The Chola kings were prolific temple builders who constructed which famous temple at Tanjavur (Thanjavur) in Tamil Nadu?

Introduction / Context:
The Chola dynasty is renowned for its achievements in temple architecture, bronze sculpture, and efficient administration in South India. One of the most iconic Chola monuments is a towering temple at Tanjavur that exemplifies the height of Dravidian architectural style. Competitive exams frequently ask which temple this is, because it links a place, a dynasty, and a masterpiece of art and architecture in one question.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The dynasty in focus is the Chola kingdom. • The location mentioned is Tanjavur, also written as Thanjavur. • The options are Brahmeshvara, Brihadeesvara, Lingaraja, and Dilwara.

Concept / Approach:
To solve this, it helps to match each temple name with its associated region and dynasty. The Brihadeesvara temple at Tanjavur was built by Rajaraja Chola and is one of the greatest examples of Chola architecture. Lingaraja temple is located at Bhubaneswar in Odisha and is associated with the Kalinga architectural tradition. The Dilwara temples are Jain temples at Mount Abu in Rajasthan, and Brahmeshvara is another temple name not associated with Tanjavur and the Cholas in this specific context. Therefore, the only option that correctly matches the Cholas and Tanjavur is Brihadeesvara.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Cholas ruled large parts of Tamil Nadu and beyond and were known for constructing large stone temples. Step 2: Recognise that the most famous Chola temple at Tanjavur is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is called Brihadeesvara or Rajarajesvara. Step 3: Note that this temple is celebrated for its massive vimana or tower and for exquisite sculptures, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Step 4: Match this information with the options and see that Brihadeesvara appears explicitly. Step 5: Remember that Lingaraja is a major temple in Odisha, not Tamil Nadu, and that Dilwara refers to Jain temples at Mount Abu. Step 6: Recognise that Brahmeshvara is not the standard name used in this well known Tanjavur context. Step 7: Conclude that Brihadeesvara is the correct choice.

Verification / Alternative check:
A simple mnemonic is to associate key dynasties with flagship temples: Chola with Brihadeesvara at Tanjavur, Pallava with Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram, and so on. When you see Tanjavur in a question, recall the towering temple built by Rajaraja Chola, and the name Brihadeesvara should immediately come to mind. Standard art and culture textbooks always pair this temple with the Chola dynasty, which confirms that you have chosen correctly.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Brahmeshvara: Not the widely recognised name of the Chola temple at Tanjavur tested in general knowledge exams. Lingaraja: Located at Bhubaneswar in Odisha and associated with a different regional style. Dilwara: Refers to Jain temples at Mount Abu in Rajasthan, famous for marble work, not for Chola period Dravidian architecture.

Common Pitfalls:
One pitfall is to focus on similarity of names and assume that any Shiva related temple such as Lingaraja must be connected to the Cholas. Another mistake is to forget the geographical clues provided by Tanjavur and pick a famous temple from another region entirely. To avoid such errors, always connect each large temple not only to a deity but also to its region and dynasty, creating a three way link that keeps the facts distinct in memory.

Final Answer:
The famous Chola temple at Tanjavur is the Brihadeesvara temple.