Match the following:

List-I (Pallava Temples Style) – List-II (Representative Temple)
(A) Mahendra Group – (i) Dharmaraj Rath at Mahabalipuram
(B) Nandi Group – (ii) Baikunth Perumal Temple at Kanchi
(C) Rajasimha Group – (iii) Kailashnath Temple at Kanchi
(D) Mamalla Group – (iv) Rock-cut temples at Mandagapattu

Question

Match the following:

List-I (Pallava Temples Style) –  List-II (Representative Temple) 
(A) Mahendra Group – (i) Dharmaraj Rath at Mahabalipuram 
(B) Nandi Group – (ii) Baikunth Perumal Temple at Kanchi
(C) Rajasimha Group – (iii) Kailashnath Temple at Kanchi  
(D) Mamalla Group –  (iv) Rock-cut temples at Mandagapattu

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 1:

The Pallava period witnessed a significant evolution in South Indian temple architecture, which historians commonly categorize into four distinct groups named after the Pallava kings who patronized them. The earliest phase is the **Mahendra Group (A)**, characterized by rock-cut cave temples or Mandapas, such as the famous Rock-cut temples at Mandagapattu (iv). This style marks the transition from simple cave shrines to elaborate religious architecture. The **Mamalla Group (D)**, named after Narasimhavarman I, is known for its monolithic rock-cut temples, prominently featuring the Ratha (chariot) temples at Mahabalipuram, of which the Dharmaraj Rath (i) is a key example. The third phase is the **Rajasimha Group (C)**, introduced by Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha), which shifted to structural temples built from stone masonry, epitomized by the majestic Kailashnath Temple at Kanchi (iii). Finally, the **Nandi Group (B)** represents the later phase, transitioning into larger structural complexes, with the Baikunth Perumal Temple at Kanchi (ii) being a prime illustration of this later development under Nandivarman II. Thus, the correct match is A-iv, B-ii, C-iii, D-i.

The incorrect option is 2:
This option incorrectly matches the Nandi Group (B) with the Kailashnath Temple (iii) and the Rajasimha Group (C) with the Baikunth Perumal Temple (ii). The Kailashnath Temple belongs to the Rajasimha Group, while the Baikunth Perumal Temple is a major representative of the later Nandi Group.

The incorrect option is 3:
This option incorrectly matches the Nandi Group (B) with Dharmaraj Rath (i) and the Mamalla Group (D) with the Baikunth Perumal Temple (ii). The Dharmaraj Rath is a monolithic temple belonging to the Mamalla Group, not the Nandi Group, and the Baikunth Perumal Temple belongs to the Nandi Group.

The incorrect option is 4:
This option incorrectly matches the Mahendra Group (A) with Dharmaraj Rath (i) and the Nandi Group (B) with Rock-cut temples at Mandagapattu (iv). As mentioned, Mahendra Group is defined by rock-cut temples like Mandagapattu, not the monolithic Rathas, which belong to the Mamalla style.