Previous Year Question

IV. Sapt Pagoda — 7th century: In the context of this question, Sapt Pagoda is associated with the early Pallava rock-cut and monolithic temple tradition at Mahabalipuram. Particularly during the reign of Narasimhavarman I, also known as Mamalla, the famous rathas and other rock-cut monuments of Mahabalipuram developed during the 7th century. Archaeological literature also traditionally associates these monolithic temples with the Seven Pagodas.

III. Shore Temple — late 7th/early 8th century: The Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram is later than the early rock-cut and monolithic phase. It is associated with the reign of the Pallava ruler Narasimhavarman II Rajasimha. During his reign, architecture moved beyond rock-cut construction towards large-scale structural temple architecture. Therefore, the Shore Temple follows the earlier ratha tradition associated with the Sapt Pagoda.

I. Brihadishwar Temple — approximately 1003–1010 CE: The Brihadishwar Temple at Thanjavur was constructed by the great Chola ruler Rajaraja I. Construction began around 1003–04 CE, and the temple was consecrated around 1009–1010 CE. It represents one of the greatest achievements of Chola architecture.

II. Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple — 1035 CE: Subsequently, Rajendra I, the son of Rajaraja I, constructed the great Shiva temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram. According to UNESCO, the Gangaikondacholisvaram Temple was completed in 1035 CE. It therefore comes after the Brihadishwar Temple at Thanjavur.

Thus, the architectural sequence is also clear—first the Pallava rock-cut and monolithic tradition, followed by the Pallava structural Shore Temple, and several centuries later the monumental Chola temples of Brihadishwar and Gangaikonda Cholapuram.