Choose the correct one :
A. Garbhagrha - the Sanctum Sanctorum
B. Mandapa - the Tower over the Garbhagrha
C. Gopura - an Elaborate Gateway
D. Nagara - North Indian Temple Style
E. Dravida Style - Mamallapuram Temple
Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (b). The tower over the Garbhagrha is called 'Shikhara' (in Nagara) or 'Vimana' (in Dravida), not Mandapa. Mandapa refers to the pillared assembly hall leading to the sanctum.
Information Booster

• Garbhagrha: Literally 'womb-house', it is the small room where the main deity resides.
• Gopuram: A prominent feature of Dravidian architecture, specifically the towering entrance gateway.
• Nagara Style: Characterized by beehive-shaped curvilinear towers, common in North India.
• Dravida Style: Features pyramidical towers (Vimana) and large gateways, common in South India.
• The Shore Temple at Mamallapuram is a classic early example of Dravida architecture built by the Pallavas.

Additional Knowledge

• Vesara Style: A hybrid style combining Nagara and Dravida elements, prominent under the Chalukyas and Hoysalas.
• Amalaka: A stone disc found at the top of a Nagara Shikhara.
• Antarala: A small vestibule between the Mandapa and Garbhagrha.