The following picture shows the structure of a temple carved out of a single piece of rock. Identify this temple correctly from the given options:
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To identify rock-cut monolithic temples, remember Ellora’s Kailashnatha Temple—it is the most iconic example, carved from a single rock with vertical excavation.
The image shows the famous Kailashnatha Temple (also known as Kailasa Temple) located at Ellora in Maharashtra. It is an outstanding example of rock-cut architecture, carved out of a single monolithic rock. This temple was built during the reign of the Rashtrakuta king Krishna I in the 8th century CE.
The Kailashnatha Temple is renowned for its vertical excavation technique and detailed carvings. It replicates Mount Kailash—the abode of Lord Shiva—and is dedicated to Shiva. The structure includes intricately sculpted pillars, shrines, and large courtyards, all chiseled from one massive rock formation.
Options (A), (C), and (D) refer to other famous temples, but they are either structural temples (not monolithic) or were built differently. Only Option (B) corresponds to a temple carved entirely out of a single rock mass.
