UPSC Prelims 2021 · Question 31 of 97
UPSC Prelims 2021 question on Chausath Yogini Temple
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2021
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectArt and Culture
- TopicTemple Architecture
- DifficultyMedium
- TypeStatement
With reference to Chausath Yogini Temple situated near Morena, consider the following statements:
1. It is a circular temple built during the reign of Kachchhapaghata Dynasty.
2. It is the only circular temple built in India.
3. It was meant to promote the Vaishnava cult in the region.
4. Its design has given rise to a popular belief that it was the inspiration behind the Indian Parliament building.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Show answer
Answer: C. 1 and 4
Verdict
Correct statements: 1 and 4 → Option (c).
Statement by statement
Statement 1 – CORRECT: The Chausath Yogini temple is in Morena district 40 kilometres from Gwalior. According to an inscription dated to 1323 CE (Vikram Samvat 1383), the temple was built by the Kachchhapaghata king Devapala (1055 – 1075). Hence statement 1 is correct.
Statement 2 – INCORRECT: The cells and the main shrine are flat topped, but it is believed that initially each had a shikhara on top. While the 64 Yoginis originally placed in the 64 subsidiary shrines are now missing, a Shiva linga has taken their places in each cell. The central shrine also holds a Shivalinga. It is not the only circular temple built in India. Hence statement 2 is not correct.
Statement 3 – INCORRECT: The temple is not meant to promote the Vaishnava cult. Hence statement 3 is not correct.
Statement 4 – CORRECT: The uniqueness of this Yogini temple is its circular shape that is popularly believed to have inspired the design of the Indian Parliament. The circular shape is likely to have represented a Sri-Yantra in which the Yoginis reside, with the Supreme Yogini or Maha Sakti residing in the centre (represented by the circular central main shrine). Hence statement 4 is correct.