Building 'Kalyaana Mandapas' was a notable feature in the temple construction in the kingdom of
- (a) Chalukya
- (b) Chandela
- (c) Rashtrakuta
- (d) Vijayanagara ✓ UPSC's answer
Why the answer is (d)
• Kalyana mandapas — pillared halls for celebrating the ritual marriage of the deity and consort — are a hallmark of Vijayanagara temple architecture (15th–16th century), seen at the Vitthala and Virupaksha temples at Hampi and at Vellore — option (d).
• Vijayanagara temples also added tall rayagopurams, hundred-pillared halls and Amman shrines.
• Chalukyas (a) are known for Badami–Aihole–Pattadakal styles, Chandelas (b) for Khajuraho's nagara temples, Rashtrakutas (c) for the rock-cut Kailasa at Ellora.
• Hence option (d).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) Chalukya
- Chalukya temples are known for Aihole–Pattadakal experimentation, not kalyana mandapas.
- (b) Chandela
- Chandela temples at Khajuraho are nagara style without kalyana mandapas.
- (c) Rashtrakuta
- Rashtrakutas are famed for Ellora's Kailasa temple.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2019, held on 2 June 2019. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.