Which of the following does NOT belong to the three broad styles of Indian architecture?

Option 3 : Maratha – Eastern style

The correct answer is Maratha – Eastern style.

• The temple architecture in India is not the same everywhere.
• Basically, there are three styles of temple architecture in India:

1. Nagara Style (North India)
2. Dravida Style (South India)
3. Vasara style (Mix of Nagara and Dravida style)

• Nagara Style:

1. Built on a stone platform with steps leading up to it.
2. Have a tower or Shikhara.
3. Have Grabhagriha ( A place for the idols of god and goddess).
4. Examples: Kandariya Mahadeo temple at Khajuraho, Lakshamana temple

• Dravida Style:

1. Generally enclosed within a compounded wall.
2. The entrance gateway is known as Gopuram.
3. The shape of the Temple tower is known as Vimana (similar to Shikhara in Nagara style).
4. Large water tanks are common in the temple complex.
5. Examples: Brahadeeshwara temple, Rajarajeswara temple.

• Vasara style:

1. This style of temple architecture is a mix of Nagara and Dravid styles.
2. Examples: Dodda Basappa Temple, Hoysala Temple.

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Hence, Maratha architecture is not a type of Indian architecture.