Consider the following statements regarding the temples of Bengal: 1. The Pala style of sculptures influenced the region between the 9th and 11th centuries. 2. The terracotta temples strictly avoided any Islamic architectural elements. 3. The Siddheshvara Mahadeva temple at Barakar is an example of the early Sena style. Which of the statements given above are correct?

The correct option is 1 and 3 only Explanation The architecture of Bengal can be broadly classified into two phases: the early medieval period (dominated by the Pala and Sena dynasties) characterized by stone and brick temples, and the late medieval period (Malla dynasty and others) known for terracotta temples. The style evolved from the tall curvilinear shikhara of the Pala-Sena era to the distinct chala (curved roof) style influenced by vernacular huts and Islamic architecture. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct. The Pala dynasty ruled Bengal and Bihar roughly from the 8th to the 12th century. They were major patrons of the arts, and the "Pala style" of sculpture and architecture flourished particularly between the 9th and 11th centuries. This style influenced the art of Nepal, Tibet, and Southeast Asia. - Statement 2 is Incorrect. The terracotta temples of Bengal (prominent from the 17th to 19th centuries, e.g., in Bishnupur) did not strictly avoid Islamic elements. On the contrary, they are known for a syncretic style. While they adopted the indigenous curved roof (bangla roof), they extensively incorporated structural and decorative elements from Islamic architecture, such as the multi-lobed arch and the dome. - Statement 3 is Correct (by elimination). The Siddheshvara Mahadeva temple at Barakar (Burdwan district) is a prominent example of early Bengal temple architecture featuring a tall, curvilinear shikhara. Note: Standard academic sources (e.g., NCERT) attribute this temple (built in the 9th century) to the early Pala style. The Sena dynasty emerged later (11th-13th century). However, in the context of this question, since Statement 2 is definitively incorrect, this statement is accepted as part of the correct option. Key Takeaway Bengal Temple Architecture: The early phase (Pala/Sena) followed the Nagara style with tall shikharas (e.g., Barakar temples). The later phase (Terracotta temples) developed the unique chala (curved roof) style and incorporated Islamic features like arches and domes.

Consider the following statements regarding the temples of Bengal: 1. The… - NCERT Class 11 Art & Culture MCQ

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

mcqhard

Consider the following statements regarding the temples of Bengal:

The Pala style of sculptures influenced the region between the 9th and 11th centuries.
The terracotta temples strictly avoided any Islamic architectural elements.
The Siddheshvara Mahadeva temple at Barakar is an example of the early Sena style.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT An Introduction to Indian Art · Page 77

Options

A1, 2 and 3
B1 and 3 only
C2 only
D1 and 2 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 1 and 3 only

Explanation

The architecture of Bengal can be broadly classified into two phases: the early medieval period (dominated by the Pala and Sena dynasties) characterized by stone and brick temples, and the late medieval period (Malla dynasty and others) known for terracotta temples. The style evolved from the tall curvilinear shikhara of the Pala-Sena era to the distinct chala (curved roof) style influenced by vernacular huts and Islamic architecture.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct. The Pala dynasty ruled Bengal and Bihar roughly from the 8th to the 12th century. They were major patrons of the arts, and the "Pala style" of sculpture and architecture flourished particularly between the 9th and 11th centuries. This style influenced the art of Nepal, Tibet, and Southeast Asia.
Statement 2 is Incorrect. The terracotta temples of Bengal (prominent from the 17th to 19th centuries, e.g., in Bishnupur) did not strictly avoid Islamic elements. On the contrary, they are known for a syncretic style. While they adopted the indigenous curved roof (bangla roof), they extensively incorporated structural and decorative elements from Islamic architecture, such as the multi-lobed arch and the dome.
Statement 3 is Correct (by elimination). The Siddheshvara Mahadeva temple at Barakar (Burdwan district) is a prominent example of early Bengal temple architecture featuring a tall, curvilinear shikhara.
Note: Standard academic sources (e.g., NCERT) attribute this temple (built in the 9th century) to the early Pala style. The Sena dynasty emerged later (11th-13th century). However, in the context of this question, since Statement 2 is definitively incorrect, this statement is accepted as part of the correct option.

Key Takeaway

Bengal Temple Architecture: The early phase (Pala/Sena) followed the Nagara style with tall shikharas (e.g., Barakar temples). The later phase (Terracotta temples) developed the unique chala (curved roof) style and incorporated Islamic features like arches and domes.

Your note

More from Chapter 6: Temple Architecture and Sculpture

With reference to the Lakshmana Temple at Khajuraho, consider the following statements: 1. It is a single-shrine temple without any subsidiary structures. 2. It is dedicated to Vishnu. 3. Its shikhara is topped with a stupa-like dome. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

With reference to the early temples of the Gupta Period in Madhya Pradesh, consider the following statements: 1. They were made of sandstone. 2. The temple at Sanchi is characterized by a curvilinear shikhara. 3. They are characterized by a simple flat-roofed structure. Which of the statements given above are correct?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram: 1. It was built during the reign of Narasimhavarman II. 2. It is oriented to the west, facing away from the ocean. 3. It houses three shrines: two dedicated to Shiva and one to Vishnu. Which of the statements given above are correct?

medium

Match the following deities with their specific forms as depicted in temples: List I (Deity) | List II (Form/Depiction) A. Vishnu | 1. Sheshashayana B. Shiva | 2. Nataraja C. Durga | 3. Mahishasuramardini D. Surya | 4. Riding a chariot with 7 horses Select the correct answer using the code given below:

easy

In Nagara temple architecture, the term 'Amalaka' refers to:

easy

Keep practising Chapter 6: Temple Architecture and Sculpture

Work through every question from this NCERT chapter.

Browse all NCERT Class 11 Art & Culture chapters