With reference to the Dravida style of temple architecture, consider the following statements: 1. The main temple tower is known as the vimana, which rises as a stepped pyramid. 2. The term shikhara refers to the main temple tower. 3. Unlike Nagara temples, Dravida temples are never enclosed within walls. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 1 only Explanation The Dravida style of temple architecture emerged in South India and is characterized by distinct features such as the pyramidal tower (Vimana), the entrance gateway (Gopuram), and the presence of boundary walls. This style stands in contrast to the Nagara style prevalent in North India. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: In the Dravida style, the main temple tower located above the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) is known as the Vimana. Unlike the curvilinear tower of the North, the Vimana rises in a geometrical, stepped-pyramid formation consisting of distinct storeys. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: There is a crucial terminological difference between North and South Indian styles. In the Nagara style, the entire tower is called the Shikhara. However, in the Dravida style, the term Shikhara refers specifically to the crowning element (often shaped like an octagon or a dome/cupola) placed at the very top of the Vimana. It does not refer to the main tower itself. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: One of the defining characteristics of the Dravida style is that the temple complex is enclosed within a compound wall. The front wall typically features an entrance gateway known as the Gopuram. In contrast, Nagara style temples are usually not enclosed by elaborate boundary walls or gateways. Key Takeaway: In Dravida architecture, the main tower is the Vimana (stepped pyramid), while the Shikhara is only the crowning cupola. Furthermore, Dravida temples are invariably enclosed by compound walls with Gopurams, unlike Nagara temples.

With reference to the Dravida style… - NCERT Class 11 Art & Culture MCQ

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

mcqmedium

With reference to the Dravida style of temple architecture, consider the following statements:

The main temple tower is known as the vimana, which rises as a stepped pyramid.
The term shikhara refers to the main temple tower.
Unlike Nagara temples, Dravida temples are never enclosed within walls.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT An Introduction to Indian Art · Page 82

Options

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

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is
1 only

Explanation

The Dravida style of temple architecture emerged in South India and is characterized by distinct features such as the pyramidal tower (Vimana), the entrance gateway (Gopuram), and the presence of boundary walls. This style stands in contrast to the Nagara style prevalent in North India.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: In the Dravida style, the main temple tower located above the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) is known as the Vimana. Unlike the curvilinear tower of the North, the Vimana rises in a geometrical, stepped-pyramid formation consisting of distinct storeys.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: There is a crucial terminological difference between North and South Indian styles. In the Nagara style, the entire tower is called the Shikhara. However, in the Dravida style, the term Shikhara refers specifically to the crowning element (often shaped like an octagon or a dome/cupola) placed at the very top of the Vimana. It does not refer to the main tower itself.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: One of the defining characteristics of the Dravida style is that the temple complex is enclosed within a compound wall. The front wall typically features an entrance gateway known as the Gopuram. In contrast, Nagara style temples are usually not enclosed by elaborate boundary walls or gateways.

Key Takeaway:
In Dravida architecture, the main tower is the Vimana (stepped pyramid), while the Shikhara is only the crowning cupola. Furthermore, Dravida temples are invariably enclosed by compound walls with Gopurams, unlike Nagara temples.

Your note

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