WBCS.LIVE practice question

The ‘Ratha Temples’ of Mahabalipuram were constructed in the reign of

Solve this multiple-choice question and check the correct answer with its explanation below.

Answer options

  1. Pulakeshin II
  2. Narasingha Varman II
  3. Raja Raja
  4. Rajendra Chola

Correct answer and explanation

Correct answer: Narasingha Varman II

Explanation: The correct answer is B. Narasingha Varman II. The Ratha Temples (also called Pancha Rathas) at Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) are a group of monolithic rock-cut temples. These were built during the reign of the Pallava dynasty, specifically under Narasimhavarman I, also known as Mamalla. Narasimhavarman I (reigned c. 630–668 CE) was a powerful Pallava king, under whose patronage rock-cut architecture flourished in the region.