The Sun Temple at Konark, a masterpiece of Orissan temple architecture, was built by Narasimhadeva I who belonged to which dynasty?

Introduction / Context:
The Sun Temple at Konark in Odisha is one of the most celebrated monuments of Indian temple architecture. It is designed in the form of a colossal chariot for the sun god, with intricately carved wheels and horses. Knowing which dynasty constructed this temple is important for both art and political history. This question focuses on Narasimhadeva I, the ruler who commissioned the temple, and asks you to identify his dynasty.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The temple in question is the Sun Temple at Konark.
• It was built by Narasimhadeva I.
• Options include Eastern Ganga, Suryavamsi, Somavamsi, Bhoi and Chalukya dynasties.
• We use standard historical accounts accepted in exam syllabi.

Concept / Approach:
Narasimhadeva I was a ruler of the Eastern Ganga dynasty which dominated Odisha in the medieval period. The Eastern Ganga kings were major patrons of temple building, including the famous Jagannath Temple at Puri and the Sun Temple at Konark. While the terms Suryavamsi and Somavamsi refer to other royal lineages in Odisha history, the specific temple at Konark is clearly linked to Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga line. Therefore, the approach is to recall the close association between Eastern Ganga rulers and major Orissan temples, especially Konark.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify Konark Sun Temple as a key monument of medieval Odisha. Step 2: Remember that Narasimhadeva I is named as the king who commissioned this temple. Step 3: Recall that Narasimhadeva I belonged to the Eastern Ganga dynasty. Step 4: Compare this with other dynasties in the options, which are associated with different time periods or regions. Step 5: Select Eastern Ganga dynasty as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Art history and general history textbooks consistently state that the Sun Temple at Konark was built in the thirteenth century by Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. Guides on Orissan architecture also connect the three great temples of Puri, Bhubaneswar and Konark with the Ganga rulers. No reliable source attributes the construction of this specific temple to the Suryavamsi, Somavamsi or Bhoi dynasties. This repeated confirmation in multiple sources supports the selection of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Option B: Suryavamsi dynasty ruled later in Odisha and is more directly linked with some later developments, not the original construction of Konark.
• Option C: Somavamsi dynasty ruled earlier in Odisha and is not credited with this temple.
• Option D: Bhoi dynasty came into prominence after the fall of the Ganga rulers and did not build Konark.
• Option E: Chalukya dynasty ruled mainly in the Deccan region, far from Konark in Odisha.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may be confused by the presence of several dynasties in Odisha history and by similar sounding names. Some also guess based on the word sun and Suryavamsi, assuming a direct connection without recalling historical details. To avoid this, remember the specific trio of Eastern Ganga kings and their temples. Linking Narasimhadeva I and Konark directly in your notes will help you quickly answer this frequently asked question in art and architecture sections of exams.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is Eastern Ganga dynasty.