With reference to the art and archaeological history of India, which one among the following was made earliest?

Gives a clear dated example of a major temple (Kailasanath at Ellora) assigned to the 8th century, illustrating that large-scale temple building occurred by that century.

A student could note that if monumental temples existed in the 8th century in peninsular India, they should compare the architectural features and regional dynastic chronologies on a map to estimate where and when Lingaraja fits.

Provides a precise date range (CE 700–728) for the Shore Temple at Mamallapuram, an early structural temple in southern India.

A student might map dated temple examples (like Mamallapuram) and then compare stylistic or inscriptional evidence from Bhubaneswar to narrow Lingaraja's date by regional parallels.

States that the rock-cut Kailashnatha at Ellora culminated in the eighth century, showing a broader pattern of temple-making reaching a high point by that century.

Use this trend (temple-building peak by 8th c.) plus a map of political centres to judge whether Lingaraja likely belongs to that earlier wave or to a later regional phase.

Gives dated examples of early temple forms (Durga, Mahabalipuram c. 6th century; Deogarh c. 5th century), demonstrating a long chronology of temple construction from 5th–8th centuries.

A student can place Lingaraja within this long sequence: if its style matches later developments, it may post-date these, otherwise it might be contemporary—so compare stylistic traits and regional timelines.

Records a dated temple town foundation (Aihole built in 634) and mentions many early medieval temples, indicating active temple construction in the 7th century.

A student could correlate the 7th-century activity at Aihole with eastern India timeline data (via maps and known regional dynasties) to help locate Lingaraja's likely century.