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Difficulty: MediumState Society, Culture, and Heritage

Arrange the following historic monuments representing the regional evolution of Kalinga temple architecture and cultural heritage in correct chronological order of their construction, from the earliest to the latest:

  1. 1Parasurameswara Temple (Bhubaneswar)
  2. 2Mukteswara Temple (Bhubaneswar)
  3. 3Lingaraja Temple (Bhubaneswar)
  4. 4Sun Temple (Konark)

Answer

The correct chronological sequence from earliest to latest is Parasurameswara Temple (7th–8th century CE), Mukteswara Temple (10th century CE), Lingaraja Temple (11th century CE), and the Sun Temple at Konark (13th century CE).
The architectural heritage of Kalinga temples developed across distinct sequential phases: Early phase under the Sailodbhavas (Parasurameswara Temple, 7th–8th century CE), Transitional phase under the Somavamshis (Mukteswara Temple, 10th century CE), Mature phase under the later Somavamshis (Lingaraja Temple, 11th century CE), and the Grand culminative phase under the Eastern Gangas (Konark Sun Temple, 13th century CE).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the early developmental phase monument
Parasurameswara Temple is identified as the earliest (7th–8th century CE, Sailodbhava era).
It exhibits early stylistic traits: flat-roofed Jagamohana, simple carving, and triratha sanctum.
2
Identify the transitional stylistic phase monument
Mukteswara Temple is placed second (circa 10th century CE, early Somavamshi era).
It introduced the stepped pyramidal roof for the Jagamohana and the famous ornamental arched torana.
3
Identify the mature culmination phase monument
Lingaraja Temple is placed third (11th century CE, mature Somavamshi era).
It achieved the grandest expression of the four-structure layout: Vimana, Jagamohana, Natamandira, and Bhogamandapa.
4
Identify the monumental zenith monument
Konark Sun Temple is placed last (13th century CE, Eastern Ganga dynasty).
Commissioned by King Narasimhadeva I as a colossal chariot of the Sun God, marking the peak and final grand phase of regional temple architecture.

Key Concept

Chronological and stylistic evolution of regional Kalinga temple architecture and ruling dynasty patronage.
Estimated Time:1m 15s
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Topics

State Society, Culture, and Heritage

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