Anantavarman was ruler of ______ dynasty. 

Correct option is D

The correct answer is: (d) Ganga

Explanation:
• Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva was a famous ruler of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.
• He ruled from 1078 to 1147 CE and established the Ganga Empire in Kalinga (modern Odisha).
• He is credited with initiating the construction of the Jagannath Temple at Puri.

Information Booster:
• The Eastern Ganga dynasty ruled parts of Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh from the 11th to 15th century.
• The capital of the dynasty was Kalinganagara (Mukhalingam) and later Cuttack.
• The dynasty reached its peak under Narasimha Deva I, who built the Konark Sun Temple.
• The Gangas were great patrons of art, architecture, and Vaishnavism.
• Their rule ended in the 15th century after invasions by the Gajapati kings.

Additional Knowledge:
• The Haryaka dynasty ruled ancient Magadha; notable ruler – Bimbisara.
• The Sung (Shunga) dynasty succeeded the Mauryas; founder – Pushyamitra Shunga.
• The Nanda dynasty preceded the Mauryas; founder – Mahapadma Nanda.