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RAS question

The Kandariya Mahadeva temple at Khajuraho was built by which dynasty?

Correct answer: (B) Chandellas.

The Kandariya Mahadeva temple at Khajuraho was built under the Chandella dynasty.

  1. (A)

    Paramaras

  2. (B)

    Chandellas

  3. (C)

    Pratiharas

  4. (D)

    Chahamanas (Chauhans)

Explanation

Kandariya Mahadeva belongs to the Chandella-period Khajuraho temple complex in present-day Madhya Pradesh. The Archaeological Survey of India describes Khajuraho as the principal seat of the Chandella rulers and says they adorned it with numerous tanks and lofty temples of sculptural and architectural distinction. Within that group, ASI identifies Kandariya Mahadeva as the largest and grandest temple of Khajuraho, attributed to king Ganda. This matches the standard RAS framing: the Khajuraho temples reached their peak between 950 and 1050 CE, form a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and are important examples of Nagara-style temple architecture with high shikharas.

Why the other options are wrong

  • (A) The Paramaras ruled Malwa, whereas the question concerns Khajuraho, described by ASI as a principal seat of the Chandella rulers.
  • (C) The Pratiharas were based in Kanauj and are not credited in the given evidence with building the Khajuraho temples.
  • (D) The Chahamanas, or Chauhans, were associated with the Shakambhari region of Rajasthan, not the Bundelkhand-Khajuraho setting of these Chandella temples.

Concept

This tests medieval Indian temple patronage, especially the link between dynasties and regional temple styles. It recurs in RAS because Khajuraho combines political history, UNESCO heritage, and Nagara architecture in one high-yield site.

Source

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