UPSC Prelims 2021 · GS Paper I
Question 31: History and Culture
With reference to Chausath Yogini Temple situated near Morena, consider the following statements :
- 1.It is a circular temple built during the reign of Kachchhapaghata Dynasty.
- 2.It is the only circular temple built in India.
- 3.It was meant to promote the Vaishnava cult in the region.
- 4.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?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).
The Chausath Yogini Temple at Mitawali near Morena in Madhya Pradesh is a circular temple built under the Kachchhapaghata dynasty. It is not the only circular temple in India, since other Yogini temples also have circular plans. It is associated with the Yogini and Shaiva traditions, not with promoting the Vaishnava cult. A popular belief holds that its circular design inspired the Indian Parliament building. Remember: circular, Kachchhapaghata, Yogini cult.
- 1. It is a circular temple built under the Kachchhapaghata dynasty.
- 2. Other circular Yogini temples exist in India.
- 3. It belongs to the Yogini and Shaiva tradition, not the Vaishnava cult.
- 4. A popular belief links its design to the Parliament building.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 2 is not correct, (a), (b) and (d) go: each of them includes 2.
What you needed to know: Other circular Yogini temples exist in India.
The red flag in statement 2 is “only”. In UPSC’s papers, statements with “only” were true 27% of the time (82 statements). A hint, not a rule.
Only (c) is left. You didn’t need statements 1, 3 or 4.
Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong: statement 2 is false because other circular Yogini temples exist.
- (b) Wrong: statements 2 and 3 are false.
- (c) Right: statements 1 and 4 are correct.
- (d) Wrong: statements 2 and 3 are false.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2021, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.