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

Correct Option: Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli

The Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli was created during the reign of Ashoka (Maurya Empire, circa 3rd century BC), making it the earliest among the given monuments. In contrast, the Varaha image at Udayagiri dates to the Gupta period (5th century AD), the rock-cut monuments at Mahabalipuram date to the Pallava period (7th-8th century AD), and the Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar dates to the 11th century AD.