Question

In which temple of Gupta period, Shiva was represented as a Yogi?
A) Bhoomara
B) Deogarh
C) Bhitargaon
D) Bhitari

Answer 1

Hint: The Gupta Empire was an ancient Indian empire which existed from 3rd century CE to 543 CE. During 319 CE to 467 CE, it covered most of the Indian subcontinent.

Complete answer: The Gupta Empire was stretched across the northern, central and also parts of southern India. The period is noted for its achievements in the field of arts, science, architecture, religion and philosophy. Chandragupta Ⅰ started a rapid expansion of the empire and established himself as the first sovereign ruler of the empire. There was also a period of prosperity and growth that continued for almost three centuries. Gold coins and silver coins flourished in abundance which indicated the health of the economy, trade and commerce flourished.
The Gupta Empire had an impeccable style of art and architecture. Some of the finest examples can be seen in Ajanta, Ellora, Sarnath, Mathura and Sigiriya. The Gupta period marked the beginning of Temple architecture. Most temples present at the Gupta period were carved with Gods and Goddesses mainly Vishnu and Lingams.
The most important temple of the Gupta period is Dasavatar Temple of Deogarh located in Uttar Pradesh. The temple was discovered by Captain Charles Strahan. It depicts the ten avatars of Vishnu and Shiva is represented as a Yogi in the temple. The temple depicts the style of Gupta architecture without Shikhara and a cubical Garbagriha. It was the earliest stone temple to be constructed.
Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

Note: The incompetence of the Gupta rulers after Skanda Gupta and the internal weakness of the empire was the main reason responsible for the downfall of the Gupta Empire and external attacks like that of the Huns also contributed to it. The empire finally collapsed around 550 C.E.