Which of the following temples are brick-temples? (A) Bhitargaon temple, Kanpur (B) Parsurameswara temple, Bhubaneshwar (C) Laxmana temple, Khajuraho (D) Laxmana temple, Sirpur Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
(A) and (D) only
Identifying Ancient Indian Brick Temples
Understanding the materials used in constructing ancient temples provides insights into the architectural techniques and available resources of different periods in Indian history. Temples were often built using stone, brick, wood, or a combination of these materials. The question asks to identify which of the listed temples were primarily constructed using brick.
Analyzing Temple Structures
Let's examine each temple mentioned in the options:
- (A) Bhitargaon temple, Kanpur: This temple, located near Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh, is a renowned example of Gupta-era architecture. It is famously known for being one of the earliest surviving structures built almost entirely of brick. The Bhitargaon temple showcases innovative use of arches, vaults, and intricate terracotta panels. Therefore, the Bhitargaon temple is a brick temple.
- (B) Parsurameswara temple, Bhubaneshwar: Situated in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, this is one of the oldest temples in the region belonging to the Kalinga architectural style. It is primarily constructed using stone. The Parsurameswara temple is famous for its detailed stone carvings and deul (sanctum) and jagamohana (assembly hall) structure, typical of Odishan temples built with stone. Thus, the Parsurameswara temple is not a brick temple.
- (C) Laxmana temple, Khajuraho: Part of the famous Khajuraho group of monuments in Madhya Pradesh, the Laxmana temple is a magnificent example of Chandela architecture. The Khajuraho temples are primarily constructed using sandstone. The Laxmana temple is a stone temple, known for its elaborate sculptures and well-preserved structure. Therefore, the Laxmana temple in Khajuraho is not a brick temple.
- (D) Laxmana temple, Sirpur: Located in Sirpur, Chhattisgarh, this temple is dedicated to Vishnu. It is a significant example of brick temple architecture from the period of the Panduvamsis (7th century CE). The Laxmana temple at Sirpur is particularly noted for its elaborate brickwork and stone doorframe. This temple is indeed a brick temple.
Summarizing Temple Materials
Based on the analysis:
- Bhitargaon temple, Kanpur: Brick temple
- Parsurameswara temple, Bhubaneshwar: Stone temple
- Laxmana temple, Khajuraho: Stone temple
- Laxmana temple, Sirpur: Brick temple
The temples identified as brick temples are (A) Bhitargaon temple, Kanpur and (D) Laxmana temple, Sirpur.
Connecting Analysis to Options
The question asks which options represent brick temples. Our analysis shows that only (A) and (D) are brick temples.
Let's evaluate the given choices:
- Option 1: (A) and (B) only. Incorrect, as (B) is a stone temple.
- Option 2: (B) and (C) only. Incorrect, as both (B) and (C) are stone temples.
- Option 3: (A) and (D) only. Correct, as both (A) and (D) are brick temples.
- Option 4: (B) and (D) only. Incorrect, as (B) is a stone temple.
Therefore, the correct option includes only (A) and (D).
| Temple | Location | Primary Material |
|---|---|---|
| Bhitargaon temple | Kanpur | Brick |
| Parsurameswara temple | Bhubaneshwar | Stone |
| Laxmana temple | Khajuraho | Stone |
| Laxmana temple | Sirpur | Brick |
Revision Table: Key Facts on Brick Temples
| Temple | Material | Period/Dynasty | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bhitargaon Temple | Brick | Gupta period | Early surviving brick structure, features arches and terracotta art. |
| Laxmana Temple, Sirpur | Brick (with stone doorframe) | Panduvamsi period (7th century CE) | Notable example of brick architecture in Chhattisgarh, intricate brickwork. |
Additional Information on Indian Temple Architecture
Indian temple architecture exhibits vast diversity across different regions and periods. Construction materials varied based on availability and technological advancement.
- Stone: Widely used, especially where good quality stone was readily available, like in Odisha (sandstone), Karnataka (dolomite, granite), and Central India (sandstone). Stone allowed for intricate carvings and durable structures.
- Brick: Used from early periods, particularly in areas where stone was scarce, such as the Gangetic plains. Brick temples required different building techniques, often involving mortar and sometimes intricate terracotta decorations. Examples include temples from the Gupta period (Bhitargaon) and structures in Bengal and parts of South India.
- Wood: Early temples often incorporated wood, although few entirely wooden structures survive due to perishability.
- Rock-cut: Another significant form involves carving temples out of existing rock faces, as seen in places like Ellora, Ajanta, and Elephanta. These are technically subtractive sculpture rather than built structures.
The choice of material significantly influenced the architectural style, design possibilities, and longevity of the structure.
Important Questions from Temple Architecture and Regional Styles
The Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was constructed during the reign of which dynasty?
In the context of history of art arrange the following in chronological order, starting from the earliest:
(A) Bhumara
(B) Bharhut
(C) Jaggeyapeta
(D) Tanjavur
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Identify the temple from the group of temples at Mahakuteshwara near Badami, comprising a sanctum and a portico which is of some importance.
Which of the following is NOT correctly matched?
Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?
