What does the word Gopuram mean in the context of temple architecture of South India?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

SSC JE Electrical 9 Oct 2023 Shift 3 Official Paper-I

Answer 1

The correct answer is Entrance gateway in front wall of the temple.Key Points

It is also known as Gopuram.
It is a large pyramidal tower over the entrance gate to a temple area.
In the north India side it is called Shikhara.
The temple cities found it expedient to build a series of protective walls to safeguard and defend their temples, cities and places.

Additional Information

Nagara: which temples located in Northern India are listed as Nagara Style.
- The architecture of Nagara Style has multiple shikharas.
- Multiple Towers in Nagara Style.
- The Central Tower is Curvilinear in Shape.
- In Nagara Style doesn't give much importance to the temple boundaries, and the deities are kept inside.
Dravida: which temples located in Southern India are listed as Dravida Style.
- The architecture of Dravida Style has single shikhara.
- Single Towers in Dravida Style.
- The Central Tower is Pyramid in Shape.
- In Dravida Style are given high importance to the temple boundaries, and the deities are kept outside.

Vesara: emphasis is on Viman and Mandapa.
- The Kailashnath Temple, Ellora, Chennakesava temple, Virupaksha Temple, and Ladkhan Temple are famous temples of Vesara Style.