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 ✓ UPSC's answer
- (d) 2, 3 and 4
Why the answer is (c)
• The Chausath Yogini temple at Mitaoli (Morena, MP) is circular, with 64 cells around an open courtyard, built c. 1323 CE by the Kachchhapaghata king Devapala (statement 1).
• Its hypostyle circular plan is popularly believed to have inspired Edwin Lutyens' design of the old Parliament House (statement 4).
• Statement 2 is wrong: other circular Yogini temples exist, e.g. at Hirapur and Ranipur-Jharial (Odisha) and Bheraghat (MP).
• Statement 3 is wrong: Yogini temples belong to the Tantric Shakta tradition, not the Vaishnava cult.
• Hence 1 and 4, option (c).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 and 2
- Statement 2 is wrong: it is not the only circular temple in India.
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- Statements 2 and 3 are wrong: other circular temples exist and it is Shakta, not Vaishnava.
- (d) 2, 3 and 4
- Statements 2 and 3 are wrong.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2021, held on 10 October 2021. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.