GS PrelimsHistory (Medieval India)Rajputs2021

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?

A

1 and 2

B

2 and 3 only

C

1 and 4

D

2, 3 and 4

Correct Answer: Option C

Explanation

1. Statement 1 is correct. The Chausath Yogini Temple at Mitawali, near Morena, Madhya Pradesh, is indeed a circular temple. It is generally attributed to have been built by the Kachchhapaghata king Devapala (circa 1055-1075 CE), during the reign of the Kachchhapaghata Dynasty. 2. Statement 2 is incorrect. While the Mitawali temple is a prominent example, it is not the only circular temple built in India. Other examples exist, including the Chausath Yogini Temple at Hirapur, Odisha. 3. Statement 3 is incorrect. The temple is dedicated to the 64 (Chausath) Yoginis, associated with Tantric worship, often linked to Shaivism or Shaktism. It was not meant to promote the Vaishnava cult. 4. Statement 4 is correct. The unique circular design of the temple, with its colonnaded structure, bears a resemblance to the old Indian Parliament building (Sansad Bhavan). This similarity has given rise to a popular belief that the temple served as an inspiration for the Parliament's design, although this is debated among historians and architects. Therefore, statements 1 and 4 are correct.

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