Question

Who, among the following, built the Shiva temple in Mysona in the Hindu Kingdom of Champa?

• A. Satyavarman
• B. Gangaraja
• C. Bhadravarmana
• D. Indravarman

Hint:

Important Indianized kingdoms:
• Champa → Present-day Vietnam
• Kambuja → Cambodia
• Sri-Vijaya → Sumatra My Son became an important Shaivite religious center in Champa.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: The Kingdom of Champa was an important Indianized kingdom of Southeast Asia located in present-day Vietnam. Indian cultural influence spread strongly in this region through:
• trade,
• religion,
• Sanskrit language,
• temple architecture,
• and Hindu traditions. The rulers of Champa built several temples dedicated to Hindu deities, especially Lord Shiva.

Step 1: Understanding the significance of Mysona (My Son). My Son was one of the most important religious centers of Champa. It became famous for:
• Shiva temples,
• Hindu religious practices,
• Sanskrit inscriptions,
• and temple architecture inspired by Indian traditions. The temple complex served as a major center of Shaivism.

Step 2: Identifying the ruler associated with the Shiva temple. Historical records and inscriptions indicate that Bhadravarmana built the Shiva temple at My Son. He was one of the early and important rulers of Champa and strongly promoted Hinduism, particularly Shaivism. The temple became a major religious and cultural center under his patronage.

Step 3: Analyzing all the options carefully.
• Option (A) Satyavarman: Satyavarman was an important ruler of Champa but is not credited with building the Shiva temple at My Son.
• Option (B) Gangaraja: Gangaraja is associated with Champa history but not with this specific temple construction.
• Option (C) Bhadravarmana: Bhadravarmana constructed the Shiva temple at My Son. Therefore, this option is correct.
• Option (D) Indravarman: Indravarman was another ruler connected with Buddhist developments in Champa but not this Shiva temple.

Step 4: Historical importance of Champa temples. The temples of Champa are important because they show:
• the spread of Indian religious traditions,
• Southeast Asian temple architecture,
• and cultural interaction between India and Southeast Asia. Many inscriptions found there were written in Sanskrit.

Step 5: Final conclusion. Since Bhadravarmana built the Shiva temple at My Son in Champa, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{\text{Bhadravarmana}} \]