UPSC Express

With reference to temple architecture in ancient India, consider the following statements:
1. The Amman shrine to house the image of chief goddess emerged as a feature during Chola period.
2. Vesara style of temple architecture emerged during Chalukyan period.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A.
1 only
B.
2 only
C.
Both 1 and 2
D.
Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation :
The concept of Amman shrine to house chief goddess emerged during Vijayanagara period. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
Vesara style is actually a hybrid of Nagara and Dravida style of temple architecture and this style was adopted by the Chalukyas of Badami. Badami is an important site for this architecture. In Nagara style the temple rises to a great height in a curvilinear manner curving inside to meet at the highest point. While in Dravida style the temple tower rises up geometrically in a straight slope like a stepped pyramid. Vesara style is somewhere in between the two.