Question

Which Chola ruler built the Brihadeshwara Temple?
A. Raja raja I
B. Parantaka I
C. Vijayalaya
D. Rajendra Chola

Answer 1

Hint: Situated in Thanjavur, the ancient capital of the Chola kings, are the Brihadisvara temples. The three Chola temples in India are outstanding works of temple architecture in the Dravidian style.

Complete answer:
Not only were the Chola rulers formidable conquerors and excellent administrators, but great builders as well. They were great patrons of art; the most beautiful temples and elegant bronze idols in South India were built during their rule. In the architectural conception of the pure form of the Dravida style of the temple, now known as the Great Living Chola Temple, these temples of Southern India reflect an excellent artistic achievement. The Brihadisvara Temple, constructed by the renowned architect Sama Varma, was built by Rajaraja Chola in the 10th century A.D. The Cholas were great patrons of architecture, culminating in the construction of the most majestic temples and beautiful bronze idols in South India during their rule. It is situated inside a spacious 240.90m long (east-west) and 122m wide (north-south) inner Prakara, with a Gopura on the east and three other ordinary Torana entrances on each side and a third on the back. Features of the Chola Empire Temple-Architecture- Dravidian style of architecture of temples. Several of the temples of Chola are carved from the temple walls. The Godhead was set up at Garbhagriha.Usage of miniature depictions of gods and goddesses in carved shape. Lord Shiva is the principal deity of the temples. At the entrance to the mandapa, or hall, which began in the Palava era, the dwarapala, or guardian figures, became a special feature of the Chola Temples.

So, the correct answer is Option A.

Note: The temple of Brihadeshwara is also known as the Temple of Rajarajeshwara. It was constructed in the 10th century AD by Rajaraja I. It is one of the finest examples of architecture in the Dravidian type. The temple has been declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.