UPSC Prelims 2014·GS1·art-and-culture·architecture

With reference to the cultural history of India, the term 'Panchayatan' refers to

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  1. Aan assembly of village elders
  2. Ba religious sect
  3. Ca style of temple constructionCorrect
  4. Dan administrative functionary

Explanation

In the context of the cultural history of India, particularly related to ancient and medieval architecture, the term 'Panchayatan' refers to a specific **style of temple construction**. In this architectural layout, the main deity's shrine is located in the center of the temple complex, and four subsidiary shrines are placed at the four corners around the central shrine. This arrangement results in a total of five shrines, giving it the name 'Panchayatan' (Pancha meaning five). A classic example of a Panchayatan style temple is the Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh, Uttar Pradesh.
art-and-culture: With reference to the cultural history of India, the term 'Panchayatan' refers to
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