UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2021

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?

  1. 1 and 2
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 4
  4. 2, 3 and 4

Answer

Correct Answer

1 and 4

Explanation

The 11th-century Chausath Yogini temple at Mitawali near Morena (Madhya Pradesh) was built under the Kachchhapaghata dynasty and is circular, with 64 yogini shrines (statement 1). A popular belief holds that it inspired the design of Parliament House (statement 4). It is not the only circular temple in India (other circular yogini temples exist, e.g., in Odisha), and it is associated with Shaiva/Tantric worship, not the Vaishnava cult.

Topics: architecture, art & culture, chausath yogini temple, morena, temple architecture