Which of the following temples has/have a Nagara-style shikhara ? 1. Malegitti Shivalaya, Badami 2. Huchimalligudi Temple, Aihole 3. Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh 4. Virupaksha Temple, Pattadakal Select the answer using the code given below :
- (a) 1 and 2
- (b) 2 and 3 ✓ UPSC's answer
- (c) 3 only
- (d) 3 and 4
Why the answer is (b)
• Nagara temples have a curvilinear (rekha) shikhara; Dravida temples have a stepped pyramidal vimana. The Chalukyan sites of Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal contain both styles side by side.
• Huchimalligudi at Aihole (c. 7th century) is an early experiment with a Nagara-type curvilinear shikhara — statement 2 is correct.
• The Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh (Gupta, early 6th century) is one of the earliest surviving Nagara shikhara temples — statement 3 is correct.
• Malegitti Shivalaya at Badami has a Dravida-style stepped superstructure, and the Virupaksha Temple at Pattadakal is a classic Dravida vimana modelled on Kanchipuram's Kailasanatha.
• Hence only 2 and 3 have Nagara shikharas.
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 and 2
- Malegitti Shivalaya is Dravida in style, so 1 is wrong.
- (c) 3 only
- Huchimalligudi at Aihole also has a Nagara shikhara, so 2 must be included.
- (d) 3 and 4
- Virupaksha at Pattadakal is a Dravida vimana, so 4 is wrong.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026, held on 24 May 2026. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.