In the temple architecture of the Vijayanagara period, what were the…

In the temple architecture of the Vijayanagara period, what were the raya gopurams?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 1

The correct answer is Option (1) → Royal gateways of the temple complex

Option (1) Royal gateways of the temple complex — Correct. Raya gopurams were royal gateways of immense scale. They often dwarfed the towers on the central shrines and marked imperial authority.

Option (2) Pavilions built within the temple complex — Incorrect. Pavilions within the complex were called mandapas, another new feature of the period.

Option (3) Long pillared corridors around the shrines — Incorrect. Long pillared corridors were a separate new feature that ran around the shrines inside the complex.

Option (4) Towers built over the central shrines — Incorrect. The towers over the central shrines were often dwarfed by the raya gopurams, so the two were different structures.

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. …”