Q.

) Kailasa Temple built at Ellora marks the culmination of rock-cut architecture

in India. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words) 10
Kailasanatha temple at Ellora was excavated out of the rocky hillside in the late
8th century under the patronage of the Rashtrakutas.
It is considered to be the epitome of rock-cut architecture in India for the
following reasons-
1. It is the largest monolithic rock-cut structure in the world.

2. It exhibits rich sculptural tradition, as depicted in the sculptures of

Ravana shaking mount Kailasha, Dasavatara Bhairava.

3. It stands in the centre of a vast court supported by rows of pilasters and

colossal carved elephants giving the temple the effect of being suspended
in mid-air.

4. Finest paintings were drawn on the ceiling of front mandapas.

5. This temple was constructed in rich Dravidian tradition.

Kailasa temple is imbued with strong intellectual flavour and aesthetically

appealing works, thus taking center stage in the cultural history of India.