U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2010

Dynastic Patronage of Art

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Which of the following pairs is correctly matched?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept Great temple sites in India were commissioned by specific regional dynasties that developed their own characteristic styles (e.g., Nagara, Dravida).

Explanation
Khajuraho: Built by the Chandela dynasty (10th-12th Century CE).
Ellora: Built by Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas, and Yadavas (not Shakas).
Meenakshi: Built by Pandyas and later Nayakas (not Pallavas).
Mahabalipuram: Built by the Pallava dynasty (not Rashtrakutas).

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: The Chandela-Khajuraho link is one of the most stable facts in Indian architectural history.
Logic 2: Most other options swap the dynasties (e.g., Mahabalipuram should be Pallava, and Ellora should be Rashtrakuta).

Active Recall

Question

To which modern state do the Khajuraho temples belong?

Answer

Madhya Pradesh.

Core Insight

Dynastic patronage was the primary driver of artistic evolution, with the Chandelas defining the peak of the Central Indian Nagara style.