Central India Temples are temples based on the Nagara Style of Architecture which are further classified into different types according to the region where they are located. Madhya Pradesh has some of the oldest surviving Nagara-style structural temples from the Gupta period. Here, each shrine has four pillars that support a small mandapa that looks like a simple square porch-like extension before an equally small room that served as the garbhagriha. In this article, we will discuss the features of Central India Temples, which will be useful for UPSC IAS Exam preparation.

Central India Temples - Historical Background

• The temples evolved from basic four-pillared constructions to huge complexes in the later periods.
• This indicates that comparable advancements were incorporated into the construction of temples.
• The temple at Udaygiri, on the outskirts of Vidisha (it is part of a huge Hindu temple complex) and the temple at Sanchi, which was a Buddhist site, are two such temples that have survived.
• Early temples were simple shrines with four pillars supporting a tiny mandapa in front of a smaller space that served as garbhagriha.
• Madhya Pradesh has some of the oldest surviving Gupta-era structural temples.
• The ancient temples of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan have several characteristics, the most evident of which is that they are composed of sandstone.

Dashavatara Vishnu Temple, Deogarh, Uttar Pradesh

• The patrons and benefactors of the temple are unknown, however, it is thought to have been erected in the early sixth century CE.
• This is a superb example of late Gupta architecture.
• The architecture of this temple is in the Panchayatana style.
  • Panchayatana is an architectural style in which the main shrine is placed on a rectangular plinth with four smaller subsidiary shrines at the four corners, totaling five shrines – i.e., Pancha.
• The temple walls include three primary reliefs of Vishnu.
• In reality, it's unclear who the four secondary shrines were initially dedicated to.
• Because the temple represents Vishnu in many forms, the four ancillary shrines were supposed to hold Vishnu's avatars, and the temple was mistaken for a Dashavatara temple.

Dashavatara Vishnu Temple, Deogarh, Uttar Pradesh

• The statues of Ganga on the left and Yamuna on the right flank the magnificent gateway of the west-facing temple (west-facing is less common).
• The shikhara is in the Latina/Prasada style, indicating that this is an early example of the temple's traditional nagara style.
• Sheshayana is located in the south (Vishnu reclining on the sheshanaga called Ananta).
• On the east, there is Nara-Narayana (discussion between the human soul and the eternal divine).
• On the west, Gajendra Moksha (the narrative of gaining moksha, symbolized by Vishnu's subjugation of an asura in the guise of an elephant).
• The temple is facing west, which is unusual because most temples face east or north.

Khajuraho Temples, Madhya Pradesh

• It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was built in the 10th century CE and patronized by Chandela Kings.
• Sandstone was used to construct all of the temples.
• The evolution of the Nagara architectural style may be seen here, starting with the temple at Deogarh (constructed roughly 400 years before the Khajuraho temples).
• The Khajuraho temples are also noted for their enormous erotic sculptures; erotic expression is considered as a part of the wider cosmic whole, and it is given similar value in human experience as a spiritual quest.
• As a result, many Hindu temples have Mithuns (couples-erotic sculptures) sculptures, which are considered auspicious.
• The sculptures at Khajuraho are highly stylized and have distinctive traits.
• There are also temples devoted to Yoginis, who are part of Tantric worship, demonstrating that the tantric cult grew and flourished after the 7th century. For example, the Chausanth Yogini temple.
• There are a few Jain temples as well as a Chausanth Yogini temple in the area.
• The Khajuraho Dance Festival is a one-week (first week of February) festival of classical dances held annually against the spectacular backdrop of Khajuraho.
• Kandariya Mahadeva (dedicated to Lord Shiva) and Lakshmana temple are two important temples in Khajuraho.

Khajuraho Temples

Lakshmana Temple, Khajuraho

• One of the most magnificent of the Khajuraho temples, it is dedicated to Vishnu.
• Built in 954 CE by Chandela King Dhanga, the structure is built on a high platform with stair access.
• In each of the four corners, there are little temples.
• There are a lot of shikharas, amalak, and kalash. There are also balconies and verandas that protrude outward.

Lakshmana Temple, Khajurao

Conclusion

The Central India temples mark the epitome of the Nagara Style of Temple Architecture in India. These temples are examples of India’s cultural heritage. Many characteristics can be found in the ancient temples of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The most obvious is that they are made of sandstone. All nagara temples of this period have the crowning elements amalak and kalash.

