UPSC Prelims 1995 · General Studies

Question 24: History and Culture

The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are

athe three main racial groups of the Indian subcontinent

bthe three main linguistic divisions into which the languages of India can be classified

cthe three main styles of Indian temple architecture

dthe three main musical gharanas of Indian classical music

AnswerThe answer is (c).

Nagara, Dravida and Vesara are the three main styles of Indian temple architecture. Nagara is the northern style, with a curving tower called the shikhara. Dravida is the southern style, with a pyramid-shaped vimana over the sanctum and tall gateway towers called gopuras. Vesara is a hybrid style found mostly in the Deccan, especially Karnataka under the Chalukyas and Hoysalas. Remember: north Nagara, south Dravida, Deccan Vesara.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) These are architectural styles, not racial groups.
(b) Indian languages fall into families such as Indo-Aryan and Dravidian; these three terms are not language divisions.
(c) Right: the three main temple styles.
(d) Musical gharanas have names such as Gwalior and Agra; these terms are not among them.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1995, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.