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Difficulty: MediumState Society, Culture, and Heritage

In the context of the regional temple architecture and cultural heritage of Odisha, arrange the following historic monuments in the correct chronological sequence of their construction (from earliest to latest):

  1. 1Parashurameswara Temple, Bhubaneswar
  2. 2Mukteswara Temple, Bhubaneswar
  3. 3Lingaraja Temple, Bhubaneswar
  4. 4Sun Temple, Konark

Answer

Parashurameswara Temple (7th–8th century CE) → Mukteswara Temple (10th century CE) → Lingaraja Temple (11th century CE) → Sun Temple, Konark (13th century CE)
The architectural and cultural heritage of Odisha's temple tradition progressed chronologically through defined evolutionary stages: the early phase exemplified by the Parashurameswara Temple (7th–8th century CE), followed by the transitional phase of the Mukteswara Temple (10th century CE), the mature classical phase of the Lingaraja Temple (11th century CE), and the monumental climax of the Sun Temple at Konark (13th century CE).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the construction era of early Kalinga temple architecture
Parashurameswara Temple dates to the 7th–8th century CE (Shailodbhava period).
It exhibits archaic Rekha Deula features, such as low squarish shrines, flat-roofed pillared Jagamohanas, and relief panels.
2
Determine the transitional architectural phase of Odisha temples
Mukteswara Temple was constructed around the mid-10th century CE during Somavamshi rule.
Often hailed as the 'Gem of Odishan Architecture', it introduced the exquisite arched torana and Pancharatha ground plan.
3
Identify the mature phase of regional temple construction
Lingaraja Temple was built during the 11th century CE by the Somavamshi dynasty.
It represents the fully evolved Kalinga temple complex containing all four standard architectural chambers (Deula, Jagamohana, Natamandira, and Bhogamandapa).
4
Locate the grand climax and culmination phase
The Sun Temple at Konark was constructed in the mid-13th century CE by Eastern Ganga King Narasimhadeva I.
Conceived as a colossal stone chariot of Surya with 24 carved wheels and 7 horses, it represents the final flourishing peak of the Kalinga style.

Key Concept

Chronological evolution of Kalinga temple architecture and regional dynastic patronage in Odisha
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

State Society, Culture, and Heritage

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