UPSC Prelims 2014 Question:

With reference to the cultural history of India, the term 'Panchayatan' refers to

Explanation:

• The temple in Deogarh (in Lalitpur District, Uttar Pradesh) was built in the early sixth century CE. It is a classic example of a late Gupta Period type of temple.
  
  
• This temple is in the panchayatana style of architecture where the main shrine is built on a rectangular plinth with four smaller subsidiary shrines at the four corners
  
  
• It has a total number of five shrines, hence the name, panchayatana.
  
  
• The tall and curvilinear shikhara also corroborates this date. This makes it an early example of a classic nagara style of temple.
  
  

Therefore, option (3) is the correct answer.

Subject: History | Architecture and Sculptures