Which temple is known for its erotic sculptures and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Correct Answer
Khajuraho Temples
Explanation
The Khajuraho Group of Monuments, located in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh, is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site widely famous for its stunning Nagara-style architectural design and intricate, expressive sculptures. Built between 950 and 1050 AD by the rulers of the Chandela Dynasty, these temples showcase various aspects of medieval Indian life, spirituality, and culture. While the complex is universally known for its beautifully carved erotic and amorous sculptures (mithuna figures), these actually comprise only about 10% of the total artwork. The remaining vast majority of the carvings depict everyday activities of contemporary society, musicians, dancers, warriors, animals, and major deities from Hinduism and Jainism.
Key Points
The temples are built using fine-grained sandstone and stand on high massive platforms (jagati) with towering spires (shikhara) that mimic the peaks of the Himalayan mountains.
Brihadeshwara Temple in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, is a famous Dravidian-style masterpiece built by Raja Raja Chola I, whereas the Sun Temple in Konark, Odisha, is structured like a massive cosmic chariot of the Sun God.
Meenakshi Temple is located in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, and is renowned for its soaring, colorful gateway towers (gopurams), though it is not categorized as a standalone UNESCO World Heritage Site like Khajuraho.
Important Questions and Answers
Question: Which dynasty built the world-famous Khajuraho temples in central India?
Answer: The temples were built by the rulers of the Chandela Dynasty.
Question: To which two prominent religious traditions are the surviving temples of the Khajuraho group dedicated?
Answer: The temples are dedicated to Hinduism (including Shaivism and Vaishnavism) and Jainism.