In the plan of the Virupaksha temple, rows of pillars arranged in lines within a square or rectangular frame appear to mark which of the following?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Major halls, pavilions and corridors
Option (1) Shrines of the lesser deities — Incorrect. Shrines appear in the plan as <strong>square structures</strong>; most of the square outlines are shrines.
Option (2) Major halls, pavilions and corridors — Correct. Rows of pillars inside a frame <strong>demarcate major halls, pavilions and corridors</strong>, the pillared spaces typical of temples of this period.
Option (3) The two major gateways — Incorrect. The two major gateways are <strong>shaded in black</strong> in the plan.
Option (4) The temple tank and its steps — Incorrect. The tank is marked by its own label in the plan; framed rows of pillars mark covered halls.
NCERT (2026-27): “5.2. Gopurams and mandapas … “… The two major gateways are shaded in black. Each tiny dot represents a pillar. Rows of pillars arranged in lines within a square or rectangular frame appear to demarcate major halls, pavilions and corridors.” |