Question

The temple architecture around India began to develop around _______century C.E
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4

Answer 1

Hint: The Hindu temple architecture has many various styles. It is a combination of several art, values and beliefs.

Complete answer: The temple architecture in India developed around the 4th century BC during the Gupta period. The Gupta period witnessed rock-carved deity in Hindy art. The Gupta rulers were not pleased with caves, so they decided to build free-standing structures known as temples. Thus began the legacy of the construction of Hindy temple architecture. When these temples were built they were utilised for the dwelling place for the deity and not for the congregation.
The decorated palace was called Prasada and was utilised by priests to give offerings to Gods and prayers, flowers and food could also be offered by individuals. Inside the temple, there was a small windowless architecture which was called the Garbhagriha where the deity was kept and only priests were allowed to enter. The Kusama, Mathura and Gandhara style influenced the Gupta architecture. The temples were constructed using sandstone, granite and brick. In Gupta architecture, the square was considered the most perfect form. Thus temples built this way were appreciated from all sides. In this case, the garbhagriha was placed at the centre.
Therefore, option D is the right answer.

Note: The Gupta temples were dedicated to a large number of Hindu gods from the Hindu mythology and not a single deity. The sculptures of Indra, Vishnu, Brahma were created along with the attendants and Mithuna couples.