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HCS (Haryana)Prelims2024General Studies
Question
Given below are two statements: Statement I: The Virupaksha temple was built in the sixteenth century. Statement II: The pavilion in front of the Virupaksha temple was built during the time of Krishnadev Rai. In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below
Options
- A Both Statement I and Statement II are true
- B Both Statement I and Statement II are false.
- C Statement I is correct but Statement I is false.
- D Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is true.
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Correct Answer
D Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is true.
Model Answer
- The Virupaksha Temple is dedicated to Lord Virupaksha, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple has been a prominent pilgrimage site since the 7th century CE, when it was initially established by the Chalukyas of Badami. Hence, statement I is incorrect.
- The temple saw significant expansion and renovation during the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire, particularly in the 14th to 16th centuries.
- Krishnadevaraya, one of the most famous rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire, made substantial contributions to the temple's architecture during the early 16th century. He built the Raya Gopuram, a large entrance tower that is one of the defining features of the temple. Hence, statement II is correct.
- The temple complex also includes various smaller shrines, courtyards, and a large temple tank, all of which were developed over the centuries, with significant contributions from Vijayanagara kings.