HPAS/ N.T. Allied Mains 2022-23 Answer Writing Challenge: Model Answer

Question: Highlight the cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh with special reference to popular temples. (8 Marks, 120 Words)

Answer: 

The predominantly mountainous region comprising the present-day Himachal Pradesh has been inhabited since pre-historic times having witnessed multiple waves of human migrations from other areas. Hence with immigration wave many cultural diffusion phenomenal have been witnessed in HP. Temple architecture is one of the great way to understand the cultural traditions of HP. Usually we find 6 different types of temple architecture in HP ;-

1.SHIKHAR

2.FLAT ROOFED

3.DOME

4.STUPAS

5.PENTROOF

6.PAGODA

• The PALA art influence is reflected in the cultural art form especially in temples like BAJAURA in district KULLU.
• JAWALAMUKHI temples show about the mythical story of how Vishnu saved the world from fury of SHIVA after demise of sati mata. Hence it shows the DEVTA culture of himachal
• The cultural tradition of MONOLITHIC ART FORM is being shown at MASRUR TEMPLE COMLEX. Hence NAGARA rock cut architecture cultural style is present here
• Cultural heritage of belief in SHAVISM is very diligently crafted in BHOOTNATH temple and BHATUK BHAIRAV TEMPLE at MANDI.
• BHUDDIST cultural heritage influence is shown in the monasteries of DANKAR, KYE, KANAM, KARDANG etc

• The respect towards females as a part of cultural heritage is represented in SHOOLINI MATA temples at SOLAN
• PAONTA SAHIB gurudwara reflects the great Sikh traditions and heritage and its historical ties with himachal mainland.
• Jakhu Mandir forms the part of cultural story of Ramayana where in Lord hanuman visited it while bringing medicinal herb for laxamana

Most of the architectural remains that survive from Ancient and Medieval Himachal are religious in nature. They reflect the evolution of society and the rule which was prevalent over the hills.