The Group of Monuments at Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for early Chalukyan temples, is located in which Indian state?

Introduction / Context:
The Group of Monuments at Pattadakal showcases an outstanding blend of northern and southern Indian temple architectural styles from the early Chalukyan period. It is recognised as a World Heritage Site and often appears in questions that connect heritage locations with their states. Identifying the correct state for Pattadakal helps candidates link art history with the regional geography of peninsular India.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The site is the Group of Monuments at Pattadakal. • It is known for early Chalukyan temple architecture. • We must identify the state in which Pattadakal is located. • Options include Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Telangana.

Concept / Approach:
Pattadakal lies in the Bagalkot district of the state of Karnataka on the banks of the Malaprabha River. It forms a cluster along with Aihole and Badami as important Chalukyan temple sites in northern Karnataka. The approach is to remember that these early stone temples and Chalukyan capitals are concentrated in modern Karnataka, not in Maharashtra or central India.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Chalukya dynasty had its centres around Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal, which are all situated in present day Karnataka. Step 2: Pattadakal is specifically located near the Malaprabha River in northern Karnataka. Step 3: Maharashtra borders Karnataka but is associated with other heritage sites such as Ajanta and Ellora in the Aurangabad region. Step 4: Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh are in the north and centre of India and do not host the Pattadakal complex. Step 5: Telangana has Kakatiya era monuments but Pattadakal is not among them. Step 6: Therefore, the correct answer is Karnataka.

Verification / Alternative check:
World Heritage lists place the Group of Monuments at Pattadakal in the state of Karnataka. Tourism maps for northern Karnataka show Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal as a heritage triangle. Exam reference books consistently match Pattadakal with Karnataka when listing heritage sites and states.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Maharashtra: Important for cave complexes like Ajanta and Ellora, but Pattadakal is not located here. Himachal Pradesh: A Himalayan state with different temple architecture and no Pattadakal group. Madhya Pradesh: Rich in heritage sites like Khajuraho and Sanchi but not Pattadakal. Telangana: Contains sites around Warangal, yet Pattadakal belongs to the neighbouring state of Karnataka.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners often mix up heritage locations in Maharashtra and Karnataka because these states share some cultural and historical connections. Another pitfall is confusing Pattadakal with other UNESCO sites like Khajuraho or Hampi and misplacing it in the wrong state. A helpful technique is to remember the trio Aihole, Badami and Pattadakal together as early Chalukyan sites in Karnataka.

Final Answer:
The Group of Monuments at Pattadakal is located in the state of Karnataka.