Which among the following temples was NOT built during the 8th century CE?
Brihadisvara temple, Thanjavur
Identifying 8th Century Temples in India
The question asks us to identify the temple from the given options that was NOT constructed during the 8th century CE. To answer this, we need to know the approximate construction period of each listed temple.
- Kailasanatha temple, Kanchipuram: This temple was built by the Pallava king Narasimhavarman II (also known as Rajasimha) in the late 7th century or early 8th century CE. It is generally considered an early 8th-century structure.
- Virupaksha temple, Pattadakal: Located in Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, this temple was commissioned by Queen Lokamahadevi, the wife of the Chalukya king Vikramaditya II, to commemorate his victory over the Pallavas. It was built around 740 CE, firmly placing it in the 8th century CE.
- Brihadisvara temple, Thanjavur: Also known as the Peruvudaiyar Kovil, this magnificent temple in Thanjavur was built by the great Chola king Rajaraja I. Construction took place between 1003 and 1010 CE. This is clearly in the 11th century CE, not the 8th century CE.
- Shore temple, Mamallapuram: This structural temple complex, overlooking the Bay of Bengal, was also built by the Pallava king Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha) in the late 7th century or early 8th century CE. Like the Kailasanatha temple in Kanchipuram, it is considered an early 8th-century temple.
Comparing the construction periods, we see that the Kailasanatha temple (Kanchipuram), Virupaksha temple (Pattadakal), and Shore temple (Mamallapuram) were built during or around the 8th century CE. The Brihadisvara temple in Thanjavur, however, was built much later, in the 11th century CE.
Therefore, the temple that was NOT built during the 8th century CE is the Brihadisvara temple, Thanjavur.
Comparison of Temple Construction Periods
| Temple | Location | Period Built | Built During 8th Century CE? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kailasanatha temple | Kanchipuram | Late 7th/Early 8th century CE | Yes (considered 8th century) |
| Virupaksha temple | Pattadakal | Around 740 CE (8th century) | Yes |
| Brihadisvara temple | Thanjavur | 1003-1010 CE (11th century) | No |
| Shore temple | Mamallapuram | Late 7th/Early 8th century CE | Yes (considered 8th century) |
Conclusion on 8th Century Temples
Based on the analysis of the construction periods of the given temples, the Brihadisvara temple at Thanjavur stands out as being built significantly later than the 8th century CE. The other temples listed are characteristic examples of temple architecture from the 7th and 8th centuries.
Revision Table: Famous Indian Temples and Their Eras
| Temple Name | Key Dynasty | Approximate Period | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kailasanatha temple, Kanchipuram | Pallava | Late 7th/Early 8th century CE | Oldest structural temple in Kanchipuram, Pallava style pinnacle |
| Shore temple, Mamallapuram | Pallava | Late 7th/Early 8th century CE | One of the oldest structural temples in South India, UNESCO site |
| Virupaksha temple, Pattadakal | Chalukya | 8th century CE | Largest temple in Pattadakal, UNESCO site, Dravidian style |
| Brihadisvara temple, Thanjavur | Chola | 11th century CE | Example of grand Chola architecture, UNESCO site, tallest temple tower (Vimana) of its time |
Additional Information on Temple Architecture and Dynasties
Understanding the dynasties and their periods helps in dating the temples.
- The Pallavas (roughly 6th to 9th centuries CE) were pioneers of structural temple architecture in South India, moving from rock-cut caves and monoliths to built structures like the Shore Temple and Kailasanatha Temple.
- The Chalukyas of Badami (roughly 6th to 8th centuries CE) contributed significantly to temple building in the Deccan region, blending North and South Indian styles, visible at sites like Pattadakal, Aihole, and Badami.
- The Cholas (roughly 9th to 13th centuries CE) built some of the most massive and impressive temples in South India, culminating in masterpieces like the Brihadisvara temple at Thanjavur under Rajaraja I and Gangaikonda Cholapuram under Rajendra I. Their period is considered a golden age of South Indian art and architecture.
Knowing these dynastic periods and their architectural styles is crucial for questions related to the history of Indian temple architecture.
Important Questions from Temple Architecture and Regional Styles
The Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was constructed during the reign of which dynasty?
Which of the following temples are brick-temples?
(A) Bhitargaon temple, Kanpur
(B) Parsurameswara temple, Bhubaneshwar
(C) Laxmana temple, Khajuraho
(D) Laxmana temple, Sirpur
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
In the context of history of art arrange the following in chronological order, starting from the earliest:
(A) Bhumara
(B) Bharhut
(C) Jaggeyapeta
(D) Tanjavur
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Identify the temple from the group of temples at Mahakuteshwara near Badami, comprising a sanctum and a portico which is of some importance.
Which of the following is NOT correctly matched?
