With reference to the art and archaeological history of India, which one among the following was made earliest?
A
Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar
B
Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli
C
Rock-cut Monuments at Mahabalipuram
D
Varaha Image at Udayagiri
Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation
1. The question asks to identify the earliest creation among the given examples from the art and archaeological history of India.
2. (A) Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar: This temple is a prominent example of Kalinga architecture, primarily built during the 11th century CE by the Somavamshi dynasty.
3. (B) Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli: Located near the Ashokan rock edicts in Odisha, this elephant figure carved out of rock is considered a work of the Mauryan period, dating back to the 3rd century BCE. It is one of the earliest examples of monumental stone sculpture in India.
4. (C) Rock-cut Monuments at Mahabalipuram: These structures, including monolithic rathas and cave temples, were predominantly created under the patronage of the Pallava dynasty during the 7th century CE.
5. (D) Varaha Image at Udayagiri: The Udayagiri caves near Vidisha (Madhya Pradesh) contain significant Gupta period sculptures (circa 4th-5th centuries CE). The colossal relief carving of Vishnu as Varaha (boar) is a prime example from this era.
6. Comparing the timelines, the Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli (3rd century BCE) is the earliest among the options provided.