UPSC Current Affairs
NAGARA STYLE OF ARCHITECTURE
The Ram temple in Ayodhya, set for inauguration on January 22 has been designed in the Nagara style of temple architecture. ABOUT NAGARA STYLE OF ARCHITECTURE: This Nagara style of temple architecture emerged in fifth century CE, during the late Gupta period, in northern India. It is common in the northern India for the entire temple to be built on a stone platform with a staircase leading to it.
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The Ram temple in Ayodhya, set for inauguration on January 22 has been designed in the Nagara style of temple architecture. ABOUT NAGARA STYLE OF ARCHITECTURE: This Nagara style of temple architecture emerged in fifth century CE, during the late Gupta period, in northern India. It is common in the northern India for the entire temple to be built on a stone platform with a staircase leading to it.
WHY IN NEWS ?
- The Ram temple in Ayodhya, set for inauguration on January 22 has been designed in the Nagara style of temple architecture.
ABOUT NAGARA STYLE OF ARCHITECTURE:
- This Nagara style of temple architecture emerged in fifth century CE, during the late Gupta period, in northern India.
- It is common in the northern India for the entire temple to be built on a stone platform with a staircase leading to it.
- Other unique feature is the absence of elaborate boundary walls or gates.
- The Garbhagriha is always under the tallest tower.
- The temples of Nagara style are characterized by simple shikhara with square bases and inwardly curved walls with pointed apexes.
- Temples have flat, upward tapering projections consisting of a central Latin cusp and a miniature cusp on the quadrants formed by tapering spires.
- There are also many subdivisions in the Nagara temples, depending on the form of Shikhara.
- Amalaka or Kalash installed in Shikhara is another distinguishing feature of this form of temple style.
TEMPLES OF NAGARA STYLE OF ARCHITECTURE:
- The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple in M.P is an example of Nagara-style temple architecture.
- Other examples of Nagara-style architecture temples in India are the Sun Temple in Konark, the Sun Temple in Modhera, Gujarat, and the Ossian Temple in Gujarat.
REGIONAL VARIATIONS IN NAGARA ARCHITECTURE:
- The Orissan Nagara style is characterized by its towering shikhara and exquisite stone carvings as visible in temples of Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Konark in the state of Odisha exemplify this style.
- The Gujarati Nagara style is known for its elegance and simplicity.
- Temple complexes in the state of Gujarat, such as the Sun Temple in Modhera and the famous Somnath Temple, display this architectural style.
- The Rajasthani Nagara style is characterized by distinctive elements of Rajput architecture, fortified walls and ornate entryways.
- The Dilwara Temples in Mount Abu and the Sun Temple of Ranakpur are classic examples of this style.
- Prelims: Key facts, institutions, locations and terminology in the article.
- Mains: Connect the topic with Polity & Governance.
- Revision: Use the article headings to prepare concise notes and answer-writing points.
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Questions from this article
Prelims practiceWith reference to NAGARA STYLE OF ARCHITECTURE, consider the following statements:
- The Ram temple in Ayodhya, set for inauguration on January 22 has been designed in the Nagara style of temple architecture.
- This Nagara style of temple architecture emerged in fifth century CE, during the late Gupta period, in northern India.
- It is common in the northern India for the entire temple to be built on a stone platform with a staircase leading to it.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
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Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3. All three statements are drawn from the article.
Mains practiceDiscuss the background, key issues and significance of NAGARA STYLE OF ARCHITECTURE for India.
Answer in 250 words.
View answer approach
- WHY IN NEWS ?
- ABOUT NAGARA STYLE OF ARCHITECTURE:
- TEMPLES OF NAGARA STYLE OF ARCHITECTURE:
- REGIONAL VARIATIONS IN NAGARA ARCHITECTURE:
Frequently asked questionsFrequently asked questions
Why is Nagara Style Of Architecture in the news?
The Ram temple in Ayodhya, set for inauguration on January 22 has been designed in the Nagara style of temple architecture. ABOUT NAGARA STYLE OF ARCHITECTURE: This Nagara style of temple architecture emerged in fifth century CE, during the late Gupta period, in northern India.
What are the key facts about Nagara Style Of Architecture?
It is common in the northern India for the entire temple to be built on a stone platform with a staircase leading to it. Other unique feature is the absence of elaborate boundary walls or gates. The Garbhagriha is always under the tallest tower.
Why is Nagara Style Of Architecture important for UPSC preparation?
The topic connects current developments with Polity & Governance and is relevant for both objective revision and analytical answer writing.