Q. With reference to the cultural history of India, the term ‘Panchayatan’ refers to

  • an assembly of village elders
  • a religious sect
  • a style of temple construction
  • an administrative functionary

Answer: (c) a style of temple construction

Notes:
  • Panchayatana” literally translates to “five shrines” in Sanskrit, In the Panchayatana style of temple architecture, the main shrine is surrounded by four subsidiary shrines at four different corners, making it total of five shrines.
  • In the Panchayatana style of temple architecture, the main shrine is built on a rectangular plinth.
  • Kandariya Mahadeva Temple in Khajuraho, Lingaraja Temple in Bhubaneswar, Dashavatara Temple in Deogarh, Uttar Pradesh are the famous examples of this style of architecture. 
  • This architectural style reflects the concept of worshipping multiple deities as different aspects of the same divine reality, a core tenet of the Smarta sect of Hinduism.
Panchayatana style