With reference to the Bhumija style of temple architecture, consider the following statements:
1. The style was predominantly used for temples built by the Paramara dynasty.
2. Temples built in this style have a square plan, a towering shikhara, and five projections with five tiers of kuta-stambhas.
3. It is a fusion of Dravida and Nagara architectural styles.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Question

With reference to the Bhumija style of temple architecture, consider the following statements:
1. The style was predominantly used for temples built by the Paramara dynasty.
2. Temples built in this style have a square plan, a towering shikhara, and five projections with five tiers of kuta-stambhas.
3. It is a fusion of Dravida and Nagara architectural styles.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Context: The Bhumija style of temple architecture is in the news as the Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple in Madhya Pradesh has been included in UNESCO's Tentative List for World Heritage status.

Statement 1 is correct: The Bhumija style emerged during the 9th century and was largely used during the Paramara dynasty.
Notable examples include the Udayeshwara Temple in Udaipur (M.P.) and others in the Malwa region.

Statement 2 is correct: Bhumija temples generally follow a square sanctum plan, a tall curvilinear shikhara, and multiple projections. The five-tiered arrangement of miniature shrines (kuta-stambhas) on the shikhara gives a symmetrical, grid-like appearance, which is characteristic of this style.

Statement 3 is correct: The Bhumija style is considered a fusion of Nagara (North Indian) and Dravida (South Indian) styles. While the basic structure is Nagara, the ornamentation and some sculptural features draw inspiration from the Dravida tradition. It represents an evolution of temple forms through cultural exchanges between North and South India.

Indian Temple Architecture

Bhumija Style

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M Question 1	⏱ 0
With reference to the Bhumija style of temple architecture, consider the following statements: 1. The style was predominantly used for temples built by the Paramara dynasty. 2. Temples built in this style have a square plan, a towering shikhara, and five projections with five tiers of kuta-stambhas. 3. It is a fusion of Dravida and Nagara architectural styles. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, and 3