Are
you preparing for UPSC CSE Prelims? Attempt today’s subject quiz
on History and Culture to check your progress.
QUESTION 1
Bālapañjara in ancient temple architecture refers to:
(a) sanctum
(b) horseshoe arch
(c) South Indian shrine
(d) none of the above
Correct Answer: (d) none of the above
Explanation:
The term bālapañjara refers to a type of small architectural element or decorative mini-shrine used in ancient Indian temple architecture. Specifically, it is a miniature shrine with a nāsi (arched or gabled) roof placed on top of columns or as part of the superstructure.
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In Nāgara (North Indian) style, bālapañjaras often appear along with other features like the āmalaka (circular, ribbed stone cap) and gavākṣa (a horseshoe-shaped or "cow’s eye" window motif).
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In Draviḍian (South Indian) architecture, the bālapañjara is a type of aedicule (a decorative small shrine or niche), found alongside other miniature shrine motifs like kūṭa (square and domed roof) and śālā (barrel-vault roof).
So while bālapañjara is a feature used in both North and South Indian temples, it itself is not a sanctum, an arch, or a full-fledged shrine. Thus, none of the options (a), (b), or (c) are correct on their own.
📝 Tip for UPSC: Always look for context and classification in Indian temple architecture—terms like vimāna, śikhara, aedicule, and motifs frequently appear in questions on art and culture.
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