FAQs 

Q1: What is the architectural significance of Central Indian temples?

Q2: What role did religion play in the construction of Central Indian temples?

Q3: Which dynasties contributed significantly to the construction of Central Indian temples?

Q4: How did the art and sculpture of Central Indian temples reflect the culture of the time?

Q5: What are some examples of famous temples from Central India?

MCQs 

1. Which of the following is a well-known temple site in Central India famous for its sculptures and architecture?

A) Sun Temple at Konark

B) Ajanta Caves

C) Khajuraho Temples

D) Brihadeeswarar Temple

2. Which dynasty is credited with the construction of the famous temples of Khajuraho?

A) Maurya Dynasty

B) Gupta Dynasty

C) Chola Dynasty

D) Chandela Dynasty

3. What is the primary purpose of the Garbhagriha in a temple?

A) To serve as a meeting hall for pilgrims

B) To house the main deity of the temple

C) To display temple sculptures

D) To store religious texts

4. The architectural style of Central Indian temples is primarily influenced by which religious tradition?

A) Jainism

B) Buddhism

C) Hinduism

D) Sikhism

5. Which temple is associated with Lord Shiva and is located in Ujjain, Central India?

A) Mahakaleshwar Temple

B) Kandariya Mahadev Temple

C) Kailasa Temple

D) Lingaraja Temple

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the contribution of the Gupta period to the development of Central Indian temple architecture.

Answer: The Gupta period (4th to 6th century CE) is considered the golden age of Indian architecture, with significant contributions to temple design and construction. Central India, in particular, saw the rise of brick and stone temples during this period. The architectural style during the Gupta era laid the foundation for future temple designs, characterized by elaborate shikharas (spires) and intricate carvings. Temples built during this time, such as those in Ujjain, are examples of how religious architecture merged with artistic expression. The use of sculptures to depict religious stories and deities became more prevalent, influencing temple designs in subsequent centuries.

Q2: How did the Paramara dynasty influence the art and architecture of Central Indian temples?

Answer: The Paramara dynasty, which ruled from the 9th to the 14th century in central India, significantly influenced the art and architecture of temples. The dynasty is known for its patronage of temples, and the architectural style under their rule blended local traditions with broader regional influences. The temples built during the Paramara period often featured complex stonework, grand spires, and extensive use of sculptures to depict deities and mythological stories. Notable temples from this period include the famous temples at Khajuraho, which reflect the grandeur and artistic sophistication achieved during the Paramara rule.

Q3: Analyze the role of sculptures in Central Indian temples and their cultural significance.

Answer: Sculptures played a vital role in the artistic and cultural life of Central India, particularly in temples, where they were used to depict deities, religious stories, and scenes from daily life. These sculptures not only served a decorative purpose but also conveyed spiritual teachings and moral values. The intricate carvings found in temples like those in Khajuraho and Ujjain are masterpieces of craftsmanship, depicting the divine in human form. These sculptures were also a means of expressing the cultural values and social norms of the time, as many sculptures portrayed scenes of royal life, courtly love, and religious devotion. The cultural significance of these sculptures lies in their ability to connect the divine with the human, providing a visual representation of religious narratives and promoting spiritual education.

Previous Year Questions on Central Indian Temples Culture

1. UPSC CSE 2016

Question: "Explain the architectural features of temples built during the Gupta period and their impact on later temple architecture."

Answer: The Gupta period is considered a major milestone in the development of temple architecture. Temples built during this era were characterized by their simple yet grand designs, with a focus on the sanctum (Garbhagriha), where the idol of the deity was placed. The use of stone and brick, along with detailed carvings, set the stage for more elaborate temples in later periods. The temples during the Gupta period also featured towering spires (Shikharas), which became a defining feature of temple architecture in India.

2. UPSC CSE 2017

Question: "How did the art and architecture of the Chandela dynasty influence the cultural landscape of Central India?"

Answer: The Chandela dynasty, known for their patronage of the arts, made significant contributions to the cultural landscape of Central India, especially in the field of architecture. The temples built by the Chandelas, particularly in Khajuraho, are famous for their intricate sculptures and unique architectural style. These temples depicted not only religious themes but also representations of daily life, courtly love, and cosmic principles. The Chandela period is known for its fusion of religious devotion and artistic expression, which greatly influenced the region’s cultural and artistic heritage.