Read the passage and answer the question:
Temple building in the region had a long history, going back to dynasties such as the Pallavas, Chalukyas, Hoysalas and Cholas. Rulers very often encouraged temple building as a means of associating themselves with the divine - often, the deity was explicitly or implicitly identified with the king. Temples also functioned as centres of learning. Besides, rulers and others often granted land and other resources for the maintenance of temples. Consequently, temples developed as significant religious, social and economic centres.
Which of the following was NOT the function of temples?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → To fix the revenue demand and other taxes in the empire.
Option (1) To carry on religious ceremonies and organise rituals. — Correct statement. Temples were above all religious centres, where the deity was worshipped and rituals were held.
Option (2) To serve as a body of culture and learning. — Correct statement. The passage says that temples also functioned as centres of learning; they grew into cultural centres as well.
Option (3) To function as landholding body assigned with the grant of revenue. — Correct statement. Rulers and others granted land and other resources for the maintenance of temples, so temples held land and drew its revenue; this made them significant economic centres.
Option (4) To fix the revenue demand and other taxes in the empire. — Incorrect statement. Temples received grants of land and resources from the rulers; fixing the revenue demand was the work of the state, not of the temples.
NCERT (2026-27): “5.1 Choosing a capital … Temple building in the region had a long history, going back to dynasties such as the Pallavas, Chalukyas, Hoysalas and Cholas. Rulers very often encouraged temple building as a means of associating themselves with the divine – often, the deity was explicitly or implicitly identified with the king. Temples also functioned as centres of learning. Besides, rulers and others often granted land and other resources for the maintenance of temples. Consequently, temples developed as significant religious, social, cultural and economic centres. From the point of view of the rulers, constructing, repairing and maintaining temples were important means of winning support and recognition for their power, wealth and piety.…” |