Architecture in Ancient India (Part-II) 

Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) is well known for its architectural beauty and is recognized as a world heritage monument by the UNESCO. Shore temple, Rathas (Chariots) carved out of a single rock, Arjuna penance and other cave temples are some of the famous wonders. Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) was a place of pilgrimage even before the Pallava period and the Pallava king Narasimha Varman built these beautiful temples, including the present Shore temple. Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) was a famous centre of Pallava art and architecture.

Narasimha Varman-I (630-668 AD) was one of the most famous Pallava kings and Mamallan style was developed during his tenure. Narasimha was a good wrestler. The city of Mamallapuram was named after him. Seven Ratha Temple was built by Narshimha Varman-I which is adorned with seven rock-cut pagoda.

Narasimha Varman-I (630-668 AD) was one of the most famous Pallava kings and Mamallan style was developed during his tenure. Narasimha was a good wrestler. The city of Mamallapuram was named after him. Seven Ratha Temple was built by Narshimha Varman-I which is adorned with seven rock-cut pagoda.

Narasimha Varman-I (630-668 AD) was one of the most famous Pallava kings and Mamallan style was developed during his tenure. Narasimha was a good wrestler. The city of Mamallapuram was named after him. Seven Ratha Temple was built by Narshimha Varman-I which is adorned with seven rock-cut pagoda.

Draupadi Rath is the smallest rath in monolithic temples or rath constructed in Mamallya style in Pallava period. There is no ornamentation found. It is pinned over lions and elephant-like sculptures.

Correct order of construction of temples is -
Sapt Ragoda (Mamall Style 640-674 AD), Shore temple of Mahabalipuram (Rajsimha style 674-800 AD), Brihdishwar temple (during Rajraj-I period), and Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple (during Rajendra-I period).

The correctly matched pairs are :

The correctly matched pairs are :

Ellora caves are located 25 km away from Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (Maharashtra) in the north-western direction. These are famous for rock-cut cave temples. Here, total of 34 rock-cut caves are found. These caves were constructed in various periods but not associated with Shakas. Meenakshi Temple was constructed by Pandyas and Mahabalipuram Temple was built by Pallavas. Khajuraho temples were built by Chandelas.

Sarnath (Varanasi) is the place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon (Dharmachakra Pravartan) to his five disciples. Dilwara temple of Rajasthan is famous for one of the most elegant Jain temples known the world over for its extraordinary architecture and marvellous marble stone carvings. Shankaracharya established Badrinath with the statue of God Vishnu. Baidynath Dham is a temple of God Shiva.