With reference to the art and archaeological history of India, which one among the following was made earliest?

Correct Option

The Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli, located in Odisha, dates to the Mauryan period, specifically the 3rd century BCE. This sculpture is carved from a natural rock outcrop and is situated above the Ashokan rock edicts at Dhauli, which propagate the principles of Dhamma. It represents one of the earliest known large-scale rock-cut sculptures in ancient India.

Incorrect Options

• Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar: This temple was constructed in the 11th century CE under the patronage of the Somavamsi dynasty. It exemplifies the Nagara style of Kalinga architecture.
• Rock-cut Monuments at Mahabalipuram: These monuments, including the Rathas and mandapas, were primarily created during the 7th century CE under the Pallava dynasty.
• Varaha Image at Udayagiri: This prominent rock-cut sculpture, depicting Vishnu in his Varaha avatar, belongs to the Gupta period, dating approximately to the late 4th or early 5th century CE.