Question

The Kailashnath Temple (Shiva Temple) at Kanchipuram containing sculpture with paintings in the inner walls was built by
1. Devavarman
2. Mahendravarman
3. Narasimhavarman I
4. Narasimhavarman II

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : Narasimhavarman II

The correct answer is Narasimhavarman II.

• The Kailasanatha temple at Kanchipuram is the greatest architectural masterpiece of Pallava art.
• The Kailashnath Temple, Shiva temple at Kanchipuram containing sculpture with paintings in the inner walls was built by Rajasimha Pallava who is also be known as Narasimha Varma II.

• After the decline of the Sangam Age in the Tamil country, the Kalabhra rule lasted for about 250 years. Simhavishnu destroyed the Kalabhras and firmly established the Pallava rule in Tondaimandalam. He also defeated the Cholas and extended the Pallava territory up to the river Kaveri.
• Other great Pallava rulers of this line were Mahendravarman I, Narasimhavarman I, and Narasimhavarman II.
• They issued their charters in Sanskrit and Tamil language.
• The Pallavas introduced the art of excavating temples from the rock. 
• The Dravidian style of temple architecture began with the Pallava rule.
• Mahendravarman I introduced the rock-cut temples. This style can be seen in Mandagappattu, Mahendravadi, Mamandur, etc.
• Narasimhavarman I took credit for the introduction of monolithic rathas and Mandapas architecture. It can be seen in Panchapandava rathas.
• Rajasimha introduced the structural temples.
• The Kailasanatha temple at Kanchi and the Shore temple at Mamallapuram is the finest example of this style.