In Indian temple architecture, who among the following rulers is credited with building the famous Sun Temple at Konark, an outstanding example of medieval Odisha art?

Introduction / Context:
This question highlights a landmark of Indian temple architecture, the Sun Temple at Konark in present Odisha. The temple is famous for its chariot like form and intricate stone carvings. Knowing which ruler commissioned this monument links art history with political history and dynastic chronology.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The monument in question is the Sun Temple at Konark.
• Options list rulers Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, Narasimhadeva I, Kapilendra Deva Routaray and Purushottam Dev.

Concept / Approach:
The Konark Sun Temple is commonly attributed to Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, who ruled in the thirteenth century. Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva is associated more with the Jagannath temple at Puri. Kapilendra Deva and Purushottam Dev belong to a later Gajapati phase and are not linked to the original construction of Konark. Thus the correct conceptual link is between the Konark Sun Temple and Narasimhadeva I.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Konark Sun Temple is a thirteenth century monument in Odisha, famous for its representation of the sun god's chariot. Step 2: Identify Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty as the ruler credited with commissioning this temple. Step 3: Remember that Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva is primarily linked with the Jagannath temple at Puri. Step 4: Note that Kapilendra Deva Routaray and Purushottam Dev are later rulers not associated with the original construction of Konark. Step 5: Select Narasimhadeva I as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard books on Indian art and architecture and most exam guides clearly state that Narasimhadeva I built the Sun Temple at Konark as a grand royal and religious project. They often place this in the context of Eastern Ganga dynasty patronage of Vaisnavism and Saivism along with solar worship. Anantavarman Chodaganga's fame centres on Puri, while later Gajapati rulers feature in different historical contexts. This comparison confirms that the correct association for Konark is Narasimhadeva I.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva: Best known for constructing or significantly enlarging the Jagannath temple at Puri, not the Konark Sun Temple.
Kapilendra Deva Routaray: A later Gajapati ruler, important in Odisha history but not the builder of Konark.

Purushottam Dev: Another later ruler associated with the Gajapati line, not with the original construction of the Konark Sun Temple.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes mix up Puri and Konark and therefore incorrectly associate Anantavarman Chodaganga with both. Another mistake is to broadly memorise names of Odisha rulers without linking each name to a specific monument. A reliable mnemonic is to associate Chodaganga with Jagannath at Puri and Narasimhadeva with the Sun Temple at Konark, which helps sort out this confusion.

Final Answer:
The Sun Temple at Konark was built under the patronage of Narasimhadeva I.