Which architectural style is the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Tamil Nadu known for?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Correct Answer
Dravidian
Explanation
The historic Brihadeeswarar Temple, located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, is a quintessential and unparalleled example of the Dravidian architectural style. This magnificent temple was constructed at the beginning of the 11th century (between 1003 and 1010 AD) by the great Chola ruler Rajaraja Chola I. Because of this, it is also known as the 'Rajarajeshwaram Temple'.
The temple is built entirely of granite stone, and its chief attraction is its massive Vimana (the tower over the sanctum sanctorum), which stands about 216 feet high. It is one of the tallest towers in the Dravidian style. The Kumbham (apex structure/capstone) resting on top of it weighs around 80 tonnes and was carved out of a single piece of stone.
The characteristics of the architectural styles mentioned in the other options are as follows:
Nagara style is primarily seen in the temples of North India, characterized by its curvilinear towers (shikhara).
Vesara style is a hybrid style combining elements of Nagara and Dravidian styles, found mainly in Central India and the Deccan region (such as the temples of the Hoysala and Chalukya dynasties).
Indo-Saracenic architecture is a blend of Indian, Islamic, and Gothic styles, which was extensively used during the British colonial period for constructing administrative and public buildings.
Key Points
The Brihadeeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site list under the 'Great Living Chola Temples'.
The Nandi Mandapam within the temple complex houses a massive monolithic statue of Nandi (the mount of Lord Shiva), which is one of the largest Nandi structures in India.
Additional Facts
The greatest engineering feature of this temple is that no cement, lime, or mortar was used to bind the stones together. Instead, the structure was built using an interlocking method (puzzle system). Despite the passage of centuries and surviving several earthquakes, the temple stands completely intact and strong.
Important Questions and Answers
Question: Which Chola ruler built the Brihadeeswarar Temple of Thanjavur?
Answer: Rajaraja Chola I.
Question: To which Hindu deity is the Brihadeeswarar Temple primarily dedicated?
Answer: Lord Shiva.