Where are the temples named 'Rath' of Mamalla style located?

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Accepted Answer

The correct option is 1:

The temples named 'Rath' of the Mamalla style are unequivocally located at Mahabalipuram, which is also known as Mamallapuram. The 'Mamalla style' refers to the rock-cut phase of Pallava architecture that flourished under the Pallava king Narasimhavarman I (who held the title Mamalla) during the 7th century CE. The famous 'Rathas' are the Pancha Rathas, a complex of five monolithic shrines, including the Dharmaraja, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula-Sahadeva, and Draupadi Rathas. These structures are remarkable examples of early Dravidian temple architecture, as they were carved entirely out of single granite boulders and represent the evolution from cave temples to free-standing structural temples. The Mahabalipuram complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for these unique monolithic temples, cave sanctuaries (mandapas), and giant open-air rock reliefs.

The incorrect option is 2:
Surat is a major commercial city located in the western state of Gujarat. Its historical and architectural significance is primarily tied to later periods, especially its role as a major port during the Mughal era and subsequent European trade. The city is geographically distant from the Pallava empire, which dominated the Coromandel Coast in South India. Therefore, the architectural style and rock-cut 'Rathas' of the 7th-century Pallava dynasty are not found in Surat.

The incorrect option is 3:
Dilwara is a small town near Mount Abu in the state of Rajasthan. It is globally famous for the Dilwara Temples, which are a group of magnificent marble Jain temples. These temples were constructed by the Chalukya dynasty between the 11th and 13th centuries CE. Their architectural style is highly distinct, characterized by intricate marble carvings and exquisite detailing, a style completely unrelated to the monolithic rock-cut 'Rathas' of the Pallava dynasty's Mamalla style in South India.

The incorrect option is 4:
Kiradu is the name of an ancient complex of Hindu temples located in Rajasthan, near Barmer. These temples are associated with the Solanki dynasty and date back to the 11th and 12th centuries CE. Kiradu’s architecture is notable for its intricate carving and sculptures, which align with the Maru-Gurjara style of Western Indian temple architecture. Geographically and stylistically, the temples at Kiradu have no connection with the monolithic 'Rathas' of the Pallava Mamalla style situated on the southeastern coast of India.