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Difficulty: MediumCultural Heritage, Art, Architecture, Bhakti and Sufi Movements

With reference to the Pallava rock-cut architectural monuments at Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram), consider the following statements:

1. The Pancha Rathas are monolithic shrines excavated from granite outcrops during the reign of King Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla).
2. The Dharmaraja Ratha features a square plan with a multi-tiered pyramidal Vimana, serving as a prototype for the mature Dravida architectural style.
3. The Draupadi Ratha is designed in the shape of a simple wooden hut with a thatched roof (Kutagara structure) and is dedicated to Goddess Durga.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. A
    1 and 2 only
  2. B
    2 and 3 only
  3. C
    1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3Answer

Answer

Statements 1, 2, and 3 are all correct.
All three statements are correct. The Pancha Rathas at Mamallapuram represent an extraordinary transition in Indian rock-cut art under Pallava King Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla). Each ratha demonstrates a distinct structural model: the Dharmaraja Ratha establishes the multi-storeyed Dravida Vimana tier system, while the Draupadi Ratha mimics a traditional folk Kutagara (hut-like roof) housing a shrine to Goddess Durga.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze Statement 1 regarding patronage and material
Statement 1 is correct. The five monolithic rock-cut temples known as the Pancha Rathas at Mamallapuram were carved out of single granite boulders during the reign of the Pallava king Narasimhavarman I (630–668 CE), also known as Mamalla.
Establishing patronage and architectural medium for Pallava rock-cut art.
2
Analyze Statement 2 regarding architectural style of Dharmaraja Ratha
Statement 2 is correct. The Dharmaraja Ratha is the largest and most elaborate of the group, featuring a square base, multi-tiered pyramidal tower (Vimana), and octagonal shikhara at the top, which provided the structural archetype for southern Dravida temples.
Verifying structural elements of Dravida temple evolution.
3
Analyze Statement 3 regarding structural form and deity of Draupadi Ratha
Statement 3 is correct. The Draupadi Ratha is the smallest monolithic structure, carved in the form of a simple village hut (Kutagara) with a curvilinear roof motif. Bas-relief sculptures inside depict Goddess Durga.
Evaluating specific stylistic diversity within the Pancha Rathas.

Key Concept

Pallava Monolithic Rock-Cut Architecture (Pancha Rathas)
Estimated Time:1m 15s
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Topics

Cultural Heritage, Art, Architecture, Bhakti and Sufi Movements

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