Question

Which among the following temples were constructed in the period of Gupta rulers ? \[ \begin{aligned} A.& \ \text{Kailasanath temple of Kanchi} B.& \ \text{Dasavatara temple at Deogarh} C.& \ \text{The Siva temple of Bhumara} D.& \ \text{Parvati temple at Nachna Kuthara} \end{aligned} \] Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

• A. A, B and C Only
• B. A, C and D Only
• C. B, C and D Only
• D. A, B and D Only

Hint:

Important Gupta temples: \[ \text{Dasavatara Temple, Bhumara Temple, Nachna Kuthara Temple} \] Kailasanatha Temple belongs to the Pallava period.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: The Gupta period witnessed major developments in Indian temple architecture. Important characteristics included:
• structural temples,
• shikhara beginnings,
• carved doorways,
• and stone temple construction. Many early Hindu temples belong to this age.

Step 1: Examining the Kailasanath temple of Kanchi. \[ \text{Kailasanath temple of Kanchi} \] This temple belongs to the Pallava period, especially associated with Narasimhavarman II. Thus: \[ A \text{ is incorrect.} \]

Step 2: Examining Dasavatara temple at Deogarh. \[ \text{Dasavatara temple at Deogarh} \] This is one of the finest surviving Gupta temples dedicated to Vishnu. Thus: \[ B \text{ is correct.} \]

Step 3: Examining the Siva temple of Bhumara. \[ \text{Bhumara Temple} \] This temple belongs to the Gupta age and is important for early Nagara architecture. Thus: \[ C \text{ is correct.} \]

Step 4: Examining the Parvati temple at Nachna Kuthara. \[ \text{Parvati Temple at Nachna Kuthara} \] This temple is another important Gupta-period structure. Thus: \[ D \text{ is correct.} \]

Step 5: Writing the correct combination. Correct statements are: \[ B, C \text{ and } D \] Hence: \[ \boxed{(3)\ B, C \text{ and } D \text{ Only}} \]

Step 6: Importance of Gupta architecture. Gupta architecture became the foundation for later:
• Nagara style,
• temple sculptures,
• and classical Hindu temple planning. It represents the formative stage of Indian temple architecture.