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Picture Courtesy:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/centre-approves-141-crore-loans-for-development-of-ramappa-circuit-and-somasila-retreat/article68928577.ece

Context:

Recently, the Centre has approved a Rs. 141 crore loan for Ramappa Circuit and Somasila Retreat under the Special Assistance to States/Union Territories for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme.

About Ramappa Temple:

Origin: 1232 AD

Founder: Kakatiya ruler Kakati Ganapathi Deva

Location: Mulugu District, Telangana

Presiding Deity: Lord Shiva

The temple is also known as the Rudreshwara temple, and in 2021, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site as ‘Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana’.

It is the only temple in India to be named after its architect Ramappa.

Architecture:

It stands on a 6-foot-high star-shaped platform.

The hall in front of the sanctum has numerous pillars to an effect that combines light and space.

The main structure is made of reddish sandstone, but the columns outside have large brackets of black basalt which are carved as mythical animals or female dancers and musicians.

The roof (garbhalayam) is made of bricks which are so lightweight that they can float on water. This is because the bricks were made of sawdust.

The temple survived the 17th-century major earthquake due to its Sandbox technique of lying on the foundation.

About Somasila:

Somasila is a small village in Nagarkurnool, Telangana.

It is known for the Sri Lalitha Someswara Swamy Temple, built during the 7th century and dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Somasila is an ecotourism destination which makes it an ideal project for investment to boost tourism.

Read about SASCI Scheme:

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/special-assistance-for-capital-investment-scheme

Source:

THE HINDU

Practice Question

Q:Consider the following statements about the Ramappa Temple:

The Ramappa temple is situated in Andhra Pradesh.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It was built by Kakatiya ruler Ramappa.

Select the correct answer:

a.1 only

b.2 only

c.3 only

d.None

Answer: b

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect.

The Ramappa temple is located in the Mulugu district of Telangana.

Statement 2 is correct.

In 2021, the temple became a UNESCO World Heritage Site as ‘Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana’.

Statement 3 is incorrect.

It was founded under the patronage of Kakatiya ruler Kakati Ganapathi Deva and built by architect Ramappa. This is the only temple in India named after its architect.