Read the following statements and choose the correct option:
Statement 1: The amalaka sits atop the shikhara in Nagara-style temples.
Statement 2 : In Dravida-style temples, the vimana refers to the gateway tower (gopuram).
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is option 3 i.e. Statement 1 is correct, but Statement 2 is incorrect.
In Nagara-style (North Indian) temples, the amalaka is a stone disc with ridges on the edges that sits atop the shikhara (mountain-like spire). However, Statement 2 is incorrect because in Dravida-style (South Indian) architecture, the vimana refers to the entire main temple tower containing the inner sanctum, not the gateway. The monumental gateway tower is specifically called the gopuram. Therefore, the vimana and gopuram are two distinct structural elements.