Ramappa Temple
2021 JUL 27
Preliminary >
Art and Culture > Architecture > Temple architecture
About Ramappa Temple:
- Ramappa Temple, also known as the Rudreshswara (Lord Siva) temple, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the state of Telangana.
- An inscription in the temple dates it to the year 1213 CE and says it was built by a Kakatiya General Recharla Rudra Deva, during the period of the Kakatiya ruler Ganapati Deva.
- The temple is a Sivalayam, where Lord Ramalingeswara is worshipped.
- Marco Polo, during his visit to the Kakatiya Empire, allegedly called the temple "the brightest star in the galaxy of temples".
- The temple is named after the sculptor Ramappa, who built it, and is perhaps the only temple in India to be named after a craftsman who built it.
Architecture
- Ramappa Temple stands majestically on a 6 ft high star-shaped platform. The hall in front of the sanctum has numerous carved pillars that have been positioned to create an effect that combines light and space wonderfully.
- The main structure is in a reddish sandstone, but the columns round the outside have large brackets of black basalt which is rich in iron, magnesium and silica.
- These are carved as mythical animals or female dancers or musicians, and are "the masterpieces of Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures and elongated bodies and heads".
- There are two small Shiva shrines on either side of the main temple. The enormous Nandi within, facing the shrine of Shiva, remains in good condition.
- On 25 July 2021, the temple was inscribed as a World Heritage Site as "Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana
Prelims Question:
Consider the following statements regarding Ramappa Temple:
1.It is located in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
2.It was constructed by Hoysala style of architecture.
Which among the above statements is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2
Answer to prelims question