SSC
The Govind Dev Temple at Vrindavan, a fine red sandstone temple built in 1590, was constructed by:
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Answer: Option B — Raja Man Singh I of Amber
Detailed Solution
The Govind Dev Temple at Vrindavan, near Mathura in Uttar Pradesh, was built in 1590 by Raja Man Singh I of Amber (Jaipur), a leading noble and general of Akbar.
About the temple:
- It is dedicated to Govind Dev (Krishna).
- It is built of red sandstone, and is said to have been built with sandstone donated by Akbar, from the same quarries used for the Red Fort of Agra.
- It is one of the most remarkable temples of north India, combining features of Hindu temple architecture with Mughal elements, such as vaulted ceilings, arches and domes.
- It was originally a seven-storeyed building, according to tradition.
- It was built in the shape of a Greek cross (cruciform plan).
- Its upper storeys were destroyed in the time of Aurangzeb.
- The original image of Govind Dev was moved to Jaipur for safety, where it is worshipped in the Govind Dev Ji temple in the City Palace complex.
- The temple is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
About Raja Man Singh I:
- He was the ruler of Amber (Kachhwaha dynasty) and a trusted general of Akbar.
- He was the nephew (and adopted son) of Raja Bhagwan Das.
- He was one of the highest-ranking mansabdars of Akbar, with a rank of 7,000.
- He led the Mughal army against Maharana Pratap.
- He served as governor of Kabul, Bihar and Bengal.
- He built many temples, including at Vrindavan, Banaras and Rohtas.
Vrindavan and the Bhakti movement:
Vrindavan became an important centre of Krishna worship in the 16th century, especially due to the Gaudiya Vaishnavas (followers of Chaitanya), the six Goswamis, and the Vallabha sect.
Akbar's religious policy:
Akbar followed a tolerant religious policy, gave grants to temples, and allowed temples to be built.
Why not the other options?
- ✗Todar Mal and Birbal were other nobles of Akbar.
- ✗Maharana Pratap was an opponent of Akbar.
Quick tip
Remember: Govind Dev Temple, Vrindavan (1590) = Raja Man Singh I of Amber (red sandstone; Hindu-Mughal style; image later moved to Jaipur).
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Monuments & Religious Places — Preparation
This question tests your understanding of Monuments & Religious Places, a key topic in the General Knowledge section. The detailed solution above uses a step-by-step approach to show the reasoning, and where available, a shortcut that helps you solve similar questions in under 90 seconds during the actual exam.
This topic covers India's important monuments, temples, mosques, churches, gurudwaras and pilgrimage sites, who built them and when, their architectural styles, and India's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Questions ask who built a monument, where it is located, or which dynasty or style it belongs to. For example, the Qutub Minar was begun by Qutbuddin Aibak, and the Sun Temple at Konark was built by the Eastern Ganga king Narasimhadeva I. Revise the UNESCO World Heritage Sites as a list, noting the most recent additions. Practise the monuments and religious places questions below, written in the style of the general awareness sections of exams such as SSC, banking, railways, CUET GAT, MAH CET and CLAT. Each question comes with a detailed explanation that adds related facts, so every question helps you revise more than one point.