Question

The Pataleshwara temple of Talakad and Kapileshwara temple of Manne were the contributions of the ______.
A) Kushans
B) Chalukyas
C) Pallavas
D) Gangas

Answer 1

Hint: When trying to deduce the answer, think of all the dynasties and the areas over which they ruled. Talakad and Manne are located in present-day Karnataka. With these things in mind, make an informed decision on which dynasty could have built these temples in this area.

Complete answer:Option A: The Kushans on the other hand mainly ruled over the northern part of the Indian Subcontinent and did not interact with the southern parts of India. They were a dynasty that existed much before all the dynasties. This is therefore an incorrect option.
Option B: The Chalukyas and the Gangas ruled over the subcontinent in overlapping times and the Pallavas also had accepted the Chalukyas as their overlords. However, it was not the Chalukyas who made these temples which means this is an incorrect answer.
Option C: Pallavas ruled over the Deccan Plateau and preceded the Ganga dynasty. It was when the Pallavas were weakened that the Gangas were able to gain control. But they had no contribution in the building of both these temples, making this too an incorrect answer.
Option D: The Gangas were a dynasty that ruled the western part of India that today is Karnataka, with its capital in the latter half of rule being Talakad, Mysore district. Manne was also a part of their territory. They claimed to be descendants of the Ikshvaku clan and contributed to the building of both the Pataleshwara temple in Talakad and the Kapileshwara temple in Manne. Thus, the correct answer is Option D- Gangas. Both the temples contain lingams for worship. The Pataleshwara temple of Talakad has a unique feature of changing its colour through the course of the day, from red in the morning to black in the afternoon and white in the night. Every 12 years pilgrims visit the temple during the Panchalingadarshana festival which entails a visit to 5 temples of Shiva in Talakad in a day. The Kapileshwara temple also has a unique feature of having a self-manifested lingam and is popularly known as Dakshina Kashi. This site is also part of the holy pilgrimage of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas.
Therefore, Option D is correct.

Note: There are two different Pataleshwara temples. One mentioned above that is in Talakad and another Pataleshwara temple also exists in Pune with a shrine for Nandi at its centre. There are multiple Kapileshwara temples- one in Chennai, Tirupati and one as mentioned above in Manne. The temples named in the question are very specific to their regions, do not get confused with other similar named temples.