Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution
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Correct Answer: Option (C) — A style of temple construction
Concept & Option Breakdown
Standard Reference VerifiedPanchayatan is a classic layout style in Indian temple architecture where the central main shrine (garbhagriha) is surrounded by four subsidiary shrines positioned at the four corners of a common raised plinth (cruciform/quincunx ground plan). Prominent examples include the Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh and the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple at Khajuraho.
Do not confuse 'Panchayatan' (temple layout of five shrines) with 'Panchayat' (local village self-governance assembly).
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