Question

The Nagara style of North India and the Dravida style of South India are the two principal styles of Indian architecture.
A. True
B. False

Answer 1

Hint: India has a rich culture and heritage which has evolved from the Indus valley civilisation. It is a mixture of social requirements, indigenous cultural traditions, religious practices and rituals of different eras and economic prosperity. Therefore the study of culture and traditions discloses the diversity of the nation. Most of Indian art is inspired and influenced by different religions in India.

Complete answer: A new era came with the Gupta dynasty which showed a new architecture of temples in history. The famous architectural texts, Shilpashastras were written in early medieval times. Styles that were mentioned in temple architecture were-Nagara and Dravida.
-Temples located in northern India are known as Nagara. The Nagara style temple includes multiple types of shikhara and tower. Central tower in the Nagara style temple is in curvilinear shape. The most famous style includes shikhara. There are usually two types of shikharas, the one with pointy on the top is called Latina while the other is called Rekha prasad shikhara. The entrances are personified with river Ganga and Yamuna. Boundaries were of low importance and pedestals were placed higher than the ground level. Deities are placed inside the temple in the Nagara style temple.
-Temples located in southern India are known as Dravida. The Dravida style temple includes one single type of shikhara and tower. Central tower in the Dravidian style temple is shaped like a pyramid. The most famous style includes Gopuram. The entrance consists of Dawarpalas. Boundaries are of high importance with pedestals are made at ground level. Deities are placed outside the temple in Dravidian style temples.
Therefore it is true that the Nagara style of North India and the Dravida style of South India are the two principal styles of Indian architecture.

Note: Dashavatara Vishnu Temple in Uttar Pradesh, Khajuraho Temples in M.P, are some of the examples of Nagara style temples. Mallikarjuna at Kuruvatti, The Kasi Vishveshvara at Lakkundi and Kalleshwara temple at Bagali are some of the examples of Dravida style temples.