Which of the following statements explains the meaning of 'gopuram'?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Royal gateways
Option (1) Pavilions — Incorrect. Pavilions are the mandapas, another new feature of the temples of this period.
Option (2) Long pillared corridors — Incorrect. These corridors often ran around the shrines within the temple complex; they are a separate feature, not the gateway.
Option (3) Royal gateways — Correct. The raya gopurams or royal gateways were structures of immense scale that often dwarfed the towers on the central shrines and signalled the presence of the temple from a great distance. They were probably also meant as reminders of the power of kings.
Option (4) Dome-like structure — Incorrect. A gopuram is a towering gateway, not a dome.
NCERT (2026-27): “5.2. Gopurams and mandapas … In terms of temple architecture, by this period certain new features were in evidence. These included structures of immense scale that must have been a mark of imperial authority, best exemplified by the raya gopurams (Fig. 7.7) or royal gateways that often dwarfed the towers on the central shrines, and signalled the presence of the temple from a great distance. They were also probably meant as reminders of the power of kings, able to command the resources, techniques and skills needed to construct these towering gateways. Other distinctive features include mandapas or pavilions and long, pillared corridors that often ran around the shrines within the temple complex.…”
Fig. 7.7 A gopuram |
