Q. With reference to Indian rock-cut heritage, consider the following statements regarding the Masroor Rock-Cut Temples:
1.This 8th-century monolithic temple complex is located in the Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh and exhibits the North Indian Nagara architecture style.
2.Unlike the vast majority of traditional Hindu temples that face eastward, the main shrine faces northeast toward the Dhauladhar mountains.
3.The complex features an layout where smaller shrines are arranged in a circular Dravidian-style open mandapam plan.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: A
Notes:
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: The Masroor Rock-Cut Temples are a 1,200-year-old complex in Himachal Pradesh carved out of a single monolithic rock. Due to its structural form, it is often called the “Ellora of Himachal” and represents the early Nagara style with elements showing Gupta influences.
- Statement 2 is correct: The complex possesses a unique geographic alignment. Instead of facing the standard eastern direction, it is oriented directly toward the northeast, facing the Dhauladhar mountain range.
- Statement 3 is incorrect: The temple plan does not utilize a Dravidian mandapam layout. It is laid out on a symmetrically arranged square grid, where the primary central temple is surrounded by smaller shrines following a strict mandala pattern.
