WBCS.LIVE practice question

The Rock-cut caves in Karnataka, mainly at Badami and Aihole were built under the patronage of the _________.

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

Answer options

  1. Mauryas
  2. Cholas
  3. Chalukyas
  4. Guptas

Correct answer and explanation

Correct answer: Chalukyas

Explanation: The correct answer is C. Chalukyas. The rock-cut cave temples of Badami and Aihole in Karnataka were developed under the Early Chalukyas, particularly during the reign of Pulakeshin I and his successors in the 6th to 8th centuries CE. The Chalukyas are known for their contributions to early temple architecture in South India, blending Nagara and Dravida styles. Badami was their capital, and the cave temples there include both Shaivite and Vaishnavite themes carved directly into sandstone cliffs.