Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
Arrange the following temples in chronological order and select the correct answer from the codes given below: I. Brihadishwar temple II. Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple III. Shore temple of Mahabalipuram IV. Sapt pagoda
Solution & Analysis
Answer: D
Concept
South Indian temple architecture progressed from the rock-cut and monolithic phases of the Pallavas to the massive structural heights of the Cholas.Explanation
Sapt Pagoda (Early 7th CE): Monolithic structures at Mahabalipuram (Pallava).
Shore Temple (Late 8th CE): Structural stone temple at Mahabalipuram (Pallava - Rajasimha).
Brihadishwar (1010 CE): Built by Rajaraja I in Thanjavur (Chola).
Gangaikonda Cholapuram (1035 CE): Built by Rajendra I (Chola).Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Pallava monuments (Sapt pagoda/Shore temple) are always earlier than the Imperial Chola temples.
Logic 2: Brihadishwar (father) precedes Gangaikonda Cholapuram (son).