Analyzing Statements on Kandariya Mahadev and Rajarajeshwara Temples

The question asks us to evaluate two statements regarding famous Indian temples: the Kandariya Mahadev Temple and the Rajarajeshwara Temple in Thanjavur.

Statement I: Kandariya Mahadev Temple

This statement claims that the Kandariya Mahadev Temple, built in praise of Shiva, was constructed in 999 by King Dhangadeva of the Chandela dynasty.

• The Kandariya Mahadev Temple is a renowned temple located in the Khajuraho group of monuments in Madhya Pradesh.
• It is indeed dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• The temple complex at Khajuraho was built by the rulers of the Chandela dynasty.
• While the exact completion date and primary builder of the Kandariya Mahadev Temple are sometimes debated among historians, King Dhangadeva was a powerful Chandela ruler (reigned c. 950-1002 CE) who commissioned several temples at Khajuraho. The year 999 CE falls within his reign.
• Considering the general historical context and the options provided, this statement is presented as historically accurate within the scope of the question.

Statement II: Rajarajeshwara Temple Spire

This statement claims that the spire of the Rajarajeshwara temple in Thanjavur was the tallest among the temples of that time.

• The Rajarajeshwara Temple is more commonly known today as the Brihadeeswarar Temple, located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.
• It was built by the great Chola king Rajaraja I (reigned 985–1014 CE).
• The temple is famous for its massive vimana (spire), which rises significantly high.
• At the time of its completion (around 1010 CE), the vimana of the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur was indeed one of the tallest man-made structures in the world and certainly the tallest temple spire in South India, representing a peak achievement in Dravidian architecture.
• Therefore, the statement that its spire was the tallest among the temples of that time is widely accepted as correct.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis provided:

• Statement I, regarding the Kandariya Mahadev Temple, its dedication to Shiva, construction by Chandela dynasty's King Dhangadeva in 999, is considered correct in this context.
• Statement II, regarding the Rajarajeshwara Temple's spire in Thanjavur being the tallest of its time, is also considered correct.

Since both statements I and II are correct, the option that states "Both I and II" is the appropriate answer.