Which one of the following is the common element between the Kailasanatha Temple at Ellora and the Shore Temple at Mamallapuram ?

The common element between the Kailasanatha Temple at Ellora and the Shore Temple at Mamallapuram is that both are significant examples of rock-cut architecture carved from solid rock. The Kailasanatha Temple at Ellora is a monolithic structure hewn out of a single rock during the 8th century under Rashtrakuta King Krishna I [4]. Similarly, the architectural tradition at Mamallapuram, established by the Pallavas, is renowned for its monolithic rathas and rock-cut cave temples [1]. While the Shore Temple is often classified as an early structural temple, it represents the culmination of the Pallava rock-cut tradition [3]. Both temples follow the Dravidian style rather than Nagara [4]. They were built by different dynasties—the Rashtrakutas for Ellora and the Pallavas for Mamallapuram—and both post-date the Gupta period [4]. Thus, their shared identity as rock-cut marvels is the primary commonality.

Sources

1. [4] https://gacbe.ac.in/pdf/ematerial/18BTM33C-U4.pdf
2. [1] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 8: Harsha and Rise of Regional Kingdoms > Architecture > p. 114
3. [3] https://berhamporegirlscollege.ac.in/uploads/5508Pallava_Art_and_Architecture-UG-2-sem-27-04-2020.pdf