Context:
Centre approves loans for development of Ramappa Circuit under the SASCI scheme.
Ramappa Temple:
- Location – Telangana
- Also known as Kakatiya Rudreshwara Temple
- Dedicated to – Lord Shiva
- Built during the reign of the Kakatiya dynasty in the 13th century under rulers Rudradeva and Recharla Rudra.
- Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021.
- Architectural Style – Chalukya or Vesara architecture, known for its intricate carvings and sculptures.
- Material – Constructed using sandstone and basalt.
- Unique Aspects –
- Floating Bricks: Lightweight bricks used in the roof construction.
- Has a distinctive, pyramidal Vimana (horizontally stepped tower)
- Sculptures: Detailed carvings depicting various deities, dancers, and musicians.
Chalukya architecture:
- Flourished during Badami Chalukya dynasty.
- Time Period – 6th to 8th centuries CE.
- Regions – Primarily in Karnataka and Andhra regions
- Material – Predominantly used soapstone.
- Style – Known for the Vesara style, a blend of (North Indian) and Dravida (South Indian) architectural styles.
- Known examples – Aihole, Badami, and Pattadakal
- Characteristic features –
- Monolithic Temple Pillars
- Decorated Doorway Panels
- Arabesque Art Design (a double-curved projective eave. E.g. Muktesvara temple, Badami)
- Stellate Plan Usage
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
Consider the following pairs:
Place of Pilgrimage Location
1. Srisailam Nallamala Hills
2. Omkareshwar Satmala Hills
3. Pushkar Mahadeo Hills
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2015 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
Pair 2 is not correctly matched: Omkareshwar temple is situated on Mandhata hills in Madhya Pradesh.
Pair 3 is not correctly matched: Pushkar is located in Rajasthan whereas Mahadeo hills are located in Madhya Pradesh.