UPSC Prelims 2015 Question:

With reference to art and archaeological history of India, which one among the following was made earliest?

Explanation: 

• The rock-cut elephant at Dhauli was made in the time of Ashoka (272-231 BCE). Dhauli is situated in the historical region of Kalinga, which is now the state of Odisha. Ashoka conquered this region in roughly 260 BCE, suffering a terrible loss of life in the process.
  
  
• Varaha Image at Udayagiri was built in the 5th century CE. It depicts Vishnu in a massive carving as Varaha (boar) incarnation and rescuing goddess Earth (Bhudevi, Prithivi) from the depths of the cosmic ocean.
  
  
• The monuments near the town of Mahabalipuram were created in 630-668 CE and now form a UNESCO World Heritage site. They consist of several raths, or monolithic temples, and caves cut into the rock.
  
  
• Lingaraj Temple, built by king Jajati Keshari from the Somavamsi dynasty in the 11th century CE, is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is known as the destroyer. It is believed to be the oldest and largest temple in Bhubaneswar, more than 1100 years old.
  
  

Therefore, option (2) is the correct answer.

Subject: History | Architecture and Sculptures