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.

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

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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?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

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

Which of the following temple groups is renowned for the 'Bangla roof' style that subsequently influenced Mughal architecture?

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With reference to the basic form of the Hindu temple, consider the following statements: 1. The garbhagriha was originally a small cubicle with a single entrance which later grew into a larger chamber. 2. The mandapa is the main sanctum sanctorum of the temple. 3. The mount or vehicle of the temple’s main deity is placed axially behind the sanctum to guard the rear entrance. Which of the statements given above are correct?

medium

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below: List I | List II A. Amalaka | 1. Motif resembling a cow-eye or arch B. Kalasha | 2. Composite mythical beast C. Gavaksha | 3. Vase or pot placed on top of the amalaka D. Vyala | 4. Horizontal fluted disc at the top of the shikhara

easy

easy

Consider the following statements regarding the sub-types of Nagara temple architecture: 1. Latina buildings are characterized by a flat roof structure. 2. Phamsana buildings tend to be broader and shorter than Latina ones. 3. Valabhi buildings have a roof that rises into a vaulted chamber, similar to a wagon-vault. Which of the statements given above are correct?

hard

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The correct option is 1 and 3 only

Explanation

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.