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Topic Temple architecture
Asked 12 times across 6 UPSC exams over 14 years (2012–2026), peaking in 2021.
Key insights
- Most tested in CSE — 4 of 12 PYQs
- Most asked in 2021
- Recurs across 8 years (2012–2026)
How it travelled across exams
First appearance in each exam — the same idea, reframed.
CSE 2012 → CDS 2014 → NDA 2021 → GEO 2023 → CBI 2023 → CISF 2025
How the concept evolved
Rising — more than half its appearances (9 of 12) are since 2016.
Related concepts
Ideas UPSC tests alongside this one — keep exploring.
Sample questions
You've seen the pattern — here are a few of the actual PYQs.
CSE2026
Which of the following temples has/have a Nagara-style shikhara?
- Malegitti Shivalaya, Badami
- Huchimalligudi Temple, Aihole
- Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh
- Virupaksha Temple, Pattadakal
- A 1 and 2
- B 2 and 3 ✓
- C 3 only
- D 3 and 4
✓ Correct answer: (B)
Art & Culture › Architecture & Sculpture
CISF2025
Which one among the following is popularly known as the Black Pagoda ?
- A Shore Temple at Mamallapuram
- B Sun Temple at Konark ✓
- C Martand Sun Temple in Kashmir
- D Nalanda Mahavihara
✓ Correct answer: (B)
Art & Culture › Architecture & Sculpture
GEO2023
The typical Nagara style Shikhara is visible in which one of the following temples?
- A Brihadeshwara Temple, Thanjavur
- B Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh ✓
- C Kailasanatha Temple, Ellora
- D Meenakshi Temple, Madurai
✓ Correct answer: (B)
Art & Culture › Architecture & Sculpture
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