Temple which is called the "Black Pagoda" of India:

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 2:
The Konark Sun Temple, situated on the Odisha coastline, is famously known as the "Black Pagoda." This colossal temple, built in the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva I, was a vital navigational landmark for European sailors in the Bay of Bengal. The structure earned this nickname due to its dark, imposing appearance, as the khondalite stone used in its construction weathers to a deep, dark hue over centuries. Sailors contrasted this dark tower with the bright white Jagannath Temple in Puri, which they referred to as the "White Pagoda." The term 'pagoda' itself was used by Europeans to describe Far Eastern temples. Additionally, it is theorized that a powerful lodestone at the top may have interfered with ship compasses, reinforcing its mysterious, dark reputation amongst mariners.

The incorrect option is 1:
The Khajuraho Temple complex, located in the landlocked state of Madhya Pradesh, is renowned for its Nagara-style Hindu and Jain temples. It is globally recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site primarily for its intricate, often erotic, sculptures depicting various aspects of life and mythology. However, being situated far from any coast, it never served as a maritime navigational point and is not associated with the name "Black Pagoda." Its architecture and location fundamentally differentiate it from the coastal Konark temple.

The incorrect option is 3:
The Meenakshi Temple, found in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture. It is most famous for its magnificent, multi-tiered gateway towers, or *gopurams*, which are covered in vibrant, polychromatic sculptures of mythological figures. This temple is located inland, deep within the city of Madurai, and its bright, distinctive style is in stark contrast to the dark, chariot-shaped Konark temple, thus it has never been called the "Black Pagoda."

The incorrect option is 4:
The Deogarh Temple, specifically the Dashavatara Temple in Deogarh, Uttar Pradesh, is a pivotal site in Indian art history. It is a prime, early example of North Indian temple architecture from the Gupta period, distinguished by its square plan and relief panels, particularly the *Anantasayi Vishnu* panel. Like the Khajuraho Temple, this site is situated far inland and holds no historical connection to European sailors or maritime navigation along the Bay of Bengal, making the name "Black Pagoda" inapplicable.