Option a is the correct answer. The rock-cut temples of Mahabalipuram were built by the Pallava kings, who ruled the region from the 6th to the 9th centuries CE. The Pallavas were a powerful dynasty that patronized art, literature, and architecture. They introduced new innovations in the rock medium, such as cave temples, monolithic temples, bas-relief sculptures, and structural temples. Important Tips Some of the notable monuments built by the Pallava kings are: The rathas or chariots, which are five monolithic temples carved out of a single boulder, each named after a character from the epic Mahabharata. The mandapas or cave sanctuaries, which are richly decorated with sculptures depicting Hindu gods and goddesses. The rock reliefs, such as the famous Descent of the Ganges, which is a huge open-air relief measuring 27 meters by 9 meters, showing the story of how the river Ganga descended from heaven to earth. The Shore Temple, which is a structural temple built on the edge of the sea, dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu. It is one of the oldest stone temples in South India.