Which Rashtrakuta ruler commissioned the famous Kailasanatha (Kailasa) temple…
2026
Which Rashtrakuta ruler commissioned the famous Kailasanatha (Kailasa) temple at Ellora?
Answer: B. Krishna I — ConceptThe patron of a historical monument is identified by combining inscriptional or archaeological attribution with the chronology of a ruler’s reign. For…
- A.
Govinda III
- B.
Krishna I
- C.
Amoghavarsha I
- D.
Dantidurga
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Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Concept
The patron of a historical monument is identified by combining inscriptional or archaeological attribution with the chronology of a ruler’s reign. For early medieval Deccan temples, dynastic sequence and securely dated building activity distinguish rulers with similar royal titles.
Application
The monolithic Kailasanatha temple at Ellora is attributed to the Rashtrakuta ruler Krishna I. Its eighth-century construction falls within his reign, conventionally dated to about 756–773 CE.
Contrast
Govinda III belonged to a later phase and is chiefly associated with extensive military campaigns.
Amoghavarsha I ruled still later and is especially associated with Manyakheta and literary patronage.
Dantidurga founded imperial Rashtrakuta power before Krishna I, but the Kailasanatha temple is attributed to Krishna I.
Cross-check and result
Archaeological and historical references identify Krishna I as the Rashtrakuta patron of the Ellora Kailasanatha temple; the monument’s date also aligns with his reign. Therefore, the ruler was Krishna I.