Q. Discuss the various types of temple architecture of Himachal Pradesh with suitable examples.

Ans.
The abundance of temples in H.P. is truly remarkable. It has earned the moniker “Abode of the Gods” for good reason. There is seemingly a temple in every single hamlet.
The various temple architectures of Himachal Pradesh are:

1. Shikhar Style

• Shikhara, a Sanskrit word translating literally to “mountain peak”, refers to the rising tower in the Hindu temple architecture of North India, and is also often used in Jain temples.
  • The temple has a conical formation built of stone, with extensive carving on the outer wall of the temple.
  • The main parts of the temple are Garbhgriha (Sanctum Sanctorum), Mandap (Porch), and Shikar (Tower).
  • The top of the Shikar has a circular disk, called “Amalaka”.
  • Examples: Lord Vaidhyanath Temple (Baijnath), Laxmi Narayan Temple (Chamba), Panchvaktar Temple (Mandi), etc.

2. Pagoda Style

• The pagoda-style roof, characterized by multiple layers of roofs that gradually decrease in size as they go upwards, is a prominent feature in many Himachali temples.
  • This style provides structural stability and protection against heavy snowfall in the region.
  • Examples: Hidimba Temple (Manali), Manu Temple (Manali), Chagoann Temple (Kinnaur), etc.

3. Pent-Roof Style

• The pent-roofed temples are indigenously styled circular or rectangular structures with slanting roofs made of rows and rows of slates.
  • Designed in keeping with the climatic conditions of the region, to keep heavy rainfall and snowfall from covering these structures for more than short intervals.
  • Examples: Bijli Mahadev (Kullu), Lakshna Devi (Chamba), etc.

4. Dome-Style Temple

• In these types of temples, a semi-circular dome is placed over the temple building.
  • This style is a direct outcome of Mughal and Sikh rule.
  • Examples: Jawalamukhi Temple (Kangra), Naina Devi Temple (Bilaspur), Chintpurni Temple (Una), etc.

5. Satluj Valley Style

• This type of architecture is the fusion of pent-roof and pagoda-style temple architecture.
  • This mandap design showcases one or multiple pagoda roofs situated above the Garbhgriha, in alignment with the Shikhar of a traditional temple. Usually situated at one end of the edifice, it can also be centrally located.
  • Examples: Bahna Mahadev (Kangra), Bhimakali Temple (Shimla), etc.

6. Pyramidical Style

• They are constructed on square plinths and possess four equal-length eaves on the lower part of the roof, with the roof tapering towards the centre to create a pyramid-like shape.
  • Pyramidical roofs are found in Jubbal Valley.
  • Examples: Shiva Temple (Jubbal), Hateshwari Devi Temple (Mahasu), etc.

Overall, the temple architecture of Himachal Pradesh stands as a living heritage that reflects the deep spiritual beliefs, artistic talents, and harmonious integration of architecture with the natural environment of this stunning Indian state.

Q. What was the response of Hill States on the emergence of the Revolt of 1857?

Ans.
On 10th May 1857, the First War of Independence broke out in the central and northern states of India, but it did not have much effect on the Hill Territories, except for a few incidents.

The reasons were:

• Lack of Political Awareness – The people of Hill States, socially, economically and intellectually, were far less developed than those in the plains and therefore political rights did not matter much to them.
• Unaware of Real Exploiters – Economic exploitation was more a phenomenon of native rulers and jagirdars than that of the British.
• Lack of Religious Interference – There was a lack of religious interference by Christian missionaries in states at that time.
• Loyalty of Rulers – The rulers of the Punjab Hill States remained loyal and rendered valuable services to the Britishers.

Response of Hill States to the Breakout of the 1857 Revolt:

• Episodes against Britishers:

• Mutiny by Soldiers – The Gurkha Ballalion (Nasiri Battalion) stationed at Hill cantonments was ordered to move to Ambala, to which they refused to comply.
  ➤ The 80 soldiers of the Kasauli Guard revolted under the leadership of Subedar Bhim Chand and joined their fellow soldiers at Jutogh.
• Revolt in Kullu – A revolt was organised by Pratap Singh, who pretended to be the rightful king of Kullu, by exciting the people against the Britishers.
  ➤ He was assisted by the Negi of the Seraj area.
• Hostility by Raja Shamsher Singh of Bushehr – He was the only Raja who acted with hostility and discourtesy towards the British.
  ➤ He kept back his tribute, offered no aid and refused ordinary supplies.
• Discontent in Nalagarh State – Taking advantage of the worsening situation in Shimla, there was some disturbance in Nalaragh State.
  ➤ But soon order was restored by William Hay with the support of Mian Jai Singh of Baghal.

• Support Provided by Hill Chiefs to Britishers:

• Provide Shelter – Raja of Keonthal came to rescue the European inhabitants and gave them shelter in Shimla, Junga and other places.
  ➤ Some others stayed with the Thakurs of Koti and Balsan States.
• Provide Troops – Raja Hari Singh of Bilaspur provided an army of 50 well-trained soldiers which were then stationed at Boileauganj Bazar.
  ➤ For his service, Raja Hari Singh was granted a salute of eleven guns.
  ➤ Also, Raja of Sirmaur provided 60 troops to the Britishers under the command of Kanwar Bir Singh.
• Kept a Close Vigilance over Rebels – Raja Sri Singh of Chamba also sent troops to Dalhousie under Mian Avatar Singh and kept a close vigil along the frontier for any rebels who might enter the territory.
  ➤ Raja Krishan Singh was keeping guard over the road from Shimla to Jalandhar, where the 3rd, 31st and 33rd Bengal regiments had revolted.
• Help to Capture the Fugitives – Throughout the Kangra Hill States, there was a friendly sentiment towards the British government.
  ➤ This was demonstrated by their actions, such as capturing fugitive mutineers from the Sialkot Brigade.

Hence, Shimla Hill States remained largely ineffective from the influence of the 1857 revolt. Underdeveloped situations of that time to act on such a large revolt along with the loyalty and support of the Chiefs of Hill States prevented revolt from spreading in the Hill States.

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