Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
Which one of the following is the common element between the Kailasanatha temple at Ellora and the Shore temple at Mamallapuram?
Solution & Analysis
Answer: B
Concept
Rock-cut architecture reached its architectural summit in India with monolithic structures that imitated complex multi-storied buildings from a single stone mass.Explanation
Both the Kailasanatha temple (Ellora) and the Shore temple (Mamallapuram) share a common heritage in rock-cut traditions. The Kailasanatha is the largest monolithic temple in the world (Rashtrakuta dynasty), and the Mamallapuram complex is famous for its rock-cut rathas and structures (Pallava dynasty).Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Both temples are defined by their creation through the excavation of solid rock rather than the assembly of separate bricks or stones.
Logic 2: They are both UNESCO World Heritage sites that represent the peak of Dravidian stylistic elements executed in a monolithic medium.