Question

Which style of temple architecture in India has curvilinear shikharas and cruciform plan?

• A. Dravida
• B. Nagara
• C. Vesara
• D. Pallava

Hint:

When you see the keywords "Curvilinear Shikhara" or "Ratha projections Cruciform plan", immediately associate it with Northern Indian Nagara temples (e.g., Khajuraho temples, Sun Temple Konark).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Ancient Indian temple architecture is divided into three primary geographical and stylistic typologies:
• Nagara Style: Prevalent in Northern India, recognized by a curvilinear tower (shikhara) and a plane projection pattern giving it a star or cruciform layout.
• Dravida Style: Prevalent in Southern India, recognized by stepped pyramidal towers (vimanas) and straight-lined rectangular enclosures.
• Vesara Style: A hybrid or mixed style incorporating traits of both Northern and Southern forms, common in Central India (Deccan region).

Step 1: Dissecting the features of the Nagara Style.
The two specific conditions mentioned in the problem statement are the curvilinear shikhara and the cruciform plan. Let us analyze how these map directly to the Nagara configuration:
• Cruciform Ground Plan: The foundation or layout of a Nagara temple begins as a basic square, but it incorporates central offsets or linear projections on each side, known as rathas (such as triratha, pancharatha, or saptaratha). These step-out projections create a cross-like or cruciform geometry when viewed from above.
• Curvilinear Shikhara: Unlike the rigid, straight-edged pyramid towers of South India, the main tower above the sanctum (garbhagriha) in Northern India curves gently inward as it ascends toward the summit. This is classified as a Latina or Rekha-Prasada shikhara. The top is crowned by a ribbed stone disk called an amalaka and a water-pot finial called a kalasha.

Step 2: Contrasting with other options.

• Dravida Style: Features a straight-sided, horizontally tiered, pyramid-shaped tower (Vimana) topped by an octagonal or dome-shaped crown (shikhara). Its layout is strictly square or rectangular without multi-stepped cruciform projections.
• Vesara Style: Blends the two styles, often using a circular or stellate (star-shaped) plan rather than a clean cruciform layout, with towers that combine step elements with curves.
• Pallava Architecture: This is an early sub-style of the Dravida school (seen at Mahabalipuram). It consists of rock-cut monolithic rathas and early structural temples featuring prominent lion pillars and tiered forms, entirely distinct from northern curvilinear forms.