Previous Year Question
With reference to the cultural history of India, the term ‘Panchayatan’ refers to
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Solution
Panchayatan is a layout used in Hindu temple architecture. It consists of a group of five shrines.
The principal temple or sanctum is constructed at the centre of a raised platform.
Four smaller subsidiary shrines are placed at the four corners of the platform around the principal shrine.
Thus, one main shrine and four subsidiary shrines together form a five-shrined complex known as the Panchayatan plan.
This arrangement maintains the primacy of the principal deity while accommodating associated deities within the same temple complex.
Clear examples of the Panchayatan plan are found in the temple architecture of the later Gupta period in North India.
The Gupta-period Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh, Uttar Pradesh, is an important early example. Its principal shrine stood at the centre of the platform, with a subsidiary shrine projecting from each corner.
The Lakshmana Temple at Khajuraho is another developed example of the Panchayatan plan.
Therefore, Panchayatan does not refer to a village assembly, religious sect or administrative functionary. It refers to a style of temple construction, making option (c) correct.