Context:
ASI assures to send note to UNESCO over inclusion of Srimukhalingam temple in Andhra Pradesh in world heritage structures’ list.
Srimukhalingam Temple:
- Location – Andhra Pradesh
- Uniqueness of Shiva lingam –
- Appeared as Mukha (Face) Avatar.
- Do not have the facial carving.
- Constructed by – Kamarnava-II of East Ganga Dynasty (8th century)
- Trinity – Houses 3 ancient temples (Trinity of Madhukeswara, Someswara and Bheemeswara Temples)
- Popularly known as Dakshina Kaasi (Varanasi of South India).
- Architecture – Similar to Lingaraja temple (Bhubaneswar, Odisha)
- Located on the banks of River Vamsadhara (capital of Kalinga Ganga Kings)
UNESCO World Heritage Site:
- Landmarks or areas selected for their cultural, historical, scientific, or other significant value.
- Selection Criteria –
- Sites must be already-classified landmarks, unique and significant culturally or physically
- To be included on the World Heritage List, sites must be of outstanding universal value and meet at least one out of ten selection criteria.
- World Heritage Committee –
- Selects and monitors World Heritage Sites
- Manages the World Heritage Fund and provides financial assistance
- India is a member of the World Heritage Committee (2021-2025)
Kalinga Architecture:
- Category of Nagara style
- Building Stone – Sandstones
- 2 Parts – Deula (tower) and Jagmohan(hall)
- Type of temples –
- Rekha Deula and Khakra Deula: Sanctum Sanctorum
- Pidha Deula: Dancing and offering halls
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are the:
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2012 Prelims]
(a) three main racial groups of the Indian subcontinent
(b) three main linguistic divisions into which the languages of Indian can be classified
(c) three main styles of Indian temple architecture
(d) three main musical Gharanas prevalent in India
Answer: (c)
