Question

Match List - I with List - II.

List - I (Pallava Temple Style)		List - II (Representative Temple)
A.	Mahendra Style	I.	Iravatnesvara Temple at Melpattam
B.	Mamalla Style	II.	Panchapandava mandapa of Pallavaram
C.	Rajasimha Style	III.	Mahendravishnu Temple of Mahabalipuram
D.	Nandivarman Style	IV.	Kailasanatha Temple at Kanchi

Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

• A. \( \text{A-I, B-IV, C-II, D-III} \)
• B. \( \text{A-IV, B-I, C-III, D-II} \)
• C. \( \text{A-IV, B-II, C-I, D-III} \)
• D. \( \text{A-II, B-III, C-IV, D-I} \)

Hint:

Remember Pallava architectural phases:
• Mahendra Style \(\rightarrow\) Early rock-cut caves
• Mamalla Style \(\rightarrow\) Mahabalipuram monuments
• Rajasimha Style \(\rightarrow\) Kailasanatha Temple
• Nandivarman Style \(\rightarrow\) Later structural temples Pallava temple architecture is one of the most frequently asked topics in Ancient Indian Art and Culture.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept: The Pallavas were among the most important dynasties in South Indian history. They contributed immensely to Dravidian temple architecture. Their temple architecture evolved through different stylistic phases associated with major rulers. The major Pallava styles include:
• Mahendra Style,
• Mamalla Style,
• Rajasimha Style,
• Nandivarman Style. Each style had distinct architectural characteristics and representative temples.

Step 1: Matching Mahendra Style. The Mahendra style is associated with Mahendravarman I and early rock-cut cave temples. The Panchapandava Mandapa of Pallavaram belongs to this tradition. Therefore: \[ A \rightarrow II \]

Step 2: Matching Mamalla Style. The Mamalla style developed during Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla). This phase is associated with Mahabalipuram monuments. Thus: \[ B \rightarrow III \] Hence, Mamalla style corresponds to: \[ \boxed{\text{Mahendravishnu Temple of Mahabalipuram}} \]

Step 3: Matching Rajasimha Style. Rajasimha style flourished under Narasimhavarman II Rajasimha. The most famous monument of this style is: \[ \boxed{\text{Kailasanatha Temple at Kanchi}} \] Therefore: \[ C \rightarrow IV \]

Step 4: Matching Nandivarman Style. The Nandivarman phase represents the later Pallava architectural tradition. The representative structure is: \[ \boxed{\text{Iravatnesvara Temple at Melpattam}} \] Hence: \[ D \rightarrow I \]

Step 5: Writing the final sequence. Thus, the correct matching becomes: \[ A-II,\quad B-III,\quad C-IV,\quad D-I \] This corresponds to: \[ \boxed{\text{Option (D)}} \]