Consider the following statements regarding the Bengal temple architecture: 1. The four-roofed structure is known as dochala. 2. In a chauchala structure, four triangular roofs placed on the four walls move up to converge on a curved line or a point. 3. Temples were usually built on a square platform. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is (c). Explanation Bengal temple architecture developed a distinct identity by incorporating elements from the local vernacular style of thatched huts. This evolution was characterized by the use of brick and terracotta, as stone was scarce in the region. The architectural forms are primarily classified based on the structure of their roofs. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Incorrect. The terminology for the roof structures is based on the number of sloping sides. A structure with two sloping roofs is known as dochala (derived from "do," meaning two). A structure with four sloping roofs is known as chauchala. - Statement 2 is Correct. The chauchala design mimics a four-sided thatched hut. In this structure, four triangular roof segments are placed on the four walls. These segments slope upward to converge at a curved line or a central point, often creating a dome-like interior while maintaining a hut-like exterior profile. - Statement 3 is Correct. These temples were typically constructed on a square platform. While the interiors were relatively plain, the outer walls were often elaborately decorated with terracotta panels depicting religious and mythological scenes. Key Takeaway: The defining characteristic of Bengal temple architecture is the adaptation of the bamboo-and-thatch hut form into brick masonry, specifically distinguished by the dochala (two-roofed) and chauchala (four-roofed) styles.

NCERT Class 7 History — Chapter 7: The Making of Regional Cultures

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Consider the following statements regarding the Bengal temple architecture:

The four-roofed structure is known as dochala.
In a chauchala structure, four triangular roofs placed on the four walls move up to converge on a curved line or a point.
Temples were usually built on a square platform.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Bengal temple architecture developed a distinct identity by incorporating elements from the local vernacular style of thatched huts. This evolution was characterized by the use of brick and terracotta, as stone was scarce in the region. The architectural forms are primarily classified based on the structure of their roofs.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. The terminology for the roof structures is based on the number of sloping sides. A structure with two sloping roofs is known as dochala (derived from "do," meaning two). A structure with four sloping roofs is known as chauchala.
Statement 2 is Correct. The chauchala design mimics a four-sided thatched hut. In this structure, four triangular roof segments are placed on the four walls. These segments slope upward to converge at a curved line or a central point, often creating a dome-like interior while maintaining a hut-like exterior profile.
Statement 3 is Correct. These temples were typically constructed on a square platform. While the interiors were relatively plain, the outer walls were often elaborately decorated with terracotta panels depicting religious and mythological scenes.

Key Takeaway: The defining characteristic of Bengal temple architecture is the adaptation of the bamboo-and-thatch hut form into brick masonry, specifically distinguished by the dochala (two-roofed) and chauchala (four-roofed) styles.

Your note

More from Chapter 7: The Making of Regional Cultures

With reference to the development of regional cultures in early medieval India, consider the following statements regarding the Chera kingdom: 1. The Chera kingdom of Mahodayapuram was established in the ninth century in the south-western part of the peninsula. 2. The rulers of this kingdom used only Sanskrit in their official inscriptions. 3. The temple theatre of the region borrowed stories from the Sanskritic epics. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the literary text Lilatilakam: 1. It is a twelfth-century text dealing with astronomy. 2. It was composed in the Manipravalam style, which literally refers to "diamonds and corals". 3. It represents the synthesis of Sanskrit and the regional language. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the Jagannatha cult in Orissa, consider the following statements: 1. The deity Jagannatha was originally a local god who was later identified with Vishnu. 2. In the twelfth century, King Anangabhima III decided to erect a temple for Purushottama Jagannatha at Puri. 3. King Anantavarman dedicated his kingdom to the deity and proclaimed himself as the "deputy" of the god. 4. The Mughals and the Marathas attempted to gain control over the temple to make their rule acceptable to local people. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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With reference to the tradition of miniature painting in India, consider the following statements: 1. The earliest miniatures were painted on palm leaves or wood. 2. The Mughal emperors strictly prohibited the painting of historical accounts. 3. The decline of the Mughal Empire led to the complete disappearance of the miniature tradition in northern India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which one of the following rulers is specifically credited with patronizing Kathak and elevating it to a major art form in the nineteenth century?

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Correct Option

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. The terminology for the roof structures is based on the number of sloping sides. A structure with two sloping roofs is known as dochala (derived from "do," meaning two). A structure with four sloping roofs is known as chauchala.
Statement 2 is Correct. The chauchala design mimics a four-sided thatched hut. In this structure, four triangular roof segments are placed on the four walls. These segments slope upward to converge at a curved line or a central point, often creating a dome-like interior while maintaining a hut-like exterior profile.
Statement 3 is Correct. These temples were typically constructed on a square platform. While the interiors were relatively plain, the outer walls were often elaborately decorated with terracotta panels depicting religious and mythological scenes.