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RAS question

The Brihadeeshwara Temple at Thanjavur was built by:

Correct answer: (A) Rajaraja I.

The Brihadeeshwara Temple at Thanjavur was built under the Chola emperor Rajaraja I and completed in 1010 AD.

  1. (A)

    Rajaraja I

  2. (B)

    Rajendra I

  3. (C)

    Parantaka I

  4. (D)

    Kulottunga I

Explanation

Rajaraja I is the ruler associated with the Brihadeeshwara Temple at Thanjavur. His reign was 985-1014 AD, and the temple was known as Rajarajeswaram, built in 1010 AD. Encyclopaedia Britannica records the core fact: the temple was constructed under the patronage of the Chola emperor Rajaraja I between 1003 and 1010 CE and was completed in 1010. Rajaraja I, not a later or earlier Chola ruler, built the Thanjavur Brihadeeshwara Temple. The monument also matters for art-history questions as one of the largest South Indian temples, with a 66 m vimana, UNESCO World Heritage status, and peak Dravidian architectural character.

Why the other options are wrong

  • (B) Rajendra I is associated with the temple at Gangaikondacholapuram, while Britannica ties the Thanjavur Brihadeeshwara Temple to Rajaraja I.
  • (C) Parantaka I was an earlier Chola ruler, whereas the Thanjavur Brihadeeshwara Temple belongs to the Rajaraja I phase and was completed in 1010 AD.
  • (D) Kulottunga I was a later Chola ruler, so he does not fit a temple built under Rajaraja I and completed in 1010 AD.

Concept

Chola-period temple architecture connects major monuments with specific rulers. RAS repeats this area because temple patronage links political chronology with art and architectural history.

Source

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