What does the Panchayatana style refer to?
A temple architecture
Understanding the Panchayatana Style in Indian Architecture
The question asks about the meaning of the term "Panchayatana style". Let's explore what this architectural term signifies.
What is the Panchayatana Style?
The Panchayatana style is a specific scheme of arranging buildings in a temple complex, commonly found in Hindu temple architecture in India.
- It involves a main shrine (the central deity) and four subsidiary shrines.
- These four subsidiary shrines are typically located at the four corners of the compound surrounding the main shrine.
- The name "Panchayatana" comes from the Sanskrit words "Pancha" meaning five, and "ayatana" meaning abode or shrine. This refers to the total of five shrines within the complex (one central + four corner).
This style represents a specific arrangement of deities, with the principal deity housed in the central shrine, surrounded by other important deities in the corner shrines. It creates a cohesive and ritually significant layout for the temple complex.
Analysing the Options
Let's look at the given options in the context of our understanding of the Panchayatana style:
- A temple architecture: This aligns perfectly with our definition. The Panchayatana style describes the layout and arrangement of shrines within a temple complex.
- A pattern of town planning: Town planning refers to the layout of entire cities or settlements, including streets, buildings, infrastructure, etc. The Panchayatana style is specific to religious buildings (temples) and not the planning of an entire town.
- A form of painting: Painting is a visual art form involving applying pigment to a surface. The Panchayatana style is structural and architectural, not a form of painting.
- A dance form of South India: Dance forms are performing arts involving rhythmic body movements. The Panchayatana style is related to buildings, not dance.
Based on this analysis, the Panchayatana style clearly refers to a type of temple architecture.
Examples of Panchayatana Style Temples
Several famous temples in India showcase the Panchayatana style layout. Some notable examples include:
- Kandariya Mahadeva Temple at Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
- Brahmeswara Temple at Bhubaneswar, Odisha
- Lakshmana Temple at Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
- Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar, Odisha (in a modified form)
Conclusion
The Panchayatana style is a distinctive layout used in Hindu temple architecture, featuring a central shrine surrounded by four subsidiary shrines. Therefore, it refers to a form of temple architecture.
Revision Table: Panchayatana Style
| Term | Definition | Context | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panchayatana Style | Architectural layout | Hindu Temples | Central shrine + Four subsidiary shrines |
Additional Information: Indian Temple Architecture Styles
Indian temple architecture is broadly classified into three main styles:
- Nagara Style (North India): Characterized by a curvilinear shikhara (tower). Temples often built on a raised platform. Sub-styles exist in different regions.
- Dravida Style (South India): Characterized by a pyramidal vimanams (towers) made up of progressively smaller storeys. Temples often have large gateways called gopurams.
- Vesara Style (Deccan): A hybrid style combining features of both Nagara and Dravida styles. Often found in the Deccan region.
The Panchayatana style is not a distinct overall style like Nagara or Dravida, but rather a specific compositional scheme or layout that can be adopted within these broader styles, though it is most commonly associated with the Nagara style.
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