Ancient Indian Architecture

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
The question asks about a specific architectural detail of the temple platform (`jagati`) as prescribed in the Viṣṇudharmottara Purāṇa. `Bhūmikās` in this context refers to terraces or levels.
Step 2: Textual Reference
The Viṣṇudharmottara Purāṇa is an important source for understanding the theory behind temple architecture. In its discussion of the temple plan and elevation, it specifies the ideal form for various parts. For the `jagati`, the raised platform upon which the temple stands, the text recommends that it be constructed with three terraces or levels (`tri-bhūmikā`). This tripartite division reflects cosmic symbolism prevalent in Hindu thought.
Step 3: Final Answer
The Viṣṇudharmottara Purāṇa prescribes that the `jagati` should consist of three `bhūmikās`.

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
The question requires arranging the given Indian texts, which contain architectural information, in the correct historical sequence from earliest to latest.
Step 2: Dating the Texts
(C) Śānkhyāyana Gṛhya Sūtra: This is a Gṛhya Sūtra, part of the late Vedic or Sūtra period literature. These texts deal with domestic rituals, including the construction of the house and altar. They are dated to approximately 500-200 BCE, making this the earliest text in the list.
(A) Mayamata: This is a major Vāstu Śāstra text. Its composition is generally placed in the post-Gupta period, likely between the 8th and 10th centuries CE.
(D) Samarāngaņasūtradhāra: This comprehensive treatise on architecture and engineering was written by the Paramara king, Raja Bhoja of Dhara, who reigned from c. 1010 to 1055 CE. This firmly places it in the 11th century CE.
(B) Mānsāra: Another foundational Vāstu Śāstra text. Its dating is widely debated, but it is generally considered a compilation whose final form is later than the Mayamata and Samarāngaṇasūtradhāra, possibly post-11th century CE.
Step 3: Establishing the Chronological Sequence
1. Śānkhyāyana Gṛhya Sūtra (C)
2. Mayamata (A)
3. Samarāngaņasūtradhāra (D)
4. Mānsāra (B)
The correct sequence is C, A, D, B.
Step 4: Final Answer
The correct chronological order is (C), (A), (D), (B), which corresponds to option (C).

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
This question requires specific knowledge of ancient Indian temple architecture (Vastu Shastra) as described in the Viṣṇudharmottara Purāṇa. It asks to match different types of temples with the number of storeys (bhūmis) they are prescribed to have.
Step 2: Matching the Temple Types
Based on the descriptions found in Part 3, Chapter 86 of the Viṣṇudharmottara Purāṇa, the classifications are as follows:
(A) Śuktimān: This type of temple is described as having nine storeys. So, (A) matches with (I).
(B) Nandana: This temple type is prescribed to have eleven storeys. So, (B) matches with (II).
(C) Catuṣkaka: The name itself derives from 'catuṣka' meaning 'four'. This temple has four storeys. So, (C) matches with (III).
(D) Pāriyātra: This type of temple is specified to have six storeys. So, (D) matches with (IV).
Step 3: Forming the Correct Combination
The correct pairings are:
A - I
B - II
C - III
D - IV
This combination is found in option (A).
Step 4: Final Answer
The correct matching is (A) - (I), (B) - (II), (C) - (III), (D) - (IV).

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
The question asks about a specific architectural detail of the temple platform (`jagati`) as prescribed in the Viṣṇudharmottara Purāṇa. `Bhūmikās` in this context refers to terraces or levels.
Step 2: Textual Reference
The Viṣṇudharmottara Purāṇa is an important source for understanding the theory behind temple architecture. In its discussion of the temple plan and elevation, it specifies the ideal form for various parts. For the `jagati`, the raised platform upon which the temple stands, the text recommends that it be constructed with three terraces or levels (`tri-bhūmikā`). This tripartite division reflects cosmic symbolism prevalent in Hindu thought.
Step 3: Final Answer
The Viṣṇudharmottara Purāṇa prescribes that the `jagati` should consist of three `bhūmikās`.

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
The question requires arranging the given Indian texts, which contain architectural information, in the correct historical sequence from earliest to latest.
Step 2: Dating the Texts
(C) Śānkhyāyana Gṛhya Sūtra: This is a Gṛhya Sūtra, part of the late Vedic or Sūtra period literature. These texts deal with domestic rituals, including the construction of the house and altar. They are dated to approximately 500-200 BCE, making this the earliest text in the list.
(A) Mayamata: This is a major Vāstu Śāstra text. Its composition is generally placed in the post-Gupta period, likely between the 8th and 10th centuries CE.
(D) Samarāngaņasūtradhāra: This comprehensive treatise on architecture and engineering was written by the Paramara king, Raja Bhoja of Dhara, who reigned from c. 1010 to 1055 CE. This firmly places it in the 11th century CE.
(B) Mānsāra: Another foundational Vāstu Śāstra text. Its dating is widely debated, but it is generally considered a compilation whose final form is later than the Mayamata and Samarāngaṇasūtradhāra, possibly post-11th century CE.
Step 3: Establishing the Chronological Sequence
1. Śānkhyāyana Gṛhya Sūtra (C)
2. Mayamata (A)
3. Samarāngaņasūtradhāra (D)
4. Mānsāra (B)
The correct sequence is C, A, D, B.
Step 4: Final Answer
The correct chronological order is (C), (A), (D), (B), which corresponds to option (C).

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
This question requires specific knowledge of ancient Indian temple architecture (Vastu Shastra) as described in the Viṣṇudharmottara Purāṇa. It asks to match different types of temples with the number of storeys (bhūmis) they are prescribed to have.
Step 2: Matching the Temple Types
Based on the descriptions found in Part 3, Chapter 86 of the Viṣṇudharmottara Purāṇa, the classifications are as follows:
(A) Śuktimān: This type of temple is described as having nine storeys. So, (A) matches with (I).
(B) Nandana: This temple type is prescribed to have eleven storeys. So, (B) matches with (II).
(C) Catuṣkaka: The name itself derives from 'catuṣka' meaning 'four'. This temple has four storeys. So, (C) matches with (III).
(D) Pāriyātra: This type of temple is specified to have six storeys. So, (D) matches with (IV).
Step 3: Forming the Correct Combination
The correct pairings are:
A - I
B - II
C - III
D - IV
This combination is found in option (A).
Step 4: Final Answer
The correct matching is (A) - (I), (B) - (II), (C) - (III), (D) - (IV).