Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow:-
The small village of Somnathpur contains an extraordinary temple, built around AD 1268 by the Hoysalas of Karnataka-one of the most prolific temple builders. Belur and Helebidu are among their better-known works. While these suffered during the invasion of the 14th century, the Somnathpur temple stands more or less intact in near-original condition. This small temple captivates with the beauty and vitality of its detailed sculpture. covering almost every inch of the walls, pillars, and even ceilings. It has three Shikaras and stands on a star- shaped, raised platform with 24 edges. The outer walls have a profusion of detailed carvings: the entire surface run over by carved plaques of stone. There are vertical panels covered by exquisite figures of gods and goddesses, with many incarnations being depicted. There are nymphs too, some carrying an ear of maize, a symbol of plenty and prosperity. The elaborate ornamentation, very characteristic of the Hoysala sculptures, is a remarkable feature. A closer look at the series of friezes on the outer walls reveal intricately carved caparisoned elephants, charging horsemen, stylized flowers, warriors, musicians crocodiles and swans.
The temple was actually commissioned by Sona Dandanayaka or Somnath (who named the village after himself), the minister of the Hoysala king, Narsimha the third. The temple was built to house three forms of Vishnu. The inner centre of the temple was the kalyanamandapa. Leading from here are three corridors, each ending in a shrine, one for each form of Vishnu-Venugopala, Janardana and Prasanna Keshava, though only two remain in their original form.
What covers almost every inch of the walls, pillars and even the ceilings?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Detailed sculpture
The passage says the temple "captivates with the beauty and vitality of its detailed sculpture, covering almost every inch of the walls, pillars, and even ceilings." The phrase in the question is taken directly from this sentence.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 2: Series of friezes — Incorrect. Too narrow: a frieze is a long band of carved decoration. The friezes are found only on the outer walls, not on the pillars and ceilings.
Option 3: Three shikharas — Incorrect. Wrong focus: a shikhara is the tower rising above a shrine; the temple has three of them, but they do not cover the walls or ceilings.
Option 4: Star-shaped, raised platform — Incorrect. Wrong part of the passage: this is what the temple stands on, its base with 24 edges.