With reference to the Kandariya Mahadeo temple at Khajuraho, consider the following statements: 1. It is a rock-cut temple located in the Deccan. 2. It belongs to the Nagara style of temple architecture. 3. Its sculptures are highly stylized with sharp noses and long slanting eyes. Which of the statements given above are correct?

The correct option is 2 only. Explanation The Kandariya Mahadeo temple is the largest and most ornate temple in the Khajuraho group of monuments. Built by the Chandela dynasty in the 11th century, it represents the culmination of the Nagara style of temple architecture in Central India. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Incorrect. - The Kandariya Mahadeo temple is a structural temple constructed using sandstone blocks, not a rock-cut temple. Rock-cut architecture (e.g., Kailasa temple at Ellora) involves excavating a monolith from a natural rock face. - Geographically, Khajuraho is located in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh (Central India), specifically in the Bundelkhand region. It is not located in the Deccan, which generally refers to the plateau south of the Narmada River (e.g., Maharashtra, Karnataka). - Statement 2 is Correct. - The temple is a classic example of the Nagara style of architecture. - It features key Nagara elements such as a cruciform ground plan, a high platform (Jagati), and a curvilinear tower (Shikhara) topped with an Amalaka and Kalasha. - It specifically showcases the Sekhari mode of the Nagara style, characterized by a cluster of subsidiary spires (Urushringas) clinging to the main central spire, creating the visual effect of a mountain range. - Statement 3 is Incorrect. - The description "highly stylized with sharp noses and long slanting eyes" refers to the Apabhramsa or Western Indian School of Painting (often associated with Jain manuscripts from Gujarat and Rajasthan). - The sculptures of Khajuraho are renowned for their realistic modeling, sensuous forms, fluid body movements (Tribhanga pose), and intricate detailing, rather than the angular and flat stylization described in the statement. Key Takeaway Kandariya Mahadeo Temple is a structural sandstone temple in Central India (Khajuraho) built in the Nagara style. Its art is characterized by realistic and sensuous sculpture, whereas "sharp noses and protruding eyes" are features of medieval Jain/Apabhramsa paintings.

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

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

mcqmedium

With reference to the Kandariya Mahadeo temple at Khajuraho, consider the following statements:

It is a rock-cut temple located in the Deccan.
It belongs to the Nagara style of temple architecture.
Its sculptures are highly stylized with sharp noses and long slanting eyes.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT An Introduction to Indian Art · Page 74

Options

A1, 2 and 3
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1 and 2 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 2 only.

Explanation

The Kandariya Mahadeo temple is the largest and most ornate temple in the Khajuraho group of monuments. Built by the Chandela dynasty in the 11th century, it represents the culmination of the Nagara style of temple architecture in Central India.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect.
- The Kandariya Mahadeo temple is a structural temple constructed using sandstone blocks, not a rock-cut temple. Rock-cut architecture (e.g., Kailasa temple at Ellora) involves excavating a monolith from a natural rock face.
- Geographically, Khajuraho is located in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh (Central India), specifically in the Bundelkhand region. It is not located in the Deccan, which generally refers to the plateau south of the Narmada River (e.g., Maharashtra, Karnataka).
Statement 2 is Correct.
- The temple is a classic example of the Nagara style of architecture.
- It features key Nagara elements such as a cruciform ground plan, a high platform (Jagati), and a curvilinear tower (Shikhara) topped with an Amalaka and Kalasha.
- It specifically showcases the Sekhari mode of the Nagara style, characterized by a cluster of subsidiary spires (Urushringas) clinging to the main central spire, creating the visual effect of a mountain range.
Statement 3 is Incorrect.
- The description "highly stylized with sharp noses and long slanting eyes" refers to the Apabhramsa or Western Indian School of Painting (often associated with Jain manuscripts from Gujarat and Rajasthan).
- The sculptures of Khajuraho are renowned for their realistic modeling, sensuous forms, fluid body movements (Tribhanga pose), and intricate detailing, rather than the angular and flat stylization described in the statement.

Key Takeaway

Kandariya Mahadeo Temple is a structural sandstone temple in Central India (Khajuraho) built in the Nagara style. Its art is characterized by realistic and sensuous sculpture, whereas "sharp noses and protruding eyes" are features of medieval Jain/Apabhramsa paintings.

Your note

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