Question

Recognise the epoch that is being talked about.
1) Several Mandapams were made inside temples during this epoch.
2) The pillared outdoor Mandapams were for public rituals.
3) A sitting lion at the top of the pillars became a common feature in the Mandapams.

• A. Pallava Epoch
• B. Later Chola Epoch
• C. Early Chola Epoch
• D. Vijayanagara Epoch

Answer 1

The correct option is D Vijayanagara Epoch

It was during the Vijayanagara epoch that a new form of Mandapam construction emerged. They built several Mandapams in temples. The pillared outdoor Mandapams were for public rituals, while few Mandapams became the waiting place of the devotees. These Mandapams commanded attention with the presence of several monolithic pillars. The pillars had beautifully sculptured horses, lions, and the gods. A sitting lion at the top of the pillars became a common feature in the Mandapams. Windows were carved out on the walls of the sanctum and Mandapams.