Consider the following statements regarding early medieval temple architecture in Southern India:
1. The Shore Temple at Mamallapuram is a free-standing structural stone temple constructed under the patronage of the Pallava king Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha).
2. The Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram was commissioned by the Chola ruler Rajaraja I to commemorate his naval expedition and victory in Sri Lanka.
3. The Virupaksha Temple at Pattadakal was built by Queen Lokamahadevi to celebrate the victory of the Badami Chalukya king Vikramaditya II over the Pallavas.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- A1 and 2 only
- 1 and 3 onlyAnswer
- C2 and 3 only
- D1, 2 and 3
Answer
Statements 1 and 3 are correct, while statement 2 is incorrect.
The combination of statements 1 and 3 is correct. Statement 1 is factually accurate because the Shore Temple at Mamallapuram represents one of the earliest structural (built-up) temples in South India, commissioned during the reign of Pallava ruler Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha). Statement 3 is also correct as the Virupaksha Temple at Pattadakal was built around 740 CE by Queen Lokamahadevi to honor her husband King Vikramaditya II's military triumphs over the Pallava dynasty of Kanchipuram. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram was constructed during the 12th century by Rajaraja II, whereas Rajaraja I commissioned the monumental Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Patron Dynasties and Structural Evolution of Pallava, Badami Chalukya, and Chola Temple Architecture