The shrines of the temples during early India were of three kinds. Which amongst the following is NOT a type of shrine?

Appeared in: UPPSC 2022

Explanation

Sharikrida is not a recognized architectural classification for early Indian temple shrines.
The primary classifications—Sandhara, Nirandhara, and Sarvatobhadra—are based on the temple's ground plan, specifically the presence of a circumambulatory path (pradakshina patha) and the number of entrances.
This makes 'Sharikrida type' the correct answer as it is the exception among the given options.

Option A: This is a valid and major classification of Indian temples.
Option B: This is a valid classification of Indian temples.
Option C: This is a valid, though less common, classification of Indian temples.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Classification of Early Indian Temple Shrines as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Developing the skill to categorize information and identify outliers is crucial in many fields, including nursing, where a nurse must spot an anomalous symptom or lab value.
This question tests knowledge of specific historical terminology, similar to how nursing exams test knowledge of specific medical terms.
What if the question was about temple styles instead of shrine types? The options might have been Nagara, Dravida, and Vesara, which refer to regional architectural styles rather than the layout of the shrine itself.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core subject of the question, which is the classification of early Indian temple shrines.
Note the negative keyword 'NOT'. This means you are looking for the option that does not belong to the group.
Recall or deduce the basis for classification in temple architecture, which often relates to the ground plan and key features like the ambulatory path.
Define the known terms: Sandhara (with path), Nirandhara (without path), and Sarvatobhadra (accessible from all sides).
By elimination, identify 'Sharikrida' as the term that does not fit this architectural classification system.
Therefore, select 'Sharikrida type' as the correct answer because it is the exception.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Classification of Early Indian Temple Shrines
Stem keywords: shrines, temples, early India
Lead-in keywords: NOT
Negative lead-in flag: The question asks to identify the option that is NOT a type of shrine, requiring the elimination of the valid types.

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