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The royal portraits of Simhavishnu and Mahendravarman are found in which cave temple at Mamallapuram?
Explanation
The correct answer is Adivaraha Cave (spelled as Adiravah Cave in the options).
The royal portraits of the Pallava kings Simhavishnu and Mahendravarman I are located in the Adivaraha Cave Temple at Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram). This rock-cut temple is renowned for its sculptural excellence and royal patronage.
The cave features two highly significant royal relief panels:
- One panel depicting King Simhavishnu seated flanked by his two queens.
- Another panel depicting his son, King Mahendravarman I, standing and pointing towards the main shrine, also accompanied by his two queens.
These portraits are rare, early examples of secular royal portraiture in Indian art. Note that the Varaha Cave and the Adivaraha Cave are two distinct monuments at Mamallapuram, and the royal portraits are found exclusively in the latter.
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