Question

Which dynasty built the famous Kailasha temple at Ellora?

• A. Chalukya
• B. Kushan
• C. Rashtrakuta
• D. Pahllava

Hint:

Hint:
The builder was king Krishna I of a Deccan dynasty of the 8th century.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Place the monument
Ellora is near Aurangabad in Maharashtra. The Deccan region in the 8th century was ruled by the Rashtrakutas, after the Chalukyas of Badami.

Step 2: Link the builder
Krishna I of the Rashtrakuta line ordered the carving of the great Kailasha temple from top to bottom out of one hill.

Step 3: Rule out the look-alikes
The Pallavas have a Kailasanatha temple in Kanchipuram, which is a common mix-up. The Chalukyas worked in Karnataka and the Kushans in the north-west. Neither fits Ellora.

Step 4: Choose
Hence the right dynasty is the Rashtrakuta, option 3.

Final Answer:
Rashtrakuta built Kailasha temple at Ellora, option 3. \[ \boxed{3} \]