1996 General Studies, all questions
UPSC Prelims 1996 · General Studies
Question 25: History and Culture
Which one of the following temples figured in the news regarding the institution of the Devadasis?
aJagannath temple, Puri
bPasupatinath temple, Kathmandu
cKandariya Mahadeva temple, Khajuraho
dChausanth Yogini temple, Bheraghat
AnswerThe answer is (a).
The Jagannath temple at Puri is the one known for a devadasi tradition: the maharis, women dedicated to the deity, sang and danced in the temple's daily service. Pashupatinath in Kathmandu, Kandariya Mahadeva at Khajuraho and the Chausath Yogini temple at Bheraghat are not associated with the devadasi institution in the way Puri is. Remember: Puri - maharis.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Right: Puri's Jagannath temple is associated with the mahari (devadasi) tradition.
- (b) Pashupatinath at Kathmandu is not the temple associated with this issue.
- (c) Kandariya Mahadeva at Khajuraho is known for its sculpture, not for the devadasi issue.
- (d) The Chausath Yogini temple at Bheraghat is a circular temple of Yoginis, not tied to this issue.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1996, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.