UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 86
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?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: C
Correct Option: C (1 and 4)
Explanation: The Morena-area Chausath Yogini Temple at Mitaoli is circular and linked to the Kachchhapaghata period; other circular temples exist and its cult is Shakta/Yogini rather than Vaishnava. A popular (not proven) comparison links it to Parliament House.
Statement / Pair / Item-wise Analysis:
1. Correct / qualifies - Mitaoli Chausath Yogini Temple is circular and dates to the Kachchhapaghata era.
2. Incorrect / does not qualify - Other circular Chausath Yogini temples, including Hirapur, also exist.
3. Incorrect / does not qualify - The 64 Yoginis belong to Shakta/Tantric traditions, not specifically Vaishnavism.
4. Correct / qualifies - The design is popularly said to have influenced the old Indian Parliament building, though direct proof is debated.
Option-wise Analysis:
A. Incorrect-includes item 2, which is not valid (Other circular Chausath Yogini temples, including Hirapur, also exist); omits valid item 4 (The design is popularly said to have influenced the old Indian Parliament building, though direct proof is debated).
B. Incorrect-includes item 2, which is not valid (Other circular Chausath Yogini temples, including Hirapur, also exist); includes item 3, which is not valid (The 64 Yoginis belong to Shakta/Tantric traditions, not specifically Vaishnavism); omits valid item 1 (Mitaoli Chausath Yogini Temple is circular and dates to the Kachchhapaghata era); omits valid item 4 (The design is popularly said to have influenced the old Indian Parliament building, though direct proof is debated).
C. Correct-selects exactly the supported statements/items: 1, 4.
D. Incorrect-includes item 2, which is not valid (Other circular Chausath Yogini temples, including Hirapur, also exist); includes item 3, which is not valid (The 64 Yoginis belong to Shakta/Tantric traditions, not specifically Vaishnavism); omits valid item 1 (Mitaoli Chausath Yogini Temple is circular and dates to the Kachchhapaghata era).
Review note: The Parliament-inspiration link is a popular belief, not established architectural causation.