SSC Stenographer 2026 PYQ — Question 41

Solution: The correct answer is Towering gopurams dominating the temple complex.
Explanation:
☛ Dravida style of temple architecture evolved in South India, while the Nagara style developed in North India.
☛ A defining feature of Dravidian architecture is the presence of towering entrance gateways known as gopurams, which often dominate the entire temple complex in height and scale.
☛ In contrast, Nagara style temples do not feature elaborate gopurams or massive boundary walls.
☛ In Dravida temples, the tower above the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) is called a vimana, which is stepped and pyramid-like, whereas in Nagara style, it is called a shikhara (curvilinear or beehive-shaped).
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Enclosure Walls: Dravida temples are enclosed within high compound walls, inside which water reservoirs or temple tanks (kalyani) are typically found.
☛ Dravida Dynasties: Major patrons of Dravida architecture included the Pallavas, Cholas, Pandyas, and the Vijayanagara Empire.
☛ Beehive-shaped Shikhara: This is a characteristic feature of the Nagara style (specifically seen in Odisha temples like Lingaraja), not the Dravida style.
☛ Mandapas: Dravidian temples feature extensive pillared halls known as mandapas, often including 'thousand-pillar halls'.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ Which hybrid style of temple architecture combines features of both Nagara and Dravida styles? → Vesara style
☛ Which Chola king built the Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur? → Rajaraja Chola I
☛ What is the crowning element of a Dravida temple vimana called? → Shikharika (or Stupika)
☛ Which Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram is an early example of Dravidian structural temples? → Shore Temple built by Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha)
☛ What term is used for the innermost chamber where the main deity is placed in Hindu temples? → Garbhagriha