Which of the following is a common feature of Dravidian temples?

Correct option is A

Correct Answer: (a) Gopuram

Explanation

• A Gopuram is the towering ornamental gateway of a Dravidian temple and is the most distinctive architectural feature of South Indian (Dravidian) temple style.
• These gateways are usually located at the entrance of the temple complex and are richly decorated with sculptures of deities and mythological figures.

Information Booster

• Dravidian temples are commonly found in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and parts of Kerala.
• They have large temple complexes with multiple concentric enclosures (prakaras), with the tallest gopuram often in the outermost wall.
• Major construction of gopurams peaked during the rule of: Cholas, Pandyas, Vijayanagara Empire (major expansion phase), Nayaka rulers.

Additional Knowledge

• Shikhara is associated mainly with Nagara (North Indian) temples, not Dravidian.
• Dravidian temples also feature mandapas (pillared halls), vimanas (tower over the sanctum), and huge water tanks within the temple precincts.