Correct Answer - Option 3 : Rajraj style
Pallava style of architecture: Pallava art and architecture represent an early stage of Dravidian art and architecture which blossomed to its fullest extent under the Chola Dynasty. The first stone and mortar temples of South India were constructed during Pallava rule and were based on earlier brick and timber prototypes.
Pallava architecture was sub-divided into two phases: the rock-cut phase and the structural phase.
The rock-cut phase lasted from 610 AD to 668 AD and consisted of two groups of monuments, the Mahendra group, and the Mamalla group.
The Mahendra style:
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The Mahendra group is the name given to monuments constructed during the reign of Mahendravarman I (610 AD- 630 AD). The monuments of this group are invariably pillared halls hewn out of mountain faces.
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These pillared halls or mandapas follow the prototype of Jain temples of the period. Examples of the Mahendra group of monuments are the cave temples at Mandagapattu, Pallavaram, and Mamandur.
The Mamalla style:
- The second group of rock-cut monuments belongs to the Mamalla group in 630 to 668 AD.
- During this period free-standing monolithic shrines called Rathas(chariots) were constructed alongside pillared halls.
- Examples of this style are the Pancha Rathas and Arjuna's Penance at Mahabalipuram.
Hence, the correct answer is Rajraj style.
Rajraj style:
- The Brihadisvara temples are situated at Thanjavur, the ancient capital of the Chola kings.
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King Rajaraja Chola constructed the Brihadisvara Temple in the 10th century A.D., designed by the famous architect Sama Varma. The Cholas were great patrons of art, during their reign, as a result, the most magnificent temples and exquisite bronze icons were created in South India.
- The other two temples, Gangaikondacholisvaram and Airatesvara were also built in the age of Cholas and testify to their brilliant achievements in architecture, sculpture, painting, and bronze casting.
