✅ UPSC CSE 2026 | Art & Culture – Indian Temple Architecture
Question:
Which of the following temples has/have a Nagara-style shikhara?
- Malegitti Shivalaya, Badami
- Huchimalligudi Temple, Aihole
- Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh
- Virupaksha Temple, Pattadakal
Select the answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 3 only
(d) 3 and 4
✅ Correct Answer: (c) 3 only
Detailed Explanation (Accurate | Best in the World Quality)
Nagara style is the North Indian style of temple architecture. Its most distinctive feature is the curvilinear shikhara (tower) rising above the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum).
Dravida style (South Indian) has a pyramidal vimana instead of a curvilinear shikhara.
Analysis of Each Temple
| Temple | Location | Style | Has Nagara-style Shikhara? | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Malegitti Shivalaya | Badami | Vesara/Dravida | No | Has a Dravida-style vimana |
| 2. Huchimalligudi Temple | Aihole | Vesara | No | Hybrid style, not pure Nagara |
| 3. Dashavatara Temple | Deogarh | Nagara | Yes | Classic early Nagara with curvilinear rekha-prasada shikhara |
| 4. Virupaksha Temple | Pattadakal | Dravida | No | Inspired by Kanchipuram Kailasanatha; has vimana |
Only the Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh has a true Nagara-style shikhara.
Why Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh is Nagara Style?
- Built in the Gupta period (early 6th century CE).
- One of the earliest surviving examples of a temple with a proper shikhara.
- Features a curvilinear (rekha-prasada) shikhara — the hallmark of Nagara style.
- Built in panchayatana style (main shrine + four subsidiary shrines at corners).
- Dedicated to Vishnu (hence called Dashavatara Temple).
This temple marks the beginning of the Nagara style in Indian temple architecture.
Visual: Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh
Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh — Earliest surviving example of Nagara-style temple with curvilinear shikhara (Gupta period).
Quick Revision: Nagara vs Dravida Style
| Feature | Nagara Style (North) | Dravida Style (South) |
|---|---|---|
| Tower over Sanctum | Curvilinear Shikhara | Pyramidal Vimana |
| Entrance | No towering gopuram | Monumental Gopurams |
| Plan | Often Panchayatana | Usually simpler |
| Examples | Deogarh, Khajuraho, Konark, Puri | Brihadeeswarar, Meenakshi, Pattadakal (Virupaksha) |
| Earliest Example | Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh | Kailasanatha, Kanchipuram |
UPSC Strategy Points
- Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh = Earliest Nagara style temple with shikhara.
- Chalukyan temples (Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal) are mostly Vesara (hybrid) or Dravida.
- Virupaksha Temple, Pattadakal is a Dravida-style temple (built to rival the Kailasanatha temple at Kanchipuram).
Common Trap:
Students often confuse Chalukyan temples as Nagara because they are in North Karnataka. But only Deogarh among the options has a true Nagara shikhara.
Why This Question Matters for UPSC CSE 2026
- Tests knowledge of temple architecture styles (Nagara vs Dravida).
- Important for Art & Culture syllabus.
- Frequently asked in Prelims (match the following / identify style type).
- Helps in Mains answers on evolution of Indian temple architecture.
CrackTarget One-Line Revision:
“Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh (Gupta period) = Earliest example of Nagara-style shikhara. Other temples in the list are Dravida/Vesara.”
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