With reference to the Dashavatara temple at Deogarh, consider the following statements: 1. It is a classic example of a late Gupta Period temple built in the panchayatana style. 2. It is an east-facing temple. 3. The image of Sheshashayana is carved on the northern wall. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 1 only Explanation The Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh (Uttar Pradesh) is a seminal structure from the Gupta Period (c. 6th century CE). It marks a significant evolution in Indian temple architecture, representing one of the earliest surviving examples of the Panchayatana style and the transition from rock-cut caves to structural temples. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: The temple is a classic example of late Gupta architecture. It is built in the Panchayatana style, which consists of a main shrine housed on a raised rectangular plinth, surrounded by four smaller subsidiary shrines at the corners. It is widely considered the earliest known Panchayatana temple in North India. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: While the majority of Hindu temples are oriented towards the east to face the rising sun, the Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh is unique as it is west-facing. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: The exterior walls of the sanctum feature three celebrated relief panels depicting varying forms of Lord Vishnu. Their specific placement is as follows: - South Wall: Sheshashayana (Vishnu reclining on the serpent Shesha). - East Wall: Nara-Narayana (Vishnu performing penance). - North Wall: Gajendramoksha (Vishnu saving the elephant king). Thus, the Sheshashayana image is carved on the southern wall, not the northern wall. Key Takeaway The Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh is a west-facing, Panchayatana style structural temple from the Gupta period, distinguished by its three exterior Vishnu panels: Sheshashayana (South), Nara-Narayana (East), and Gajendramoksha (North).

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

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With reference to the Dashavatara temple at Deogarh, consider the following statements:

It is a classic example of a late Gupta Period temple built in the panchayatana style.
It is an east-facing temple.
The image of Sheshashayana is carved on the northern wall.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

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

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

1 only

Explanation

The Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh (Uttar Pradesh) is a seminal structure from the Gupta Period (c. 6th century CE). It marks a significant evolution in Indian temple architecture, representing one of the earliest surviving examples of the Panchayatana style and the transition from rock-cut caves to structural temples.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: The temple is a classic example of late Gupta architecture. It is built in the Panchayatana style, which consists of a main shrine housed on a raised rectangular plinth, surrounded by four smaller subsidiary shrines at the corners. It is widely considered the earliest known Panchayatana temple in North India.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: While the majority of Hindu temples are oriented towards the east to face the rising sun, the Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh is unique as it is west-facing.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The exterior walls of the sanctum feature three celebrated relief panels depicting varying forms of Lord Vishnu. Their specific placement is as follows:
- South Wall: Sheshashayana (Vishnu reclining on the serpent Shesha).
- East Wall: Nara-Narayana (Vishnu performing penance).
- North Wall: Gajendramoksha (Vishnu saving the elephant king).
Thus, the Sheshashayana image is carved on the southern wall, not the northern wall.

Key Takeaway

The Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh is a west-facing, Panchayatana style structural temple from the Gupta period, distinguished by its three exterior Vishnu panels: Sheshashayana (South), Nara-Narayana (East), and Gajendramoksha (North).

Your note

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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?

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The correct option is

1 only

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: The temple is a classic example of late Gupta architecture. It is built in the Panchayatana style, which consists of a main shrine housed on a raised rectangular plinth, surrounded by four smaller subsidiary shrines at the corners. It is widely considered the earliest known Panchayatana temple in North India.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: While the majority of Hindu temples are oriented towards the east to face the rising sun, the Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh is unique as it is west-facing.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The exterior walls of the sanctum feature three celebrated relief panels depicting varying forms of Lord Vishnu. Their specific placement is as follows:
- South Wall: Sheshashayana (Vishnu reclining on the serpent Shesha).
- East Wall: Nara-Narayana (Vishnu performing penance).
- North Wall: Gajendramoksha (Vishnu saving the elephant king).
Thus, the Sheshashayana image is carved on the southern wall, not the northern wall.