Consider the following statements regarding the architectural style of Assam: 1. The Gupta idiom was imported to the region by the 6th century CE. 2. The Kamakhya temple was built in the 2nd century BCE. 3. A distinct regional style developed in the 12th-14th centuries. Which of the statements given above are correct?

The correct option is 1 and 3 only. Explanation The architectural history of Assam (ancient Kamarupa) demonstrates a synthesis of mainland Indian styles, particularly the Gupta idiom, with indigenous regional developments that evolved over centuries, especially following the migration of the Tais (Ahoms). Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct. Historical evidence, such as the exquisitely carved door frame at Dah Parbatiya in Tezpur, confirms that the Gupta artistic idiom had been imported to the region by the 6th century CE. This indicates early cultural integration with the Gangetic valley. - Statement 2 is Incorrect. The Kamakhya temple is not associated with the 2nd century BCE. While the site is an ancient Shakti Peeth, the current structure was primarily built in the 16th century (1565 CE) by King Naranarayan of the Koch dynasty after the earlier structure was destroyed. It represents the 'Nilachal' type of architecture, which is much later than the 2nd century BCE. - Statement 3 is Correct. A distinct regional style of architecture began to develop in Assam during the 12th to 14th centuries. This period saw the blending of the dominant Pala style of Bengal with the style brought by the Tais (Ahoms) migrating from Upper Burma, leading to the unique architectural forms seen in later periods. Key Takeaway: Assam's architecture transitioned from the Gupta idiom (6th century CE) to a distinct regional style (12th-14th centuries), culminating in the unique Ahom and Koch styles (e.g., Kamakhya Temple, 16th century).

NCERT Class 11 Art & Culture — Chapter 6: Temple Architecture and Sculpture

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Consider the following statements regarding the architectural style of Assam:

The Gupta idiom was imported to the region by the 6th century CE.
The Kamakhya temple was built in the 2nd century BCE.
A distinct regional style developed in the 12th-14th centuries.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 3 only
B1, 2 and 3
C1 and 2 only
D2 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

The architectural history of Assam (ancient Kamarupa) demonstrates a synthesis of mainland Indian styles, particularly the Gupta idiom, with indigenous regional developments that evolved over centuries, especially following the migration of the Tais (Ahoms).

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct. Historical evidence, such as the exquisitely carved door frame at Dah Parbatiya in Tezpur, confirms that the Gupta artistic idiom had been imported to the region by the 6th century CE. This indicates early cultural integration with the Gangetic valley.
Statement 2 is Incorrect. The Kamakhya temple is not associated with the 2nd century BCE. While the site is an ancient Shakti Peeth, the current structure was primarily built in the 16th century (1565 CE) by King Naranarayan of the Koch dynasty after the earlier structure was destroyed. It represents the 'Nilachal' type of architecture, which is much later than the 2nd century BCE.
Statement 3 is Correct. A distinct regional style of architecture began to develop in Assam during the 12th to 14th centuries. This period saw the blending of the dominant Pala style of Bengal with the style brought by the Tais (Ahoms) migrating from Upper Burma, leading to the unique architectural forms seen in later periods.

Key Takeaway: Assam's architecture transitioned from the Gupta idiom (6th century CE) to a distinct regional style (12th-14th centuries), culminating in the unique Ahom and Koch styles (e.g., Kamakhya Temple, 16th century).

Your note

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The correct option is 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct. Historical evidence, such as the exquisitely carved door frame at Dah Parbatiya in Tezpur, confirms that the Gupta artistic idiom had been imported to the region by the 6th century CE. This indicates early cultural integration with the Gangetic valley.
Statement 2 is Incorrect. The Kamakhya temple is not associated with the 2nd century BCE. While the site is an ancient Shakti Peeth, the current structure was primarily built in the 16th century (1565 CE) by King Naranarayan of the Koch dynasty after the earlier structure was destroyed. It represents the 'Nilachal' type of architecture, which is much later than the 2nd century BCE.
Statement 3 is Correct. A distinct regional style of architecture began to develop in Assam during the 12th to 14th centuries. This period saw the blending of the dominant Pala style of Bengal with the style brought by the Tais (Ahoms) migrating from Upper Burma, leading to the unique architectural forms seen in later periods.