Correct Answer - Option 1 : Pallavas
The correct answer is Pallavas.
- The Shore Temple (built-in 700–728 AD) is so named because it overlooks the shore of the Bay of Bengal. It is located near Chennai in Tamil Nadu.
- It is a structural temple, built with blocks of granite, dating from the 8th century AD. At the time of its creation, the site was a busy port during the reign of Narasimhavarman II of the Pallava dynasty.
- As one of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, it has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. It is one of the oldest structural (versus rock-cut) stone temples of South India.
- Shore Temple was named 'Seven Pagodas' due to its pyramidal structure. The name 'Seven Pagodas' indicates the existence of 7 temples in the past. Now only Shore temple remains to tell the tales of the past.
- Shore temple is a complex of 3 temples. One big temple and two small temples. In that two temples have pyramid-shaped gopura (temple tower).
- Two shrines in the Shore Temple are dedicated to Lord Shiva. The 3rd and the small temple is the Vishnu temple. This depicts the blend of religious ideologies which existed in the past.
- The mythology of King Hiranyakashipu and his son Prahalada is related to the temple. It is believed that after Hiranyakashipu was killed by Lord Vishnu, Prahalada becomes the king. The legend goes that Prahalada's son Bali founded Mahabalipuram in this place.
- According to a stone inscription in the temple, the three temples are named Kshatriyasimha Pallaveshwara - griham, Rajasimha Pallaveshwar - griham, and Pllikondaruliya - devar.
- The temple was also named Jalashayana (lying in the water) because it is situated at sea level.
Hence, the correct answer is Pallavas.
The architecture of the Chola dynasty:
- There are three great Chola Temples of the 11th and 12th century, the Brihadisvara temples of Thanjavur, the Temple of Gangaikondacholisvaram, and the Airavatesvara temple at Darasuram.
- It was built during the reign of the Chola emperor Rajaraja and designed by the famous architect Sama Varma between 1003 and 1010 AD.
- The Chola rulers were great builders and during their reign, the most magnificent temples were built in South India.
- They ruled for nearly 1500 years and temples became the centre of importance during their power. Splendid in architecture, many official ceremonies were held in the Chola temples.
The architecture of Pandya:
- The Pnadyas contributed more to the development of architecture.
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Gopuras, Prakaras, Vimanas, Garbhagrahas, Arthamandapa and Mahamandapa. Meenakshi temples at Madurai, Chidambaram, Kumbakonam, Thiruvannamalai, and Srirangam are good examples of the development of Pandya architecture.
- The images of horses and other animals are carved on pillars.
