The rock-cut temples at Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) on the Coromandel Coast were built under the patronage of which South Indian ruling dynasty?

Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to South Indian art and architectural history. Mahabalipuram (also called Mamallapuram) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Coromandel Coast of Tamil Nadu, famous for its rock-cut cave temples, rathas (monolithic chariot-like temples) and shore temple. Knowing which dynasty patronised this remarkable group of monuments is essential for Indian culture and history sections of competitive exams.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks which dynasty's patronage was behind the rock-cut temples of Mahabalipuram.
• Options list the Chola, Pallava, Pandya and Satavahana kings.
• We assume standard South Indian dynastic chronology.
• We focus on the main period of construction of the rock-cut and monolithic structures at this site.

Concept / Approach:
Mahabalipuram flourished under the Pallava dynasty, particularly during the 7th and 8th centuries CE. Pallava rulers such as Mahendravarman I and Narasimhavarman I (also known as Mamalla) are associated with the early cave temples and monolithic rathas at this site. The style, iconography and inscriptions firmly attach these monuments to Pallava patronage. While the Cholas later ruled over the region and built magnificent temples elsewhere (like Brihadeeswara at Thanjavur), Mahabalipuram's characteristic rock-cut complexes belong to the Pallava period, not to the Cholas, Pandyas or Satavahanas.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify Mahabalipuram/Mamallapuram as a coastal town in present-day Tamil Nadu famous for its rock-cut caves and monolithic rathas.Step 2: Recall that Pallava kings, especially Mahendravarman I and Narasimhavarman I, patronised early Dravidian rock-cut architecture and sculpture in this region.Step 3: Remember that inscriptions and stylistic features of the Mahabalipuram monuments link them to the Pallava period.Step 4: Recognise that the Cholas, though important temple builders, are more strongly associated with later structural temples like those at Thanjavur, Gangaikondacholapuram and elsewhere.Step 5: Understand that Pandyas and Satavahanas had their own centres of art, but they are not primarily associated with Mahabalipuram's famous rock-cut complexes.Step 6: Therefore, select 'The Pallava kings' as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Indian art and culture textbooks consistently attribute the rock-cut and monolithic temples of Mahabalipuram to the Pallava dynasty. They often refer to the site as a Pallava art gallery and mention specific kings like Narasimhavarman I Mamalla as key patrons. Competitive exam question banks pose this question frequently, and the answer is uniformly given as the Pallavas, confirming our choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The Chola kings: Renowned for grand stone temples, but the iconic rock-cut rathas and early cave temples of Mahabalipuram are Pallava creations.The Pandya kings: Important in Tamil history but not the primary patrons of Mahabalipuram's monuments.The Satavahana kings: Associated more with Deccan and Andhra regions and earlier Buddhist sites like Amaravati, not with Mahabalipuram.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse South Indian dynasties and pick the Cholas because they are very famous temple builders. Others may vaguely remember the name but mix up Pallava and Pandya. To avoid such confusion, it helps to link specific sites with dynasties: Mahabalipuram – Pallavas; Brihadeeswara (Thanjavur) – Cholas; Madurai Meenakshi temple – Pandyas and later Nayakas.

Final Answer:
The rock-cut temples of Mahabalipuram were built under the patronage of the Pallava kings.