Which of the following temples has/have a Nagara-style shikhara ? 1. Malegitti Shivalaya, Badami 2. Huchimalligudi Temple, Aihole 3. Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh 4. Virupaksha Temple, Pattadakal Select the answer using the code given below :

QUESTION

Hard

Art & Culture

Prelims 2026

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 :

Select an option to attempt

Explanation

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The Malegitti Shivalaya in Badami, built by the Early Chalukyas in the late 7th century CE, is a classic Dravida-style temple. Its shikhara is octagonal and features typical southern architectural elements (such as kutas and shalas), rather than a Nagara spire.

Statement 2 is Correct: The Huchimalligudi Temple in Aihole is an Early Chalukyan structure that demonstrates early architectural experimentation. It features a distinct curvilinear Nagara-style shikhara (Rekha-prasada type) over its square sanctum.

Statement 3 is Correct: The Dashavatara Temple in Deogarh is a Gupta-period monument (approx. 6th century CE) built in the Panchayatana layout. It is widely recognized as one of the earliest surviving structural temples in North India to feature a Nagara-style pyramidal shikhara.

Statement 4 is Incorrect: The Virupaksha Temple in Pattadakal was built around 740 CE by Queen Lokamahadevi to commemorate a victory over the Pallavas. It is the grandest temple at the Pattadakal UNESCO site and is built strictly in the Dravida style. It features a tiered, pyramidal southern vimana (shikhara), heavily influenced by the Kailasanatha temple in Kanchipuram.

Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

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