Match the following temple components with their descriptions: List I (Component) | List II (Description) A. Vimana | 1. Pyramidal tower in South India B. Shikhara (North) | 2. Curving tower in North India C. Gopuram | 3. Entrance gateway in South India D. Mandapa | 4. Pillared hall Select the correct answer using the code given below:

The correct Answer is A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4 Explanation Temple architecture in India, particularly the Nagara style (North Indian) and Dravida style (South Indian), features distinct components with specific functions and forms. Understanding these components is fundamental to distinguishing between different architectural styles. Statement-wise Analysis 1. A. Vimana - 1. Pyramidal tower in South India Correct. In South Indian temple architecture (Dravida style), the Vimana refers to the pyramidal tower built over the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). It typically consists of several receding storeys, culminating in a finial. 2. B. Shikhara (North) - 2. Curving tower in North India Correct. In North Indian temple architecture (Nagara style), the Shikhara is the curvilinear tower that rises above the garbhagriha. It is characterized by its upward-curving profile. 3. C. Gopuram - 3. Entrance gateway in South India Correct. Gopurams are monumental and often elaborately decorated entrance gateways found in South Indian temples. They are typically taller than the main temple tower (Vimana) and serve as prominent features of the temple complex. 4. D. Mandapa - 4. Pillared hall Correct. A Mandapa is a pillared hall or pavilion found in front of the garbhagriha in both North and South Indian temples. It serves as a space for devotees to gather for rituals, prayers, or performances. Key Takeaway Distinguishing between the Vimana (South Indian pyramidal tower) and Shikhara (North Indian curvilinear tower) as the main superstructure over the garbhagriha, and identifying Gopuram as the monumental South Indian gateway and Mandapa as the common pillared hall, are crucial for understanding Indian temple architecture.

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

mcqeasy

Match the following temple components with their descriptions:

List I (Component)	List II (Description)
A. Vimana	1. Pyramidal tower in South India
B. Shikhara (North)	2. Curving tower in North India
C. Gopuram	3. Entrance gateway in South India
D. Mandapa	4. Pillared hall

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AA-4, B-2, C-3, D-1
BA-2, B-1, C-4, D-3
CA-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
DA-1, B-3, C-2, D-4

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct Answer is A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4

Explanation

Temple architecture in India, particularly the Nagara style (North Indian) and Dravida style (South Indian), features distinct components with specific functions and forms. Understanding these components is fundamental to distinguishing between different architectural styles.

Statement-wise Analysis

A. Vimana - 1. Pyramidal tower in South India
Correct. In South Indian temple architecture (Dravida style), the Vimana refers to the pyramidal tower built over the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). It typically consists of several receding storeys, culminating in a finial.
B. Shikhara (North) - 2. Curving tower in North India
Correct. In North Indian temple architecture (Nagara style), the Shikhara is the curvilinear tower that rises above the garbhagriha. It is characterized by its upward-curving profile.
C. Gopuram - 3. Entrance gateway in South India
Correct. Gopurams are monumental and often elaborately decorated entrance gateways found in South Indian temples. They are typically taller than the main temple tower (Vimana) and serve as prominent features of the temple complex.
D. Mandapa - 4. Pillared hall
Correct. A Mandapa is a pillared hall or pavilion found in front of the garbhagriha in both North and South Indian temples. It serves as a space for devotees to gather for rituals, prayers, or performances.

Key Takeaway

Distinguishing between the Vimana (South Indian pyramidal tower) and Shikhara (North Indian curvilinear tower) as the main superstructure over the garbhagriha, and identifying Gopuram as the monumental South Indian gateway and Mandapa as the common pillared hall, are crucial for understanding Indian temple architecture.

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?

medium

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

Keep practising Chapter 6: Temple Architecture and Sculpture

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The correct Answer is A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

A. Vimana - 1. Pyramidal tower in South India
Correct. In South Indian temple architecture (Dravida style), the Vimana refers to the pyramidal tower built over the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). It typically consists of several receding storeys, culminating in a finial.
B. Shikhara (North) - 2. Curving tower in North India
Correct. In North Indian temple architecture (Nagara style), the Shikhara is the curvilinear tower that rises above the garbhagriha. It is characterized by its upward-curving profile.
C. Gopuram - 3. Entrance gateway in South India
Correct. Gopurams are monumental and often elaborately decorated entrance gateways found in South Indian temples. They are typically taller than the main temple tower (Vimana) and serve as prominent features of the temple complex.
D. Mandapa - 4. Pillared hall
Correct. A Mandapa is a pillared hall or pavilion found in front of the garbhagriha in both North and South Indian temples. It serves as a space for devotees to gather for rituals, prayers, or performances.