MAINS 2013
GS1
5 marks
Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture. Discuss.
WRITE IN
4 min
100 words
What the examiner wants
Discuss why Chola temples mark the peak of Dravida temple architecture.
DiscussExplain the different sides of the issue, use evidence, and finish with a balanced view.
Demand-wise check
- 1Evolution: Pallava rock-cut and structural (Mamallapuram, Kailasanatha) → Chola maturity≈15 words
- 2Features: towering vimana over the sanctum, large courtyards, gopurams, granite construction, monolithic capstone≈15 words
- 3Key temples: Brihadeeswara, Thanjavur (Rajaraja I, c.1010); Gangaikondacholapuram (Rajendra I); Airavatesvara, Darasuram≈15 words
- 4Allied arts: lost-wax Nataraja bronzes, frescoes, inscriptions recording grants; temple as economic hub≈15 words
Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.
Answer plan
Lineage from PallavasDefining Chola featuresThree landmark templesBronzes and social roleLater shift to gopuram dominance
Where marks usually go
- Describing Nagara features instead of Dravida
- Not showing 'evolution', i.e. what Cholas added over Pallavas
Draw this
- Simple labelled sketch of a Dravida temple: vimana, mandapa, gopuram, prakara
Value addition
- FactThe Brihadeeswara vimana rises about 66 metres and is crowned by a massive granite shikhara stone.Archaeological Survey of India
- Heritage'Great Living Chola Temples' are a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Thanjavur 1987; extended 2004).UNESCO
Mapped topper copies
Reviewed public-source references related to this PYQ. Same-syllabus references are labelled separately.
- Ajay R Raj · AIR 109 · Page 13 ↗Reviewed PYQ reference
- Akansh Dhull · AIR 3 · Page 23 ↗Reviewed PYQ reference
- Monika Srivastava · AIR 16 · Page 3 ↗Same syllabus reference
- Ajay R Raj · AIR 109 · Page 3 ↗Same syllabus reference
Links open original public sources. MainsBuddy does not host these answer sheets.
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