With reference to the history of Orissa, consider the following statements : 1. Anantavarman Chodaganga consolidated Orissa into a powerful kingdom and was patron of Sanskrit and Telugu literature. 2. Anantavarman Chodaganga built the great temple of the Sun God at Konark in Puri district. 3. Narasimha I effectively checked the external invasion and maintained prosperity in the kingdom. How many statements given above are correct?

Statement 1 is correct as Anantavarman Chodaganga (1078–1150 CE) consolidated the Eastern Ganga dynasty's power, ruling from the Ganga to the Godavari [2]. He was a significant patron of arts and literature; while he promoted Sanskrit, his reign also saw the development of regional languages like Telugu, which was prominent in the southern parts of his empire [2]. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Sun Temple at Konark was built by Narasimhadeva I (mid-13th century), not Anantavarman Chodaganga, who is primarily credited with the Jagannath Temple at Puri [2]. Statement 3 is correct as Narasimhadeva I (Narasimha I) is celebrated for his military prowess, effectively repelling Delhi Sultanate inroads and defeating the Governor of Bengal, which ensured the kingdom's prosperity and security during a period of external threats [1].

Sources

1. [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anantavarman_Chodaganga
2. [1] Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science, Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: Reshaping India’s Political Map > Resistance to the Delhi Sultanate > p. 29