Question

Which of the following architectural elements is NOT typically found in a South Indian temple complex?

• A. Gopuram
• B. Vimana
• C. Mandapa
• D. Shikhara (in the sense of North Indian Nagara style Shikhara)

Hint:

(T) \textbf{South Indian Temple Architecture (Dravidian Style) - Key Elements:}
(U) \textbf{Gopuram:} Monumental gateway tower.
(V) \textbf{Vimana:} Pyramidal or stepped tower over the main sanctum (garbhagriha).
(W) \textbf{Mandapa:} Pillared hall.
(X) The crowning element of the Vimana is also sometimes called a "shikhara" in South Indian terminology, but it's a small capstone, not the main tower.
(Y) \textbf{North Indian Temple Architecture (Nagara Style) - Key Element:}
(Z) \textbf{Shikhara:} Curvilinear or beehive-shaped main tower over the sanctum.
([) If "Shikhara" in the question refers to the characteristic North Indian tower, then it is not found in South Indian temples (which have Vimanas). This is the usual distinction made.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

South Indian temple architecture (Dravidian style) has distinct characteristics and architectural elements. North Indian temple architecture (Nagara style) has different features. Key elements typically found in a South Indian temple complex (Dravidian style):
(N) (a) Gopuram (Gopura): These are monumental, ornate gateway towers, often elaborately sculpted, located at the entrances to the temple enclosure (prakaras). They are a very prominent feature of South Indian temples.
(O) (b) Vimana: This is the tower or superstructure built over the \textit{garbhagriha} (sanctum sanctorum, the innermost shrine housing the main deity). In South Indian temples, the vimana is typically pyramidal or stepped in form and is usually smaller in height than the gopurams in large temple complexes.
(P) (c) Mandapa (Mantapa): These are pillared halls or pavilions within the temple complex, used for various purposes like assembly, rituals, dance, or as antechambers leading to the shrine. Multiple mandapas with different functions are common.
(Q) (d) Shikhara:
(R) In North Indian temple architecture (Nagara style), the term Shikhara refers to the main curvilinear or beehive-shaped tower built over the garbhagriha. This is the most prominent part of a North Indian temple.
(S) In South Indian temple architecture (Dravidian style), the term "Shikhara" has a different, more specific meaning. It refers to the crowning capstone element at the very top of the Vimana. This is usually a small, dome-like or octagonal/polygonal capstone (often called a \textit{stupika} or \textit{kalasha} on top of that). It is not the main tower itself, which is called the Vimana. The question asks what is NOT "typically found". If "Shikhara" is used in its North Indian sense (the main curvilinear tower over the sanctum), then it is NOT found in South Indian temples (where the equivalent tower is the Vimana). If "Shikhara" is used in its South Indian sense (the finial/capstone of the Vimana), then it IS found. However, when comparing architectural styles, "Shikhara" usually refers to the distinctive North Indian tower form, which is very different from the South Indian Vimana. Given the options, it's likely contrasting these main tower types. The other elements (Gopuram, Vimana, Mandapa) are all quintessential and defining features of South Indian temple complexes. The North Indian style Shikhara (curvilinear tower) is not found in South Indian temples. Therefore, interpreting "Shikhara" in its more common usage referring to the North Indian tower form, it is the element not typically found in a South Indian temple complex as the primary tower over the sanctum. \[ \boxed{\text{Shikhara}} \] (Assuming "Shikhara" refers to the North Indian Nagara style tower, which is distinct from the South Indian Vimana.)