, ,

Temples in South India were more than just religious centres; they were cultural and economic centres as well. Elucidate. 
(15          marks, 250 words) Answer:
Temples in South India were constructed for the first time during Pallava period. Initially, caves temples & Ratha temples were cut, later free-standing Dravidian style temples emerged. Temples were not just centres of religion but also played important role in socio-cultural life, politico-admin & judicial life and economy as well.
Religious role of temples
Temples were built as places of worship with a Garbagriha to house the idol of gods and goddesses. Mandapa in the temples was meant for worship of the deity. Most temples also had a place of residence for the Brahmanas. Thus, religion became more institutionalized with the coming of temples.
Socio-Economic and Cultural role of temples
•        Temples helped in propagating socio-cultural norms and values among the common masses. Eg. popular folk tales or knowledge of epics, puranas etc were circulated through temples.
•        Temples used to organise fairs and festivals for the people. These fairs gradually assumed an important cultural phenomenon. Young boys and girls used to meet here to find their life partners.
•        Sporting competitions like Bull fighting etc were organised by these temples.
•        Temples also played an important role in spread of education. Educational institutes like Ghatikas, Mathas, Shailas & Palichandas were attached to the temples. Priestly classes used to impart learning in these institutions. Some temples like those in Sringeri, Madurai also maintained a library for reading and education purpose.
•        Temples also acted as agents of central authority at the local level. It acted as a seat of justice and resolved disputes at local level.
•        The economic role of temples included providing employment to the hundreds of peasants who worked on agricultural land owned by temples. They also provided employment to musicians, dancers, singers etc.
•        Temples also played the role of moneylenders and were a key market as well. Conclusion
Therefore, temples were not just confined to religious roles but became centres of socio economic, cultural and political activities. It is for this reason, towns like Sringeri, Thanjavur, Madurai were called as “Temple based urbanisation”.