The blend of Nagara and Dravida styles at Pattadakal shows the art of which dynasty?

Correct answer: Chalukya dynasty

The direct answer is B: the Chalukya dynasty. Pattadakal in present-day Karnataka is a major group of temples associated with the Early Chalukyas, especially the Chalukyas of Badami. Its monuments show both Nagara, the northern Indian temple style, and Dravida, the southern Indian style. This combination is why Pattadakal is described as a meeting place or blend of architectural traditions. Option B is correct because the Chalukyas sponsored and developed this temple centre. Option A is wrong: the Mauryas are known for an earlier imperial tradition, pillars and stupas, not Pattadakal’s Chalukyan temple group. Option C is wrong: the Lodis were a later Delhi Sultanate dynasty and are not associated with this Hindu temple complex. Option D is wrong: the Mughals belong to a later Islamic imperial tradition and did not create Pattadakal’s Chalukyan monuments. Memory chain: Karnataka—Pattadakal—Chalukyas—Nagara and Dravida blend.