Question

Arrange the following sculptures according to their chronologic order: A. Ravana lifting Mt. Kailasha, Ellora
B. Gangavataranam, Mamallapuram
C. Gangavataranam, Ravanphadi Cave, Aihole
D. Ravana Lifting Kailasha, Pattadakal
E. Durga's Combat, Mamallapuram Choose the correct answer from the options below :

• A. C, B, E, D, A
• B. B, A, C, E, D
• C. A, C, B, E, D
• D. C, B, D, A, E

Hint:

Logic Tip: Aihole comes before Pallava Mamallapuram, followed by Pattadakal and finally Rashtrakuta Ellora.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept:
This question examines the chronology of major rock-cut and sculptural panels from Early Medieval Indian art, particularly from the Chalukya, Pallava, and Rashtrakuta traditions.

Step 1:
Ravanphadi Cave at Aihole belongs mainly to the: \[ 6^{th} \text{ century CE} \] under the Early Chalukyas. Thus, it is the earliest sculpture in the sequence.

Step 2:
The famous relief at Mamallapuram belongs to the: \[ 7^{th} \text{ century CE} \] during the Pallava period.

Step 3:
This Pallava relief also belongs to the: \[ 7^{th} \text{ century CE} \] and comes after the Gangavataranam panel.

Step 4:
Pattadakal sculptures belong mainly to the: \[ 8^{th} \text{ century CE} \] during the Later Chalukya period.

Step 5:
The Ellora Kailashanatha sculpture belongs to the: \[ 8^{th} - 9^{th} \text{ century CE} \] during the Rashtrakuta period. Thus, it is the latest among the given examples. Therefore, the correct chronology is: \[ C \rightarrow B \rightarrow E \rightarrow D \rightarrow A \] Hence, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{\text{(1) C, B, E, D, A}} \]