With reference to the cultural history of India, the term ‘Panchayatan’ refers to

With reference to the cultural history of India, the term ‘Panchayatan’ refers to(2014)

a) an assembly of village elders

b) a religious sect

c) a style of temple construction

d) an administrative functionary

Answer : C

Panchayatan is a style of temple construction that has a central shrine surrounded by four other shrines. It has a main shrine which is surrounded by four subsidiary shrines. The origin of the name are the Sanskrit words Pancha which means five and ayatana means containing.