The famous Dilwara Jain temples, built in the style of Chalukya architecture, are situated in which present day Indian state.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Rajasthan

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
The Dilwara Jain temples are among the most beautiful examples of temple architecture in India and are often mentioned in questions on art and culture. They are renowned for their intricate marble carvings and reflect the craftsmanship of the Chalukya or Solanki style of architecture. Knowing their location helps connect cultural heritage with Indian geography. This question checks whether the student can correctly identify the modern Indian state where these historic Jain temples are found.


Given Data / Assumptions:

    • The temples mentioned are the Dilwara Jain temples. • They are associated with Chalukya style temple architecture. • The question asks for the present day Indian state where they are located. • Options include several north and west Indian states.


Concept / Approach:
The key idea is to recall that the Dilwara temples stand on Mount Abu, a popular hill station. Mount Abu is situated in the Sirohi district of the state of Rajasthan. Although the architectural style is sometimes linked with the Chalukya tradition of western India, the geographical location of the site is clearly within Rajasthan. Some confusion can occur because neighbouring Gujarat also has many Jain temples, but the specific site of Dilwara is in Rajasthan.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Remember that the Dilwara Jain temples are located near Mount Abu, which is a hill station. Step 2: Identify that Mount Abu lies in the Aravalli range within the borders of the state of Rajasthan. Step 3: Review the options. Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Gujarat are all important states, but Mount Abu is not located in any of them. Step 4: Confirm that of the options given, Rajasthan is the only state that contains Mount Abu and the Dilwara temples. Step 5: Therefore, the correct answer is Rajasthan.


Verification / Alternative check:
Standard tourism and history references describe Mount Abu in Rajasthan as a centre for Jain pilgrimage due to the Dilwara temples. These temples include Vimal Vasahi and Luna Vasahi, which are praised for their fine marble carvings. Maps of India clearly show Mount Abu in the southwestern part of Rajasthan, near the border with Gujarat. Since no part of Mount Abu falls in other listed states, this confirms that Rajasthan is the correct answer beyond any reasonable doubt.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Madhya Pradesh: Although it has important historical and religious sites, the Dilwara Jain temples are not located there. Uttar Pradesh: This state contains cities such as Varanasi and Agra, but no Dilwara temple complex. Haryana: It does not contain Mount Abu and is not associated with the Dilwara Jain temples. Gujarat: Gujarat has many Jain temples, including Shatrunjaya at Palitana, but the Dilwara temples specifically are situated in Rajasthan, not Gujarat.


Common Pitfalls:
Because both Rajasthan and Gujarat are in western India and both have rich Jain heritage, many candidates mistakenly choose Gujarat. The mention of Chalukya style, which flourished in parts of present day Gujarat, further adds to the confusion. To avoid this, students should directly link the phrase Dilwara Jain temples with Mount Abu and immediately recall that Mount Abu is in Rajasthan. Visualising the map and state boundaries is a helpful memory aid in such questions.


Final Answer:
The Dilwara Jain temples built in Chalukya architectural style are situated in the state of Rajasthan.

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