UPSC Prelims 1995·GS1·art-and-culture·architecture

The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are

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  1. Athe three main racial groups of the Indian subcontinent
  2. Bthe three main linguistic divisions into which the languages of India can be classified
  3. Cthe three main styles of Indian temple architectureCorrect
  4. Dthe three main musical gharanas prevalent in India

Explanation

The correct answer is C because Nagara, Dravida, and Vesara represent the three primary styles of temple architecture in ancient and medieval India. Nagara is the style associated with Northern India, characterized by a beehive shaped tower called a Shikhara. Dravida is the style found in Southern India, distinguished by pyramid shaped towers called Vimanas and large gateway towers known as Gopurams. Vesara is a hybrid or mixed style that combines features of both Nagara and Dravida traditions. This style was popularized primarily in the Deccan region under dynasties like the Chalukyas and Hoysalas.
art-and-culture: The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are

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