Match the following List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the list :
List-I – List-II
A. Brihadeshwer Temple of Tanjore – (i) Gupta Dynasty
B. Dashavatar Temple of Devgarh – (ii) Rashtrakuta Dynasty
C. Kailash Temple of Ellora – (iii) Chola Dynasty
D. Kandariya Mahadeva Temple of Khajuraho – (iv) Chandela Dynasty

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 3:

The correct option is 3:
$$Detailed explanation of why it is correct$$
This option correctly matches the monumental temple architectures (List-I) with the dynasties responsible for their construction (List-II). The Brihadeshwar Temple (A), located in Tanjore (Thanjavur), is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture built by the great Chola king Raja Raja I in the 11th century; thus, A matches with (iii) Chola Dynasty. The Dashavatar Temple (B) at Deogarh, renowned for its elaborate stone carvings and being one of the earliest examples of a *shikhara* (spire), belongs to the height of the (i) Gupta Dynasty, specifically the 5th century. The magnificent Kailash Temple (C) at Ellora, famous for being carved out of a single rock, was commissioned by King Krishna I of the (ii) Rashtrakuta Dynasty around the 8th century. Finally, the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple (D) is the largest and most ornate temple in the Khajuraho group, built under the patronage of the powerful (iv) Chandela Dynasty in the 11th century. Therefore, the combination A-iii, B-i, C-ii, D-iv is the correct sequence.

The incorrect option is 1:
This option proposes the match A-ii (Brihadeshwar Temple – Rashtrakuta Dynasty) and C-iii (Kailash Temple – Chola Dynasty), which is factually wrong. The Rashtrakutas were primarily centered in the Deccan and are famous for the Ellora and Elephanta Caves, not the Brihadeshwar Temple. The Chola Dynasty, known for their imperial temples in Tamil Nadu, constructed the Brihadeshwar Temple, not the Kailash Temple. The Kailash Temple was a Rashtrakuta achievement, and the Brihadeshwar Temple was a Chola creation, showing a misplacement in this option.

The incorrect option is 2:
Option 2 incorrectly matches the Brihadeshwar Temple (A) with the Rashtrakuta Dynasty (ii) and the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple (D) with the Gupta Dynasty (i). The temples at Khajuraho, including Kandariya Mahadeva, are recognized as hallmarks of the Chandela Dynasty's architecture in Central India, centuries after the Gupta period. The magnificent scale of the Brihadeshwar Temple is a defining feature of the Chola empire's power and religious dedication, making the link to Rashtrakutas inaccurate.

The incorrect option is 4:
This option incorrectly matches the Dashavatar Temple (B) with the Rashtrakuta Dynasty (ii) and the Kailash Temple (C) with the Gupta Dynasty (i). The Dashavatar Temple is a prime example of Gupta-era temple architecture, one of the earliest stone temples with a *shikhara*. The Kailash Temple at Ellora is a celebrated rock-cut temple, but its construction is firmly attributed to the Rashtrakuta ruler Krishna I, dating it much later than the Gupta period.