Which of the following temples has/have a Nagara-style shikhara?

Correct Option

The correct option is 2 and 3.

Explanation

Temple architecture in India is broadly classified into the Nagara style (North India), the Dravida style (South India), and the Vesara style (a hybrid form found in the Deccan). The shikhara (tower) is the most distinguishing feature of these styles.

• Statement 1 is Incorrect: The Malegitti Shivalaya at Badami is a classic example of the Early Chalukyan Dravida style. It features a small, tiered pyramidal tower (shikhara) with a crowning dome-like element (shikhara/stupi), characteristic of southern traditions.
• Statement 2 is Correct: The Huchimalligudi Temple at Aihole is an early Chalukyan experiment that incorporates the Nagara style shikhara. It features a curvilinear tower (latina type), demonstrating the architectural diversity present in the Aihole-Badami region.
• Statement 3 is Correct: The Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh (Uttar Pradesh) is a quintessential Nagara style temple from the Gupta period. It is one of the earliest structural temples to feature a curvilinear shikhara, although it is currently in a dilapidated state.
• Statement 4 is Incorrect: The Virupaksha Temple at Pattadakal was built by Queen Lokamahadevi in the 8th century to commemorate Vikramaditya II's victory over the Pallavas. It is a magnificent example of the Dravida style, modeled after the Kailasanatha temple at Kanchipuram, featuring a tiered pyramidal shikhara.

Key Takeaway

While the Nagara style is native to North India (e.g., Deogarh), the Early Chalukyas of Badami practiced architectural eclecticism, constructing both Nagara-style (Huchimalligudi) and Dravida-style (Malegitti Shivalaya, Virupaksha) temples within the same geographical region.