Builders of which of the following temples had constructed a 4 km long incline for placing 90 tonnes of stone on top of the tallest shikhara amongst temples of its time?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is option 3 i.e. Rajarajeshvara Temple.
The Rajarajeshvara Temple, also known as the Brihadeeswarar Temple, was constructed by Raja Raja Chola I in the 11th century in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. It is renowned for its towering vimana (shikhara), which rises to about 60 meters, making it the tallest temple tower of its time. To install the 90-tonne capstone atop the shikhara, the Cholas ingeniously built a 4-kilometre-long inclined ramp stretching from a nearby village. This massive engineering effort reflects the remarkable skill, planning, and dedication of the temple builders, and remains a testimony to the architectural brilliance of the Chola dynasty.