Medieval History : Ghaznavid And Turkish Invasions (1000-1200 CE)

Q 1 / 4

UPSC CSE Prelims 2022

The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new Circuit House near Somnath Temple at Veraval. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Somnath Temple ?

  1. Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines.
  2. A description of Somnath Temple was given by Al-Biruni.
  3. Pran Pratishtha of Somnath Temple (installation of the present day temple) was done by President S. Radhakrishnan.

EXPLANATION

Correct Option

(A) Statements 1 and 2 are correct.

Explanation

Statement 1: Somnath Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines, which are sacred pilgrimage sites dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Statement 2: The 11th-century Persian scholar Al-Biruni, in his work 'Kitab-ul-Hind' (also known as 'Tarikh al-Hind'), provided a description of the Somnath Temple, noting its grandeur and importance.

Incorrect Options

Statement 3 is incorrect.

Statement 3: The 'Pran Pratishtha' (consecration ceremony) of the present-day Somnath Temple was performed by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, on May 11, 1951. S. Radhakrishnan was the Vice-President at that time and did not perform the installation ceremony.

SOURCEIndian Art and Culture by Nitin Singhania, Chapter 1: Indian Architecture, Sculpture and Pottery, History of Medieval India by Satish Chandra, Chapter 5: The Age of Conflict (1000-1200 AD), India Since Independence by Bipan Chandra, Chapter 1: The First Decade