The famous Virupaksha temple of Pattadakal was built in the 8th century by the:

Correct option is A

The correct answer is: (a) Chalukyas
Explanation:
· The Virupaksha Temple at Pattadakal was built by the Chalukyas of Badami (specifically Queen Lokamahadevi) in the 8th century AD (around 740 AD).
· It was constructed to commemorate the victory of her husband, King Vikramaditya II, over the Pallavas of Kanchipuram.
· The temple is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture and is the largest among the group of monuments at Pattadakal.
· It is dedicated to Lord Shiva (worshipped as Virupaksha).
Information Booster:
· UNESCO Site: The Group of Monuments at Pattadakal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for representing the climax of Chalukyan architecture.
· Architectural Link: The Virupaksha temple was modeled after the Kailasanatha Temple in Kanchipuram (Pallava territory). In turn, this temple served as the model for the famous Rashtrakuta Kailasa Temple at Ellora.
· Vesara Style: Pattadakal is unique because it hosts temples of both the Northern (Nagara) and Southern (Dravida) styles, marking the evolution of the Vesara style.
Additional Knowledge (Incorrect Options):
Vakatakas (Option b)
· They were a dynasty in Central India/Deccan (approx. 3rd–5th century AD) who preceded the Chalukyas. They are most famous for being the patrons of the Ajanta Caves paintings.
Vardhanas (Option c)
· This refers to the Pushyabhuti dynasty (e.g., Harshavardhana), which ruled North India (Kannauj/Thanesar) in the 7th century, prior to the construction of this temple.
Pallavas (Option d)
· The Pallavas ruled from Kanchipuram and were the arch-rivals of the Chalukyas. While they built the Shore Temple and Rathas at Mahabalipuram, they did not build the Virupaksha temple at Pattadakal; rather, their defeat inspired its construction.