UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 17
With reference to the art and archaeological history of India, which one among the following was made earliest?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Correct Option: B
Explanation: The Ashokan rock-cut elephant at Dhauli dates to approximately the third century BCE, predating the other listed monuments.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Incorrect - The Lingaraja temple is mainly eleventh-century CE.
B: Correct - The Dhauli elephant belongs to the Mauryan/Ashokan period, around the third century BCE.
C: Incorrect - Mahabalipuram’s Pallava monuments largely date to the seventh–eighth centuries CE.
D: Incorrect - The Udayagiri Varaha carving dates to the Gupta era, early fifth century CE.