What is/are common to the two historical places known as Ajanta and Mahabalipuram?1. Both were built in the same period.2. Both belong to the same religious denomination.3. Both have rock-cut monuments.Select the correct answer using the code given below.
✓ Correct answer: b) 3 only
ExplanationStatement 1 is incorrect: Ajanta Caves were built in two phases: Satavahana period (2nd century BCE) and later in the Vakataka period (5th-6th century CE).They are primarily associated with Buddhist art and culture.They are famous for murals, sculptures, and rock-cut chaityas (prayer halls) and viharas (monasteries).Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) was built in the 7th-8th century CE during the reign of Narasimhavarman I (630-668 CE) of Pallava dynasty.Statement 2 is incorrect: Ajanta caves are mostly dedicated to Buddhist denominations while Mahabalipuram is known for rock-cut monolithic temples, cave temples, and the Shore Temple (structural temple built with granite blocks) mostly dedicated to Shaivaite and Vaishnavite traditions.UPSC GS Paper-I PYQs 136Statement 3 is correct: Both Mahabalipuram and Ajanta are one of the finest examples of rock-cut monuments.The Ajanta Caves are a series of rock-cut caves carved into a horseshoe- shaped cliff housing chaityas and viharas with intricate carvings and paintings.The monuments at Mahabalipuram include rock-cut temples and bas-relie
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