Prelims 2021 · Art and Culture · Question 31
With reference to Chausath Yogini Temple situated near Morena, consider the following statements:
- It is a circular temple built during the reign of Kachchhapaghata Dynasty.
- It is the only circular temple built in India.
- It was meant to promote the Vaishnava cult in the region.
- Its design has given rise to a popular belief that it was the inspiration behind the Indian Parliament building.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Answer
1 and 4
1. Correct. The Chausath Yogini Temple at Mitaoli near Morena is a circular temple and is generally dated to the Kachchhapaghata dynasty (around the 11th century).
2. Incorrect. It is not the only circular temple in India; other Chausath Yogini temples, such as Hirapur (Odisha) and Bhedaghat (Jabalpur), also have circular plans.
3. Incorrect. The temple is associated with the Yogini/Shakta-Tantric tradition, not with promotion of the Vaishnava cult.
4. Correct. There is a popular belief that its circular design inspired the Indian Parliament building, though this is not firmly established as a historical fact.
Hence, statements 1 and 4 are correct.