th century CE) and later became common in North and Central India.Exmaple: Vishnu temple at Deogarh (Madhya Pradesh), early Gupta temple, is a classic Panchayatan structure.

Microtheme: ArchitectureXTemple —
10 questions asked in Prelims in the past.

  1. [2026] Which of the following temples has/have a Nagara-style shikhara?
    1. Malegitti Shivalaya, Badami
    2. Huchimalligudi Temple, Aihole
    3. Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh
    4. Virupaksha Temple, Pattadakal

    • (a) 1 and 2
    • (b) 2 and 3
    • (c) 3 only
    • (d) 3 and 4
    Correct Answer: (B) 2 and 3
  2. [2022] The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new Circuit House near Somnath Temple at Veraval. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Somnath Temple ?
    1. Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines.
    2. A description of Somnath Temple was given by Al-Biruni.
    3. Pran Pratishtha of Somnath Temple (installation of the present day temple) was done by President S. Radhakrishnan.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below :

    • (a) 1 and 2 only
    • (b) 2 and 3 only
    • (c) 1 and 3 only
    • (d) 1, 2 and 3
    Correct Answer: (A) 1 and 2 only
  3. [2021] With reference to Chausath Yogini Temple situated near Morena, consider the following statements:
    1.It is a circular temple built during the reign of Kachchhapaghata Dynasty.
    2.It is the only circular temple built in India.
    3.It was meant to promote the Vaishnava cult in the region.
    4.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?

    • (a) 1 and 2
    • (b) 2 and 3 only
    • (c) 1 and 4
    • (d) 2, 3, and 4
    Correct Answer: (C) 1 and 4
  4. [2019] Building ‘Kalyaana Mandapas’ was a notable feature in the temple construction in the kingdom of

    • (a) Chalukya
    • (b) Chandela
    • (c) Rashtrakuta
    • (d) Vijayanagara
    Correct Answer: (D) Vijayanagara
  5. [2017] Which of the following is/are famous for Sun temples?
    1. Arasavalli
    2. Amarakantak
    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
    Correct Answer: (A) 1 only
  6. [2014] With reference to the cultural history of India, the term ‘Panchayatan’ refers to:

    • (a) an assembly of village elders
    • (b) a religious sect
    • (c) a style of temple construction
    • (d) an administrative functionary
    Correct Answer: (C) a style of temple construction
  7. [2012] 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 Indian can be classified
    • (c) three main styles of Indian temple architecture
    • (d) three main musical Gharanas prevalent in India
    Correct Answer: (C) three main styles of Indian temple architecture
  8. [2009] Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists
    (Famous Temple) (State)
    A. Vidyashankara temple 1. Andhra Pradesh
    B. Rajarani temple 2. Karnataka
    C. Kandariya Mahadeo 3. Madhya Pradesh
    D. Bhimesvara Temple 4. Orissa

    • (a) A – 2; B – 4; C – 3; D – 1
    • (b) A – 2; B – 3; C – 4; D – 1
    • (c) A – 1; B – 4; C – 3; D – 2
    • (d) A – 1; B – 3; C – 4; D – 2
    Correct Answer: (A) A – 2; B – 4; C – 3; D – 1
  9. [2009] Where is the famous Virupaksha temple located?

    • (a) Bhadrachalam
    • (b) Chidambaram
    • (c) Hampi
    • (d) Srikalahasti
    Correct Answer: (C) Hampi
  10. [2008] Near which one of the following cities are Palitana Temples located?

    • (a) Bhavnagar
    • (b) Mount Abu
    • (c) Nasik
    • (d) Ujjain
    Correct Answer: (A) Bhavnagar